Machine Operator

Aerotek • Full-time • Madison, Wisconsin, United States • $56,160 - $62,400 / year • 1w ago

Job Title: 3rd Shift Machine Operator
Job Description

The 3rd Shift Machine Operator sets up and operates metal fabrication equipment to produce high-quality parts according to blueprints and work orders. This role involves daily machine setup, precise forming and bending of metal, and thorough visual and physical inspection of finished parts to ensure they meet exact specifications. You will work with a variety of fabrication machines and measuring tools in a clean, climate-controlled, and highly advanced manufacturing environment with strong opportunities for growth.

Responsibilities

Review daily work orders and blueprints to understand part specifications, quantities, and required setup for each job.
Set up machines at the start of the shift, including selecting the correct tools, dies, and settings based on the blueprint and work order.
Load metal sheets into the brake press and operate the machine to form and bend metal parts to the required dimensions and shapes.
Operate additional fabrication equipment as needed, including Fiber Laser, die stamp, spot welder, assembly equipment, finishing tools, sanding equipment, and punch press machines.
Use micrometers, calipers, and tape measures to verify dimensions and tolerances throughout the production process.
Visually and physically inspect each piece of metal to confirm it meets specifications and is free of dents, rips, cuts, or improper bends.
Adjust machine settings and tooling as necessary to maintain quality and consistency during production runs.
Handle and lift metal materials and parts weighing 40+ pounds on a daily basis while following safe lifting practices.
Work from blueprints and fabrication drawings to ensure accurate setup, alignment, and production of parts.
Maintain a clean and organized work area and follow all safety procedures and guidelines.
Collaborate with 2–3 other employees within a machine pod, communicating effectively to coordinate workflow and support team production goals.
Perform basic equipment checks and report any issues with machines, tools, or materials to the appropriate personnel.
Contribute to continuous improvement efforts by identifying opportunities to enhance quality, efficiency, and safety in the fabrication process.

Essential Skills

At least 1 year of experience operating a press or similar production machine in a manufacturing or fabrication environment.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints and fabrication drawings accurately.
Proficiency using micrometers, calipers, and tape measures to verify part dimensions and tolerances.
Experience with machine operation in a metal fabrication setting, including setup and basic adjustments.
Capability to lift and handle materials weighing 40+ pounds on a regular basis.
Strong attention to detail for visual and physical inspection of metal parts to ensure they meet specifications.
Ability to stand for extended periods while operating and loading machines.
Basic mechanical aptitude and understanding of metal forming and bending processes.
Reliability to work 3rd shift hours consistently and to support overtime needs as required.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

Experience operating a press brake in a fabrication environment.
Background working with Fiber Laser equipment for cutting or processing metal.
Familiarity with TIG welding processes in a production or fabrication setting.
Experience operating punch press machines and related fabrication equipment.
Hands-on experience with spot welding, sanding, and finishing operations.
Exposure to CNC fabrication or machining processes.
Previous experience in a large fabrication department or high-volume production environment.
Interest in advancing into other areas such as welding, maintenance, machining, or tooling.
Willingness to learn and cross-train on multiple types of fabrication equipment.

Why Work Here?

You will join a very large, modern, and well-maintained manufacturing facility that prioritizes employee comfort, safety, and long-term growth. The workplace is clean, climate controlled, and widely regarded as one of the nicest fabrication environments in the region. You can take advantage of a generous sign-on bonus, regular pay increases at 60, 120, and 180 days per union contracts, and clear wage progression within fabrication roles. The organization invests heavily in its equipment and facility, ensuring you work with up-to-date, well-kept machinery. You will have access to an on-site workout facility and a free, state-of-the-art healthcare clinic and lab for employees and their families, supporting both physical and financial well-being. Tuition reimbursement and significant room for advancement across multiple departments provide strong opportunities to build a long-term career. With shift premiums for off-shifts and a supportive, team-based culture, this environment offers stability, growth, and meaningful benefits.

Work Environment

This role is on 3rd shift, working 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. from Sunday night through Friday morning, with an expectation of approximately 5–10 hours of overtime. You will work in a huge, climate-controlled facility with a large fabrication department of over 300 employees across three shifts. The shop is known for being one of the cleanest and most modern environments in the area, with well-maintained machinery and a strong focus on safety and organization. You will operate equipment such as brake presses, Fiber Lasers, die stamps, spot welders, punch presses, and various finishing tools, using precision instruments like micrometers, calipers, and tape measures. The work is physically active and requires regular lifting of 40+ pound metal parts and standing for most of the shift. You will work in a pod alongside 2–3 other employees, each operating their own machine while collaborating as a team. The facility includes an on-site health clinic, an on-site workout facility, and a great break room, contributing to a comfortable and supportive work setting. Dress will be appropriate for a fabrication and metalworking environment, suitable for operating industrial equipment and handling metal materials.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Madison, WI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $56160.00 - $62400.00/yr.

Sign on bonus of: $3500. Half paid at start date the the other half at 6 months Very large, clean, climate controlled facility - one of the nicest in WI! Workout facility, state of the art facility, and free onsite UW healthcare clinic AND lab for employees and their family They put a lot of time and money into keeping the facility and machinery well kept They make high end stainless steel kitchen appliances Tons of room for advancement and into different departments: welding, maintenance, machining, tooling Tuition reimbursement Raises at 60, 120, 180 days: nothing more than a $1, per union contracts. Fab B: $25.61 and then $26.78 after 180 days o 2nd shift premium: $1.50 o 3rd shift premium: $2.00 Fab A: $27.42 to 28.59 after180 days

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Madison,WI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 13, 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.

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