Job Title: Manufacturing Production Technician
Job Description
As a Manufacturing Production Technician, you will work in a busy fabrication shop operating a wide range of electric and pneumatic power tools, performing basic welding, and handling metal fabrication tasks. You will support production by safely using shop equipment, assisting with mechanical repair and fabrication work, and contributing to a collaborative team environment while performing physically active duties throughout your shift.
Responsibilities
Operate electric power tools such as circular saws, drills, grinders, and plasma cutters to support daily production tasks.
Use pneumatic power tools including riveting guns, drills, grinders, sanders, cut-off grinders, punches, air hammers, and rivet clinchers in a safe and efficient manner.
Perform welding on aluminum, mild steel, and stainless steel with training and guidance provided by the company.
Operate shop equipment such as press brakes, shears, drill presses, band saws, hydraulic iron workers, radial arm saws, hydraulic hoists, and overhead cranes.
Follow production instructions and measurements accurately, including using a tape measure and performing basic arithmetic to ensure precise fabrication.
Assist with fabrication and mechanical repair tasks as directed by trainers or team leads.
Work in a physically active role that involves crouching, bending, reaching, walking, and standing for extended periods.
Lift and move materials weighing 10 to 25 pounds for a significant portion of the day, and up to 50 pounds for much of the shift, while following safe lifting practices.
Collaborate with a small team of coworkers, typically in groups of 2-5, to complete production goals and maintain workflow.
Follow all safety procedures and use required personal protective equipment (PPE) when working near moving and mechanical parts.
Participate in on-the-job training, including bilingual training where applicable, and work closely with an assigned trainer to build skills in tool use, welding, and fabrication.
Maintain a clean and organized work area and support general shop housekeeping as needed.
Essential Skills
Ability to safely operate electric power tools including circular saws, drills, grinders, and plasma cutters.
Ability to safely operate pneumatic power tools including riveting guns, drills, grinders, sanders, cut-off grinders, punches, air hammers, and rivet clinchers.
Basic welding capability or willingness to learn to weld aluminum, mild steel, and stainless steel with company-provided training.
Ability to operate fabrication equipment such as press brakes, shears, drill presses, band saws, hydraulic iron workers, radial arm saws, hydraulic hoists, and overhead cranes, or willingness to learn.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide to support accurate measurements and fabrication work.
Ability to read and use a tape measure accurately.
Ability to stand for up to 10 hours per day in a production environment.
Ability to lift 10 to 25 pounds for more than two-thirds of the workday.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds for approximately two-thirds of the workday.
Strong interest in learning how to use hand tools, power tools, and welding/fabrication equipment.
Comfort working near moving and mechanical parts in a manufacturing setting.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
No formal certifications, education, or prior experience required; the company will provide training.
Willingness to participate in bilingual training if applicable.
Openness to hands-on, physically active work in a shop environment.
Ability to work effectively in small teams of 2-5 people.
Reliability and consistency in attending a set Monday-Friday schedule with optional overtime when available.
Why Work Here?
You will join a stable operation that offers steady, year-round work on a predictable Monday-Friday schedule, without the need to work outside in the elements or travel. The company invests in your growth by providing personalized, one-on-one training with an experienced trainer, including the opportunity to learn welding and fabrication from the ground up. You benefit from bilingual training options, regular wage reviews conducted monthly to quarterly, and a supportive culture that recognizes effort and skill development. The organization also shows appreciation for its team by providing a complimentary meal each month and fostering a collaborative environment where production employees work closely together in small groups.
Work Environment
This role is based in an indoor manufacturing shop where you will consistently work near moving and mechanical parts and around a variety of fabrication equipment. The production team includes approximately 120 employees, typically working in small groups of 2-5 people to complete projects. The standard work schedule is Monday through Friday with 10-hour shifts: first shift runs from 5:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and second shift runs from 3:15 p.m. to 1:45 a.m. Optional overtime may be available on Saturdays or by starting early or staying late. The dress code requires steel-toe or composite-toe boots, jeans, and at least a short-sleeve shirt; shorts, tank tops, and cutoffs are not permitted. The company provides personal protective equipment, including a hard hat, gloves, safety glasses, and hearing protection, to support a safe and compliant work environment.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Ames, IA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $22.50/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 Ames,IA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 14, 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.
