Machine Shop Helper Jobs in Reading, PA (NOW HIRING)

NOW HIRING: MANUFACTURING SHOP FOREMAN – 2ND SHIFT

Job Title: Manufacturing Shop Foreman – 2nd Shift

Location: On-site only | Plant 1 – 531 Old Swede Road, Douglassville, PA 19518 (No remote work available)

Schedule: Full-time | Monday–Friday 1:30PM–10:00PM | On-site

Compensation: Competitive hourly rate based on experience, skills, and market data—top-of-range compensation is reserved for candidates who demonstrate strong, job-relevant experience and independent capability

Build Your Career With Us

At American Crane & Equipment Corporation (ACECO), we're looking for a Manufacturing Shop Foreman to be a leader on our 2nd shift — someone who can run the floor, keep quality and safety on track, and develop the people working with them.

If you've spent years on a shop floor, know how to read a print, and are ready to lead rather than just execute, this is your shift.

What This Role Really Is

You're a senior person on the floor for 2nd shift. You assign work, keep production moving across painting, welding, and machine operations, and you're the one the Plant Manager, 1st Shift Foremen, and the 2nd shift team look to for a straight answer on where things stand. This isn't a desk job with a leadership title bolted on. You'll still run tools and help fabricate when the shift needs it — but you're also responsible for the people, the pace, and the standards.

Who Thrives Here (and Who Doesn't)

You'll do well here if you:

• Have real hands-on manufacturing experience and can back it up
• Can read blueprints and technical drawings without hand-holding
• Make decisions under pressure instead of waiting for someone else to
• Take ownership of a shift's output, good or bad
• Can coach and develop people
• Communicate clearly with management and the floor

This role is likely not a fit if you:

• Want a title without the accountability that comes with it
• Avoid confrontation when a standard isn't being met
• Prefer being told exactly what to do each hour
• Aren't comfortable stepping in and working the tools yourself
• Struggle managing people and production at the same time

What Success Looks Like (First 90 Days)

First 30 Days

• Learn ACECO's shop layout, equipment, safety standards, and shift workflow
• Build relationships with the Plant Manager, 1st Shift and 2nd Shift Shop Foremen, and shift team
• Understand current production priorities across painting, welding, and machine operations

Days 31–60

• Independently assign and oversee daily shift workflow
• Begin coaching team members and reinforcing quality and safety standards
• Provide reliable shift-to-shift handoff communication

Days 61–90

• Run 2nd shift with minimal oversight
• Identify and act on workflow or quality improvement opportunities
• Be the person the team and management rely on

Why Join Our Team at American Crane?

Real Leadership — You lead a team, not just a task list

Hands-On Craft — Stay connected to the floor, not stuck behind a desk

Direct Impact — Your shift's output and quality reflect directly on the plant

Stability & Culture — Join a team built on GRIT, accountability, and doing the right thing

What You'll Do

Shift Leadership & Production Oversight

• Serve as a primary point of contact for 2nd shift production
• Assign tasks and oversee workflow across painting, welding, and machine operations
• Provide regular updates to the Plant Manager and 1st Shift Foremen on progress, personnel needs, and challenges
• Assist with job tracking, timekeeping, and shift reporting

Hands-On Production Support

• Operate fabrication tools and assist with production work as needed
• Step in to perform other duties as needed to meet production targets

Quality & Safety

• Ensure all shift activities comply with safety and quality standards
• Monitor and maintain materials, tools, and workstation organization

Team Development

• Coach and develop team members through mentoring and hands-on training
• Foster a high-performing, accountable team culture built on collaboration and respect

What We're Looking For

This role requires availability to work full-time hours on-site (no remote work available) Monday-Friday 1:30PM–10:00PM.

Candidates should be located within a reasonable daily commuting distance of Plant 1, 531 Old Swede Road, Douglassville, PA 19518.

If relocation is necessary, the selected candidate must relocate prior to their start date. American Crane & Equipment Corporation does not provide relocation assistance.

Ideal candidates demonstrate:

• Ownership and accountability for shift outcomes
• Reliability, punctuality, and follow-through
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• A safety-first mindset
• Continuous improvement mentality
• Alignment with ACECO's values of Safety, Quality, Continuous Improvement, and GRIT

Education

• High School Diploma or GED preferred

Experience

• 5+ years in a manufacturing environment with direct experience in welding, machine operation (saws, burn table, shear, press brake, roller), or industrial painting
• 1–2 years of supervisory or leadership experience preferred
• Working knowledge of OSHA regulations and shop safety practices

Skills

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Decisive problem-solving in a fast-paced environment
• Basic computer proficiency for reporting, scheduling, and communication
• Demonstrated leadership and team-building abilities

Certificates/Licenses: None required — OSHA 10/30 certification is a plus

Requirements

Employment in this position is contingent upon the ability to meet the following:

• Authorization to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship
• Ability to verify identity and employment authorization (Form I-9)
• Eligibility to access information or technology governed by U.S. export control laws (10 C.F.R. Part 810, EAR, and/or ITAR), where applicable
• Successful completion of a background check
• Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen and randomized drug testing during employment
• Ability to meet the posted work schedule and required hours, including overtime as needed
• Reliable attendance and punctuality
• Compliance with all company safety policies and required PPE
• Completion of required safety, compliance, and role-specific training
• Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation
• Professional conduct aligned with company values

Physical Demands

• Ability to climb access and extension ladders
• Ability to lift or move objects up to 50 pounds
• Ability to perform confined space entry and work at heights
• Ability to work around forklifts, aerial lifts, and overhead cranes
• Ability to stand, walk, crouch, bend, kneel, and reach for extended periods

Work Environment

• Manufacturing shop environment with exposure to moving mechanical parts, elevated noise, electrical systems, and temperature fluctuations
• Possible exposure to dust, fumes, and airborne particles — PPE required
• Occasional outdoor or non-climate-controlled work depending on project needs
• Collaborative environment working across shop departments, engineering, and production teams

What's In It For You?

• Competitive compensation based on experience and qualifications
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance available day one
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Generous paid time off with annual rollover
• 10 paid company holidays
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities
• Real leadership opportunity with room to grow within Manufacturing

What to Expect From Our Hiring Process

Every application is reviewed by our internal Talent Acquisition team. We do not rely on automated screening tools.

We encourage applicants to tailor their resume to accurately reflect their experience and the responsibilities of this position.

We focus on candidates who demonstrate ownership, reliability, and attention to detail throughout the application process.

Qualified candidates typically hear from us within a few business days depending on applicant volume.

During the interview process, candidates should be prepared to discuss the projects, accomplishments, and experiences reflected on their resume in detail. We will ask follow-up questions to better understand their technical experience, decision-making process, and individual contributions.

Ready to Apply?

We hire people who show up, work hard, learn quickly, and take pride in what they do.

If that sounds like you, we encourage you to apply today.

Build your career with ACECO.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screen, subject to applicable laws and regulations

American Crane & Equipment Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The company maintains and observes employment policies that do not discriminate against any person because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, disability, age, ancestry and any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. This applies to recruiting, hiring, training, compensation, overtime, job classifications, work assignments, promotions, demotions, layoffs, terminations, transfers, and all other conditions of employment.

This position requires:

• Valid proof of identity and authorization to work in the U.S. (Form I-9)
• Eligibility to access information or technology governed by U.S. export control laws, including 10 C.F.R. Part 810. If government authorization is required for access to controlled technology, employment or start date may be delayed or withdrawn in accordance with applicable law
• Certain positions and projects may require the ability to obtain and maintain unescorted access to nuclear facilities in compliance with NRC regulations (10 C.F.R. Parts 26 & 73)

The pay for this position is dependent on circumstances including an applicant’s skills and qualifications, certain degrees and certifications, prior job experience, market data, and other relevant factors.

American Crane & Equipment Corporation offers a wide array of comprehensive benefit programs and services including medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts to our benefits-eligible employees. Additional benefits include retirement savings plans like 401(k) and paid time off, paid holidays, and disability coverage. Some benefits offerings are subject to any legal requirements or limitations, employee eligibility status, and where the employee lives and/or works.

NOTE: American Crane & Equipment Corporation is not seeking assistance or accepting unsolicited resumes from search firms for employment opportunities, unless they have a written agreement for the position they are contacting us about. Regardless of past practice, all resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at American Crane & Equipment Corporation without a valid written search agreement in place for that position will be deemed the sole property of American Crane & Equipment Corporation, and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by American Crane & Equipment Corporation as a result of the referral or through other means.