Machine Operator

Job Title: New Hire Utility

Job Description

The New Hire Utility role supports tube mill operations by learning and performing a wide range of tasks, including operating and assisting with extrusion and tube mill equipment, handling aluminum products, performing quality checks, and supporting material movement throughout the production process. You will start as a utility employee, receive comprehensive cross-training across multiple departments, and eventually move into a specific department as a permanent machine operator based on internal bidding and career progression opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Learn to operate equipment associated with the extrusion process and tube mill, following all standard operating procedures (SOPs) and safe job practices.
• Support tube mill operations by assisting operators with machine setup, operation, and basic adjustments as needed.
• Handle aluminum products and materials on and off machines using proper lifting techniques, hoists, and other material handling equipment.
• Perform general production support activities, including loading and unloading materials, feeding machines, and staging product for further processing.
• Conduct visual inspections and quality checks on products to ensure all quality objectives and specifications are met.
• Report and review any unusual conditions, equipment issues, or quality concerns with lead operators and supervisors promptly.
• Perform packing, labeling, and packaging tasks to prepare finished products for shipment or further processing.
• Assist with inventory-related tasks, including counting, tracking, and organizing materials and finished goods as directed.
• Use basic hand tools, press machines, and other production equipment safely and effectively in a manufacturing environment.
• Support quality assurance and quality control processes by documenting findings and following established procedures.
• Maintain a clean and safe work area, including cleaning up grease, oil, and other hydraulic fluids as required by metals manufacturing processes.
• Participate in cross-training to learn multiple departments and functions, including machine operating, quality, packing, inspection, and material handling.

Essential Skills

• 1–2 years of experience in a manufacturing, general production, or material handling environment.
• Experience in machine operation or assembly, with an understanding of how raw materials move through a production process.
• Mechanical aptitude and the ability to learn to operate extrusion, tube mill, and other production machinery.
• Experience with general labor tasks such as loading, unloading, and material handling in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to perform visual inspection, quality checks, and basic quality control or quality assurance tasks.
• Ability to work all three shifts (7–3, 3–11, and 11–7) as the tube mill rotates and shift assignments change.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Prior machine operating experience in a production or manufacturing environment.
• Experience with assembly line work, production support, or packaging operations.
• Positive, “can-do” attitude toward cross-training and learning multiple departments.
• Demonstrated integrity, strong work ethic, and commitment to safety.
• Appreciation for working in an environment that values core values and teamwork.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of North Chesterfield, VA.

The pay range for this position is $20.81 - $20.81/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 North Chesterfield,VA.

This position is anticipated to close on May 15, 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.