Welding Machine Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

The Machine Operator is responsible for operating and monitoring ultrasonic welding machines used to manufacture trading card sleeves and protective packaging products. This role involves loading materials, performing basic quality inspections, maintaining production standards, and ensuring products meet customer specifications. This is a straightforward production machine operator role suited for candidates with manufacturing, assembly, machine operation, or packaging experience.

• Operate ultrasonic welding equipment to produce trading card sleeves and related products.
• Load raw materials into machines and monitor production runs.
• Inspect finished products for quality, defects, and consistency.
• Follow work instructions, production schedules, and quality standards.
• Troubleshoot minor machine issues and notify maintenance when needed.
• Complete production documentation and counts accurately.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Follow all safety procedures and PPE requirements.
• Assist with packaging and preparing finished products for shipment.

• Machine operation experience.
• Manufacturing or production experience.
• Ability to stand for an entire shift.
• Ability to lift up to 25-30 lbs.
• Basic mechanical aptitude.
• Ability to follow written work instructions.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality.

• Ultrasonic welding machine experience.
• Plastic manufacturing experience.
• Flexible packaging experience.
• Blow molding, injection molding, or converting experience.
• Printing or label manufacturing experience.
• 5S or Lean Manufacturing exposure.
• Basic troubleshooting skills.
• Experience using calipers, rulers, or inspection tools.
• Multiple machine operation experience.

Join a stable, growing manufacturer in the trading card gaming industry that values its employees. With a growth of over 30% year-over-year and recent expansion through the purchase of a new warehouse, this is more than just a job. It's an opportunity to learn new skills and grow with a company that is actively investing in its people, equipment, and future.

Work in a temperature-controlled and clean environment. The warehouse is organized, even while under construction.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Arlington Heights, IL.

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $24.50/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Arlington Heights,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 21, 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.