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Job Title: Machine Operator

Job Description

As a Machine Operator, you will perform duties across three levels of expertise, ensuring the safety and quality of production processes. You will handle materials, operate machinery, conduct quality checks, and maintain equipment to support efficient production operations.

Responsibilities

+ Perform required duties in a safe manner and conduct quality checks using a micrometer.

+ Manage inventory by transferring rods to staging and rod payoff systems.

+ Operate a forklift and maintain cleanliness of rods at the end of production.

+ Load rod payoffs with applicable material accurately and weld assigned rods without breakage.

+ Clear rod tangles and assemble Pressure/Drawing dies into holders for machine operation.

+ Change carriers and point wire for string-up purposes, using one point for at least three dies.

+ Conduct physical tests on wire, input data into the system, and assist in fixing wire breaks.

+ Understand how to set cast and helix on machines, with knowledge of machine controls.

+ Possess complete knowledge of setting cast, helix, and stringing machines, and operate machines at expected utilization levels.

Essential Skills

+ 1-3 years of manufacturing and machine operating experience.

+ Ability to set up and operate machines, perform wire feed and die setting.

+ Experience in mechanical assembly, forklift operation, and blueprint reading.

+ Proficiency in using micrometers and conducting inspections.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

+ 2+ years of experience in a similar manufacturing environment.

+ Excellent written and oral communication skills.

+ Ability to lift between 30-50 pounds and stand for 12 hours.

+ Forklift operation skills are a plus, with onsite training available if not certified.

Why Work Here?

Join a family-owned company that values its employees through wage increases based on performance, revamped benefits, and engagement events that foster a supportive work environment.

Work Environment

The work environment is dusty with varying temperatures, hot in summer and cold in winter. You will utilize computers, shop equipment, forklifts, pulling dogs, butt welders, and manage payoffs/take-ups and deadlock operations.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Hickory, NC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $20.00/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 Hickory,NC.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Dec 10, 2025.

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.