Machine Operator

Company: Aerotek
Location: Des Moines
Posted on: February 18, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Job Title: Machine Operator Job Description Operate various machines such as lasers, CNC mills/lathes, Angle-masters, and Press Brakes to cut, fold, bend, drill, and mold steel for the construction of catwalks, stairs, and other agricultural structures. You will be required to operate a minimum of three machines autonomously within the Des Moines LeMar Plant and ensure all parts match production prints. Responsibilities Operate machines including lasers, CNC mills/lathes, Angle-masters, and Press Brakes. Ensure all parts meet production specifications by measuring, checking, and signing off on them. Communicate with detailing and industrial engineering teams regarding prints, programming, tooling, and equipment issues. Operate forklifts, overhead cranes, jib cranes, and other material movement equipment to handle raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods. Train others on machine controls, processes, and overall use. Essential Skills Experience operating machines such as CNC, Laser, Press-Brake, and others. Ability to read and interpret blueprints and production prints. Experience in a steel manufacturing environment. High school diploma or GED. Proficiency in using a tape measure. Additional Skills & Qualifications Off-line programming experience is beneficial but not required. Ability to communicate effectively with various teams. Why Work Here? Join a rapidly growing company with plans to double in size over the next three years. Benefit from substantial investments in equipment upgrades and shop reorganization. Enjoy opportunities for overtime with a standard 50-hour work week, fostering growth and development within the company. Work Environment The position requires working a 2nd shift schedule from 4:30 PM to 3:00 AM, Monday through Thursday, with additional hours on Fridays. The plant experiences seasonal temperature variations, with hot and humid summers and cold winters near open overhead doors. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Des Moines, IA. 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 Des Moines,IA. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Feb 23, 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. Company Description 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 meet 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 in solving 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. Company Description 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 meet 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 in solving 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.

Keywords: Aerotek, Ames , Machine Operator, Engineering , Des Moines, Iowa