Set Up Operator

Set Up Operator - Aurora, IL

2:30PM - 11PM MONDAY-FRIDAY

$21/hr

*CAN INTERVIEW ASAP*

Job Description

The Set Up Operator sets up and operates a variety of industrial and fabrication equipment in a heavy manufacturing environment. This role performs die changeovers, ensures inventory accuracy, monitors raw material usage, and helps maintain production efficiency and quality standards. The position requires strong mechanical aptitude, the ability to read engineering blueprints and bills of material, and effective communication with team members. The Set Up Operator also supports a safe, clean, and organized work area while adhering to all safety policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate a variety of industrial and fabrication equipment, including CNC machines and related machinery.
• Perform die changeovers as required to support production schedules and product changes.
• Ensure inventory accuracy by monitoring and documenting raw material usage.
• Read and interpret engineering blueprints and bills of material to perform accurate setups and production runs.
• Accurately use hand tools, micrometers, calipers, and other measuring instruments to verify part dimensions and quality.
• Monitor equipment during operation and promptly report any equipment issues, material shortages, or safety concerns.
• Maintain production efficiency while meeting established quality standards for all manufactured parts.
• Communicate effectively with team members and leadership to coordinate work, share status updates, and resolve issues.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment in compliance with company policies and safety standards.
• Adhere to all safety procedures and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly at all times.
• Assist in various areas of the fabrication department as needed, including stamping press, shear, float, or tool cell bender operations.
• Perform other work-related duties as assigned by supervision to support overall production needs.
• Complete and pass a required skills test as part of the evaluation process.

Essential Skills

• Proven ability to set up and operate industrial and fabrication equipment, including CNC machinery.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with hands-on experience in a fabrication or heavy manufacturing environment.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering blueprints and bills of material accurately.
• Proficiency in using hand tools, micrometers, calipers, and other precision measuring instruments.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills and strong interpersonal skills for working in a team setting.
• Basic computer proficiency; experience using an ERP system is preferred.
• Ability to maintain production efficiency while consistently meeting quality standards.
• Ability to distinguish colors when required for production or quality checks.
• Physical ability to stand for up to 8 hours and lift up to 50 pounds safely.
• Commitment to adhering to all safety standards and proper use of PPE.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in a fabrication department or similar heavy manufacturing environment.
• Experience operating equipment such as stamping presses, shears, brake presses, or bending equipment.
• Comfort working in a loud, fast-paced production setting.
• Self-motivated team player with a proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.
• Willingness to work in different fabrication areas, including stamping press, shear, float, and tool cell bender positions as needed.
• Ability to successfully complete a skills test as part of the hiring process.
• Familiarity with CNC setup, troubleshooting, and basic machine adjustments is a plus.
• Membership or eligibility for membership in a regional ironworkers union is beneficial, as the role is covered by a union agreement.

Why Work Here?

You will contribute to meaningful work that directly supports the surrounding Chicago community by helping manufacture hospital beds for medical facilities. The role offers the stability and protections of a union environment, along with a clear pathway to a higher hourly rate upon conversion to a permanent position. You will join a long-established manufacturer with a strong reputation in industrial and commercial hardware, offering opportunities to develop your technical skills on a wide range of fabrication equipment. The organization values safety, teamwork, and craftsmanship, providing a structured environment where your contributions have a visible impact.

Work Environment

This position is based in a heavy manufacturing environment with punch presses, brake presses, and other industrial fabrication equipment operating throughout the facility. The workplace is loud, fast-paced, and highly production-oriented, requiring consistent use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and strict adherence to safety procedures. The role is within a unionized setting under a regional ironworkers shop local. Standard hours for this position are Monday through Friday, 2:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., with initial training on first shift (6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) for approximately two weeks. Work is primarily performed on the production floor, involving standing for extended periods and lifting up to 50 pounds while handling materials and operating equipment.

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

The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $21.00/hr.

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.

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 Contract to Hire position based out of Aurora, IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 29, 2026.

This is a fully onsite position in Aurora,IL.

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.