At least 2 years
This role is STARs-friendly: Skilled Through Alternative Routes.
69% STARs in role.
Job Description
The Parts Cleaner is responsible for cleaning, inspecting, and preparing machined metal parts for assembly or shipment. This role ensures that all parts are free of debris, properly finished, and meet defined quality standards before moving to the next stage of production.
Responsibilities
- Review route sheets and follow detailed work instructions to complete assigned tasks accurately.
- Inspect machined metal parts for visible defects, damage, and quality issues before and after cleaning.
- Remove burrs, metal chips, and rough edges from parts to ensure smooth finishes and safe handling.
- Use hand tools such as files, deburring blades, wire brushes, and sandpaper to clean and refine parts.
- Operate power tools including die grinders and bench grinders to perform grinding, polishing, and deburring.
- Load and unload parts into the parts washer to remove dirt, oil, and residue from surfaces.
- Use air hoses to blow off excess debris and ensure parts are clean and ready for further processing.
- Apply rust inhibitor to cast iron and steel parts to prevent corrosion during storage and transport.
- Complete final part counts and verify the accuracy of related paperwork and documentation.
- Package cleaned parts securely to prevent damage during handling, storage, and shipment.
- Perform routine cleaning and basic maintenance on equipment, including monitoring and maintaining washer fluid levels.
- Support process improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to reduce waste and improve efficiency in cleaning and preparation workflows.
- 1–2 years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Experience with visual inspection of parts for defects and quality issues.
- Hands-on experience with assembly, grinding, polishing, and deburring tasks.
- Proficiency in using hand tools such as files, deburring blades, wire brushes, and sandpaper.
- Proficiency in using power tools such as die grinders and bench grinders.
- Ability to perform quality assurance checks and follow established inspection criteria.
- Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office suite, including Excel and Word.
- Ability to read and follow route sheets, work instructions, and related documentation accurately.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high quality standards.
- Ability to safely handle and prepare metal parts for assembly, storage, or shipment.
- 1+ years of experience in warehouse material handling (preferred).
- Experience using hand and power tools in a production or manufacturing setting.
- Familiarity with painting or coating processes for parts is an asset.
- Willingness and ability to travel domestically for training purposes when needed.
- Comfort working with cleaning chemicals, rust inhibitors, and related production materials.
- Ability to support continuous improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives.
You will join a global, growth-oriented organization that offers extensive opportunities for advancement and professional development. The company promotes from within and provides a clear path for career growth, supported by a strong internal network and worldwide presence. With operations in dozens of countries and a broad customer base, you will gain exposure to diverse industrial applications and technologies. The culture emphasizes technical excellence, reliability, and comprehensive solutions for customers, creating an environment where your contributions have a direct impact on long-term success.
Work Environment
You will work in a climate-controlled shop environment designed to support precision cleaning and inspection of machined parts. This position follows a second-shift schedule, Monday through Friday from 7:00 PM to 3:30 AM, with an initial training period of approximately 4–6 weeks on first shift (7:00 AM to 3:30 PM). The role involves regular use of hand tools, power tools such as die grinders and bench grinders, parts washers, air hoses, and related production equipment. You will work around metal parts, cleaning fluids, rust inhibitors, and other industrial materials in a structured production setting. The environment emphasizes safety, cleanliness, and adherence to established procedures to maintain consistent quality and efficiency.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Virginia Beach, VA.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $18.00 - $19.00/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)
This is a fully onsite position in Virginia Beach,VA.
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Jun 1, 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.
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.
Posting ID: JP-006034104
