Find & Apply For Manufacturing Machine Operator Jobs in Zeeland, Michigan

Job Title:

Machine Operator Job Description This role operates a variety of welding and drilling machines in a small machine shop environment, ensuring consistent, high-quality production on a 1st shift schedule. The Machine Operator selects and sets up equipment, monitors output for accuracy, and performs sanding and finishing work on steel parts prior to painting to meet production and quality standards. Responsibilities Operate various welding machines safely and efficiently to meet daily production requirements. Run drilling operations on Bridgeport or similar machines, ensuring accurate setup and operation according to specifications. Perform sanding operations on steel parts to remove defects and prepare surfaces for paint. Select appropriate machines for each job and correctly position or load material according to work instructions. Monitor machines during operation, checking output regularly to ensure consistency with specifications and quality standards. Identify and remove defective parts, discarding or segregating them according to procedures. Complete daily production duties to maintain efficiency and achieve established production numbers. Use a Kanban system to reorder parts that reach or fall below the designated reorder point. Report any inventory discrepancies promptly to the Supervisor for review and correction. Report any machine or equipment maintenance issues to the Supervisor to minimize downtime and maintain safe operation. Perform daily housekeeping at the end of each shift, keeping work areas clean, organized, and free of hazards. Assist with general labor tasks as needed to support overall production operations. Operate a forklift as needed to move materials, parts, or finished products safely within the shop. Essential Skills At least 1 year of machine operating experience in a production or manufacturing environment. Minimum of 6 months of forklift experience in an industrial or warehouse setting. Hands-on experience operating welding machines for production work. Experience running drilling operations on Bridgeport or similar machines. Ability to perform sanding and finishing operations on steel parts to prepare surfaces for painting. Capability to select and set up appropriate machines and load materials according to job requirements. Skill in monitoring machine performance and inspecting output to ensure adherence to specifications. Ability to identify and remove defective parts and maintain consistent quality. Familiarity with basic production workflows and meeting daily production targets. Ability to use or learn a Kanban system for inventory and part reordering. Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety and housekeeping standards. Capability to report inventory and maintenance issues clearly and promptly. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience working in a small machine shop or similar manufacturing environment. Comfort performing general labor tasks in addition to machine operation duties. Basic mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn additional machines or processes as needed. Ability to work effectively on a 1st shift schedule. Strong communication skills to coordinate with supervisors and team members. Why Work Here? Employees join this organization to be part of a close-knit, family-owned culture where individuals are valued and recognized for their contributions. The environment promotes stability, teamwork, and hands-on learning, offering the opportunity to build practical skills in a supportive shop setting. Team members benefit from working in a setting where open communication and mutual respect are encouraged, and where consistent, steady work supports long-term growth. Work Environment This position is based in a small machine shop operating on a 1st shift schedule. The work involves hands-on operation of welding machines, Bridgeport drilling equipment, and sanding tools for steel parts, as well as forklift use to move materials. The environment is industrial and production-focused, with regular exposure to machinery, metal components, and typical shop noise levels. Employees perform daily housekeeping at the end of each shift to maintain a clean, organized, and safe workspace. Work attire is appropriate for a machine shop setting, supporting safety and comfort while working around equipment and steel parts. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Zeeland, MI. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $18.75 - $18.75/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) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Zeeland,MI.

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Sep 23, 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.