Press Machine Operator Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Aerotek is hiring a Press Machine Operator

1st shift

$20+

Responsibilities

• Operate press machines to form metal parts from sheet and plate material ranging from 12 gauge to 1/2 inch thickness and up to 13 feet in length.
• Use an overhead hoist to safely lift, position, and move heavy materials as needed.
• Collaborate closely with fabricators and welders to complete custom metal builds and production runs.
• Interpret blueprints and drawings to set up the press and form parts according to specifications when manual data entry is required.
• Inspect and verify dimensions and tolerances of formed and assembled components using measuring tools such as tape measures.
• Perform light MIG welding and fabrication work as needed to support production.
• Follow layout techniques to mark, measure, and prepare materials before forming or welding.
• Maintain a high level of accuracy and precision in all forming and welding tasks.
• Adhere to all safety procedures, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe operation of machinery and hoists.
• Keep the work area organized and clear of hazards, and report any equipment issues or safety concerns promptly.
• Work reliably on a 1st shift schedule and maintain consistent attendance and punctuality.

Essential Skills

• Prior experience as a welder in an industrial or construction environment.
• Ability to read and understand blueprints, drawings, and technical documentation.
• Proficiency with tape measuring and layout techniques for accurate material preparation.
• Experience in MIG welding for light fabrication work.
• Strong attention to detail and a high level of precision in forming and welding tasks.
• Ability to safely handle sheet and plate material from 12 gauge to 1/2 inch thickness and up to 13 feet in length.
• Capability to work effectively in a loud, dirty metal fabrication facility.
• Reliable transportation and consistent punctuality.
• Willingness to follow safety protocols and wear required PPE at all times.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of metalworking and fabrication techniques.
• Certifications in welding (such as MIG) are a plus.
• Certifications in blueprint reading are a plus.
• Experience working in a machine shop or sheet metal fabrication environment.
• Comfort collaborating with fabricators and welders on custom builds and production work.

Why Work Here?

You will join a hands-on metal fabrication environment where your technical skills directly contribute to visible, custom-built products. The role offers steady first-shift hours, allowing for a more predictable work-life balance. You will work alongside experienced fabricators and welders, giving you opportunities to grow your fabrication, blueprint reading, and MIG welding skills on the job. Safety is a priority, and the facility provides the tools and equipment needed to handle demanding projects efficiently.

Work Environment

This role is based in a sheet metal fabricating facility that is very dirty and loud, typical of a heavy industrial metalworking environment. You will work around press machines, welding equipment, and an overhead hoist used to move large and heavy metal sheets and plates up to 13 feet in length. The position follows a 1st shift schedule from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required at all times, including steel toe shoes, work pants with no rips or tears, ear plugs, and safety glasses. You should be comfortable working on your feet around active machinery, handling metal materials, and operating in a fast-paced production setting with a strong emphasis on safety and proper attire.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Memphis, TN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $24.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Memphis,TN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 6, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.