Job Information
Aerotek Machine Operator in Janesville, Wisconsin
Job Title: Machine Operator
Job Description
The Machine Operator sets up, runs, and maintains a mill that forms precision metal tubing, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality production. This role combines mechanical aptitude, troubleshooting, and basic electrical awareness with hands-on operation of industrial equipment in a supportive, learning-focused environment.
Responsibilities
Operate the mill machine to bend metal into pipe and tubing form according to production specifications and quality standards.
Change out metal rolls on the mill machine at intervals ranging from every 2 to 12 hours, ensuring accurate setup and alignment.
Troubleshoot machine issues, identify root causes, and perform minor mechanical repairs and adjustments to maintain smooth operation.
Conduct regular quality checks on product dimensions and appearance using appropriate measuring tools such as calipers and micrometers.
Monitor machine performance and make necessary adjustments to maintain consistent product quality and output.
Perform basic preventive maintenance on the mill and related equipment, including cleaning, lubrication, and inspection of components.
Use basic knowledge of 3-phase, 480-volt electrical systems to recognize when to escalate and call qualified personnel for major electrical issues.
Perform minor welding to connect metal strips, primarily tack welds, following provided training and safety procedures.
Utilize hand tools and power tools safely and effectively for adjustments, repairs, and fabrication-related tasks.
Document production activities, maintenance performed, and any issues encountered according to plant procedures.
Collaborate with teammates, maintenance, and other departments to resolve equipment problems and minimize downtime.
Follow all safety policies, lockout/tagout procedures, and plant guidelines to maintain a safe and orderly work area.
Continuously monitor the work area and equipment for potential hazards and report concerns promptly.
Apply problem-solving skills and think creatively to improve processes, reduce waste, and enhance machine performance.
Participate in training during the initial 3–6 month period and ongoing skill development to advance within the role.
Essential Skills
At least 2 years of experience troubleshooting and running machinery in a production, machining, maintenance, mechanical, or fabrication environment.
Ability to troubleshoot mechanical issues on industrial equipment and perform minor repairs and adjustments.
Hands-on experience with preventive maintenance tasks on machines, such as inspection, cleaning, and basic part replacement.
Proficiency using measuring tools, including calipers and micrometers, to verify product dimensions and quality.
Comfort working with hand tools and power tools in a safe and controlled manner.
Basic understanding of mechanical systems and how machine components interact during operation.
Basic knowledge of electrical concepts, including awareness of 3-phase, 480-volt systems, sufficient to recognize issues and escalate to qualified personnel.
Ability to perform or learn minor welding tasks such as tack welding to join metal strips.
Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills with the ability to think outside the box under time pressure.
Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, standard operating procedures, and safety guidelines accurately.
Dependable attendance and reliability, with a willingness to work assigned shifts and overtime as needed.
Physical ability to handle roll changes and other manual tasks associated with operating heavy industrial equipment, following safety protocols.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Background in machining, maintenance, mechanical repair, or metal fabrication is highly valued.
Experience working with stainless steel or specialty alloy tubing or similar metal products is beneficial.
Familiarity with welding and fabrication processes beyond basic tack welding is a plus.
Comfort working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment with multiple machines and shifting priorities.
Strong communication skills and willingness to collaborate with operators, maintenance, and leadership.
Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement in a production setting.
Openness to a structured training period of approximately 3–6 months to fully learn the mill operation and related tasks.
Why Work Here?
You join a stable, well-established manufacturer that invests heavily in its people through strong benefits, structured training, and clear opportunities for growth. The environment is relaxed yet professional, with leadership that understands real-life situations and works with employees when personal needs arise, as long as communication remains open and proactive. You benefit from annual pay raises and performance-based bonus programs tied to company sales, safety, and attendance, with historically aggressive increases that reward dedication and reliability. Skilled operators can significantly grow their earnings over time, with additional shift premiums available for off-shift work. The role offers continual learning, exposure to complex equipment, and the chance to build an in-demand technical skill set in a safe, friendly, and supportive workplace.
Work Environment
The role is based in a non-union manufacturing plant with roughly 100 employees working across four shifts. The facility operates on a 12-hour shift schedule: A Shift runs Monday–Thursday from 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; B Shift runs Monday–Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.; C Shift runs Friday–Sunday from 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and D Shift runs Friday–Sunday from 5:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Employees typically move to their designated shift after completing an initial training period of approximately 3–6 months. The plant emphasizes safety and a friendly, team-oriented culture, with established procedures and equipment to support safe operation of mills, welding tools, and other machinery. The work involves being on the production floor around running equipment, handling metal materials, and using hand and power tools, with appropriate personal protective equipment provided and required.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Janesville, WI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $23.00/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 Janesville,WI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 24, 2026.
About Aerotek:
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 meets 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 solving for 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.
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.