Machine Operator

Job Title: Machine Operator I – Production and Packaging $20-22/hour Bethlehem

Job Description

This role operates and monitors production and packaging machinery in a modern manufacturing facility, ensuring products are produced safely, efficiently, and in accordance with quality and specification standards. The position involves start-up and shutdown of equipment, ongoing quality checks, accurate production recording, and support with mold and color changes, while maintaining a clean and organized work area.

Responsibilities

• Start and stop production and packaging machines safely and in the correct sequence.
• Monitor material control, including weight distribution, regrind levels, and tail lengths, to ensure consistent product quality.
• Perform regular quality control checks throughout the shift, including visual inspections, to confirm products meet specifications.
• Prepare machines for mold changes, following established procedures and safety guidelines.
• Assist with mold and color changes in coordination with machine operators, shift supervisors, and mold change teams.
• Ensure goods are produced in the correct quantities and in accordance with agreed specifications and standards.
• Accurately record all goods produced, including counts, batch information, and any problems encountered during the shift.
• Operate multiple types of equipment simultaneously while maintaining attention to safety and quality.
• Identify basic issues with machinery and support troubleshooting efforts to minimize downtime.
• Maintain high cleanliness standards for machines and the surrounding work area in line with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Support training efforts by helping demonstrate proper machine operation and work practices to less experienced team members.
• Follow all safety procedures, including proper use of personal protective equipment and adherence to facility rules.

Essential Skills

• Experience in production, general labor, or general production environments.
• Hands-on machine operation experience, preferably with packaging or plastic processing equipment.
• Ability to lift up to 25–35 pounds as required and stand for a minimum of 12 hours per shift.
• Ability to work with multiple types of equipment simultaneously while maintaining safety and quality.
• Capability to start and stop machinery safely and respond appropriately to issues.
• Strong commitment to cleanliness and organization for machines and work area.
• Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in a production or food manufacturing setting.
• Basic troubleshooting skills for machine and production line issues.
• Ability to perform labeling, inspection, and quality control tasks accurately.
• Attention to detail for monitoring weight distribution, regrind levels, and product characteristics.
• Reliable, safety-conscious work habits and the ability to follow written and verbal instructions.

Work Environment

Work takes place in a new, clean manufacturing building designed to allow social distancing on the production floor. The facility follows Good Manufacturing Practices, with a strong focus on cleanliness and organized work areas. Personal protective equipment, including steel-toe footwear, is required. The position follows a 12-hour shift schedule on a 2-2-3 rotation from 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., with initial training provided on the day shift. The role involves standing for long periods, lifting up to 25–35 pounds, and working with multiple pieces of production and packaging equipment in a structured, process-driven environment.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Bethlehem, PA.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $22.00/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 Bethlehem,PA.

This position is anticipated to close on May 14, 2026.

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.