Press Machine Operator Jobs in Fort Wayne, IN (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Light Industrial Assembler - 1st or 3rd - up to 22/hr

Job Description

This role focuses on assembling food manufacturing equipment by hand in a mid-size machine-building environment. You will work with hand and power tools to perform mechanical and electrical assembly, wiring, and testing of small-scale products that ship to end users. The position involves working on a production line to meet unit output goals, handling parts that are typically light but can occasionally be heavier, and supporting a growing manufacturing operation with opportunities for overtime.

Responsibilities

• Assemble food manufacturing equipment by hand using a variety of air and hand tools.
• Use tools such as screwdrivers, drills, tape measures, crimpers, pliers, and other common hand and power tools in daily work.
• Perform mechanical assembly of small-scale products that will be shipped to end users.
• Complete electrical wiring and testing of parts in the roller grill department as needed.
• Ensure the production line meets required unit output and maintains consistent workflow.
• Handle and move parts that are usually 10 pounds or less, with occasional lifting of parts up to 30 pounds and, in some areas, up to 50 pounds unassisted.
• Operate or support operations involving CNC laser, CNC mill, press brake, punch press, and spot welding equipment where applicable.
• Assist with machine setup and basic operation in assigned areas, following established procedures and safety guidelines.
• Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and mechanical drawings for higher-level assembly lines, particularly roller grill lines, if applicable.
• Perform mechanical and electrical assembly tasks with attention to detail and quality standards.
• Support production in roller grill and other assembly areas where overtime may be required to meet demand.
• Follow all safety protocols and maintain a clean, organized work area in a manufacturing environment.
• Participate in training on day shift when assigned to night shift roles to learn processes and equipment properly.
• Work a consistent 4x10 schedule on either first or third shift, contributing to overall production goals.

Essential Skills

• Previous manufacturing or industrial experience, including experience as a machine operator or in a similar production environment.
• Proficient use of hand and power tools such as drills, screwdrivers, crimpers, and pliers.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds unassisted, including wide and awkward roller grill assemblies.
• Comfort working with mechanical assembly tasks in a repetitive production setting.
• Ability to follow instructions, production schedules, and quality standards in a manufacturing environment.
• Willingness to work 10-hour shifts on a 4-day schedule and be open to overtime when required.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and ability to learn operation of CNC and welding equipment with training.
• Reliability and consistency in attendance and performance on assigned shift.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Blueprint reading skills for roller grill and higher-level assembly lines.
• Previous assembly experience in manufacturing or industrial settings.
• Experience operating brake press equipment.
• Experience with CNC laser, CNC mill, press brake, punch press, and spot welding processes.
• Ability to read and interpret schematics and mechanical drawings.
• Comfort working with electrical assembly and testing tasks in production.
• Experience in machine setup and operation in a production environment.

Why Work Here?

You join a growing company that continues to expand its inventory and reach new markets, creating long-term stability and opportunity. The culture feels family-oriented, with leadership focused on work-life balance, including a third shift that starts on Monday night so employees can enjoy full weekends. You gain access to strong benefits, including excellent health insurance, vacation that grows with tenure, and a competitive 401(k) match after one year. The company also creates a fun and engaging atmosphere by showcasing its own products on-site and hosting cookouts, popcorn days, and similar events that foster connection and camaraderie.

Work Environment

You work in a mid-size manufacturing company that builds machinery in a cleaner, older-style facility that is actively expanding to add more space. The operation runs a 4x10 schedule with first and third shifts, and if you join a night shift role, you receive 2–3 weeks of training on days to learn processes and equipment. Third shift begins on Monday night to support full-weekend family time, with typical hours around 40–45 per week and additional overtime opportunities in roller grill areas. Day shift includes an unpaid lunch, while night shift includes a paid lunch. You may operate or work near million-dollar machinery such as CNC laser, CNC mill, press brake, punch press, and spot welding equipment in a repetitive production environment. The dress code allows tasteful shirts, shorts, jeans, and similar casual attire, while prohibiting spaghetti straps and muscle tanks; steel-toe footwear is not required. Employees may wear one earbud to listen to personal music on the floor, and multiple overhead radios contribute to a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Hicksville, OH.

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $22.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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)

This is a fully onsite position in Hicksville,OH.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 2, 2026.

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.