Shop Assistant

Job Title: Shop Helper

Job Description

The Shop Helper supports the repair, testing, and maintenance of mechanical components and equipment in a busy workshop and yard environment. This role assists technicians by applying basic mechanical engineering concepts, reviewing schematics and operations manuals, and helping to troubleshoot equipment issues. The Shop Helper operates or assists in operating workshop equipment to diagnose problems and verify the quality and completeness of repairs, while consistently modeling punctuality, professionalism, cleanliness, and a strong commitment to safety.

Responsibilities

• Assist in testing mechanical products and equipment after repair or modification to verify proper performance and compliance with manufacturer specifications.
• Support the repair and replacement of damaged or worn parts on a variety of machines and heavy equipment.
• Help operate and inspect machines or heavy equipment to diagnose defects under the direction of other technicians.
• Assist with dismantling and reassembling heavy equipment using hoists, hand tools, and other shop equipment.
• Perform and assist with routine maintenance activities such as cleaning, lubrication, and basic service on equipment and vehicles.
• Examine parts for damage or excessive wear using micrometers, gauges, and other measuring tools under supervision.
• Read, understand, and help interpret operating manuals, parts manuals, blueprints, and technical drawings to support repair and maintenance work.
• Assist with overhauling and testing machines or equipment to help ensure operating efficiency and reliability.
• Support the inspection, testing, and diagnosis of defective equipment by using test instruments such as handheld computers, motor analyzers, chassis charts, and pressure gauges as directed.
• Assist with yard operations, including loading and unloading equipment and materials in a safe and organized manner.
• Operate shop equipment such as cranes, forklifts, and man-lifts after receiving appropriate training, licensing, and/or certification.
• Assist with adjusting and relining brakes, aligning wheels, tightening bolts and screws, and reassembling equipment.
• Help repair and maintain engine components, including fuel injection systems and related parts, under guidance.
• Review layouts, blueprints, diagrams, or work orders in preparation for welding or cutting metal components.
• Maintain a clean and orderly shop and yard by sweeping, organizing tools and parts, and properly storing equipment.
• Promote a safe work environment by consistently following established safety procedures and encouraging others to do the same.
• Follow directions for the proper handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous wastes such as oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid, auto parts cleaner, and similar materials.
• Use power tools and other shop equipment safely and correctly as part of cleaning, degreasing, assembly, and repair tasks.
• Assist with basic inventory-related tasks, such as organizing parts, tools, and supplies in designated areas.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support overall workshop and yard operations.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least 1 year of related mechanical or shop experience.
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to assist in repairs, assembly, and testing of mechanical equipment.
• Ability to read and follow operating manuals, parts manuals, blueprints, diagrams, and technical drawings.
• Basic experience working with cranes and forklifts, with the ability to operate them once properly trained and certified.
• Ability to use power tools safely for cleaning, degreasing, and basic mechanical tasks.
• Capability to use measuring tools such as micrometers and gauges under supervision.
• Willingness and ability to work in both indoor shop and outdoor yard environments.
• Strong commitment to safety, including following procedures for handling and disposing of hazardous materials.
• Dependable punctuality and professional, respectful communication with all levels of staff.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in general labor roles, including cleaning, degreasing, and basic facility upkeep.
• Experience maintaining a clean and organized shop and yard environment.
• Familiarity with basic inventory practices for tools, parts, and supplies.
• Comfort working around heavy equipment and large mechanical components.
• Ability to learn and follow instructions for operating cranes, forklifts, and man-lifts safely.
• Interest in developing mechanical skills and growing into more advanced shop or technician roles.

Why Work Here?

You will join a global organization that offers meaningful opportunities to grow your skills and advance your career over time. The company supports upward mobility, providing exposure to a wide range of equipment and technologies that help you build a strong mechanical foundation. You will work in a team-oriented environment where safety, professionalism, and continuous learning are valued and encouraged.

Work Environment

This role is based in a combined indoor and outdoor facility that includes both a workshop and a yard where equipment is stored, repaired, and received. Work involves being around heavy equipment, machinery, and mechanical components in a hands-on setting. You will use shop tools and equipment such as power tools, hoists, cranes, forklifts, and man-lifts once properly trained and certified. The environment requires adherence to safety procedures, including the proper handling and disposal of oils, antifreeze, transmission fluids, cleaners, and other shop chemicals. Work areas are expected to be kept clean, organized, and free of hazards, and you will contribute to maintaining a neat and orderly shop and yard.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Frenchtown, NJ.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $24.00/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 Frenchtown,NJ.

This position is anticipated to close on May 8, 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.