Trainee Metal Bending Machine Operator Jobs in Kentucky

Job Title: Machine Operator

Job Description

The Machine Operator sets up and operates a variety of metal fabrication and machining equipment to cut, form, weld, and assemble steel components. This role requires strong mechanical aptitude, manual dexterity, and the ability to interpret engineering drawings to plan and execute a logical sequence of operations. The Machine Operator works both in the shop and, when required, at customer job sites, performing related duties as assigned to support production and ensure high-quality fabricated products.

Responsibilities

• Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, rough sketches, manuals, and verbal technical instructions to plan and execute a logical sequence of operations.
• Lay out and mark steel for cutting, burning, sawing, shearing, punching, rolling, bending, and straightening according to specifications.
• Set up and operate lathes, milling machines, brake presses, shears, iron workers, metal cutting saws, grinders, and related hand fabrication tools.
• Perform MIG and flux core welding, fitting, grinding, and assembly of metal components for production work.
• Carry out fabrication tasks in a machine shop and metal fabrication environment, ensuring accuracy, quality, and adherence to workplace regulations.
• Perform repetitive production work while maintaining consistent quality and meeting established timelines.
• Work safely at all times and actively ensure the safety of fellow employees by following all safety procedures and regulations.
• Collaborate effectively with team members, contributing to a positive and productive work environment.
• Work independently and demonstrate a self-starting approach to organizing tasks and solving technical problems.
• Communicate clearly in both oral and written form to report progress, issues, and technical information.
• Use basic computer skills to support production activities and documentation requirements.
• Perform related duties as assigned or as the situation dictates, including activities at customer job sites when required.
• Lift materials and components up to 40 lbs and stand or sit for periods of time as needed to complete assigned tasks.

Essential Skills

• 2+ years of related experience in a machine shop and metal fabrication environment, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and demonstrated accomplishments.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, manual dexterity, and good hand-eye coordination.
• Ability to interpret and work from engineering drawings, blueprints, rough sketches, manuals, and verbal technical instructions.
• Thorough operating experience with lathes, milling machines, brake presses, shears, iron workers, metal cutting saws, grinders, and hand fabrication tools.
• Proficiency with MIG welding and flux core welding in a production environment.
• Ability to lay out and mark steel for cutting, burning, sawing, shearing, punching, rolling, bending, and straightening.
• Good interpersonal and teamwork skills to collaborate effectively with colleagues.
• Ability to work independently with a self-starting attitude.
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs safely and perform repetitive work.
• Capability to stand or sit for extended periods while operating equipment.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Basic understanding of computers to support production and documentation tasks.
• Commitment to working safely and ensuring the safety of fellow employees.
• Knowledge of related mathematics and workplace regulations applicable to metal fabrication and machine shop operations.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in metal fabrication, production, fitting, grinding, and assembly work.
• Exposure to customer job sites and the ability to perform fabrication-related activities off-site when required.
• Demonstrated accomplishments that showcase technical skill and quality workmanship in a fabrication or machine shop environment.

Why Work Here?

You will join a growing organization that is expanding rapidly and doubling in size, offering opportunities to grow with the company and take on new responsibilities as it develops. The environment supports hands-on, skilled trades work and values safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement, providing a stable weekday schedule that supports work-life balance.

Work Environment

This role is based in a metal fabrication environment focused on producing dock equipment. You will work around heavy machinery and fabrication tools, handling steel and metal components on a regular basis. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with work that involves standing or sitting for periods of time and performing repetitive tasks in a production setting. Safety procedures are a core part of daily operations, and employees are expected to follow all safety regulations while working with fabrication equipment and materials.

This is a Permanent position based out of Louisville, KY 40214.

The pay range for this position is $49920.00 - $49920.00/yr.

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.

full time healthcare, dental and vision

This is a fully onsite position in Louisville,KY 40214.

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.