Punch Press Operator

<h2>Machine Operator – Punch Press | 1st Shift</h2><p><strong>Build Skills. Grow Your Career. Work in One of the Safest Shops in the Industry.</strong><p>Looking to get your foot in the door with CNC and fabrication—or take your machine operating experience to the next level? This is a hands-on <strong>Machine Operator</strong> opportunity in a <strong>modern, climate‑controlled sheet metal fabrication shop</strong> where safety, training, and long-term careers come first.<p>You’ll start by operating mechanical and CNC punch press equipment while learning the fundamentals of sheet metal fabrication. From there, you’ll have clear pathways to advance into <strong>setup, programming, and journeyman-level skills</strong> through paid, on-the-job training and a <strong>state-approved apprenticeship program</strong>.</p><hr /><h3>What You’ll Be Doing</h3><ul><li>Operate <strong>mechanical and CNC punch presses</strong> safely and efficiently</li><li>Measure and inspect parts using <strong>tape measures, calipers, and precision tools</strong></li><li>Read and interpret <strong>blueprints</strong> to ensure accuracy and quality</li><li>Perform in-process and final inspections to meet tight tolerances</li><li>Monitor equipment, troubleshoot issues, and communicate concerns early</li><li>Support general fabrication and material handling as needed</li><li>Maintain a <strong>clean, organized, and safety-focused</strong> work area</li><li>Participate in structured training with opportunities to grow into <strong>setup and advanced fabrication roles</strong></li></ul><hr /><h3>What We’re Looking For</h3><ul><li><strong>1+ year of machine operating experience</strong> preferred (punch press, brake press, laser, or fabrication a plus)</li><li>Comfortable reading a <strong>tape measure</strong> and performing basic inspections</li><li>Strong attention to detail and pride in producing quality parts</li><li>Safety-minded with a dependable, team‑first attitude</li><li>Mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn</li></ul><p><em>Newer operators with strong fundamentals and motivation to grow are encouraged to apply.</em></p><hr /><h3>Nice to Have (Not Required)</h3><ul><li>Brake press or laser machine experience</li><li>Blueprint reading skills</li><li>Experience with calipers or precision inspection tools</li><li>Interest in <strong>equipment setup, programming, or advanced fabrication</strong></li><li>Willingness to participate in a <strong>state-approved apprenticeship program</strong></li></ul><hr /><h3>Why You’ll Want This Job</h3><ul><li><strong>Paid training & career path</strong> into setup, programming, and journeyman-level skills</li><li><strong>State-approved apprenticeship program</strong> with education reimbursement</li><li>Opportunity to earn a <strong>fully reimbursed 2-year degree while working</strong></li><li>Climate-controlled, modern facility with <strong>high-end CNC equipment</strong></li><li>One of the <strong>safest fabrication shops in the industry</strong></li><li><strong>Veteran-friendly culture</strong> with an open-door leadership team</li><li>PPE provided at no cost – including <strong>new safety work boots</strong></li><li>Recognition programs and a culture built on respect, teamwork, and safety</li></ul><hr /><h3>Benefits Snapshot</h3><ul><li>Health insurance & optional dental</li><li>Short-term disability & life insurance</li><li>401(k) with <strong>Safe Harbor contribution + employer match</strong></li><li>Annual bonus opportunities</li><li>Weekly HSA contributions (company match included)</li></ul><hr /><h3>Work Environment & Schedule</h3><ul><li><strong>1st shift, 5:30am - 4:00pm Monday-Thursday</strong></li><li><strong>Weekend, Friday-Sunday</strong></li><li>Climate-controlled sheet metal fabrication facility</li><li>Modern punch presses, brake presses, and laser equipment</li><li>On-site instructor providing <strong>weekly hands-on training</strong></li><li>Strong focus on continuous improvement and employee development</li></ul><p> <strong>If you’re looking for more than “just a machine operator job” and want a place where you can actually build a career, apply today.</strong></p><strong>Job Type & Location</strong><p>This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Fridley, MN.</p><strong>Pay and Benefits</strong><p>The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $28.00/hr.<p>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: <br /><span style="margin-left:10px;">• </span> Medical, dental & vision <br /><span style="margin-left:10px;">• </span> Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital <br /><span style="margin-left:10px;">• </span> 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available <br /><span style="margin-left:10px;">• </span> Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) <br /><span style="margin-left:10px;">• </span> Short and long-term disability <br /><span style="margin-left:10px;">• </span> Health Spending Account (HSA) <br /><span style="margin-left:10px;">• </span> Transportation benefits <br /><span style="margin-left:10px;">• </span> Employee Assistance Program <br /><span style="margin-left:10px;">• </span> Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)</p><strong>Workplace Type</strong><p>This is a fully onsite position in Fridley,MN.</p><strong>Application Deadline</strong><p>This position is anticipated to close on Apr 27, 2026.<p> </p> <p> </p> <h4>About Aerotek:</h4> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p>