Machine Operator

Job Title: Machine Operator

Job Description

The machine operator role supports operations by learning to operate production equipment, handling aluminum products, and assisting across multiple departments in a manufacturing environment. You will start as a utility worker, rotating through machine operation, quality, packing, inspection, and material handling, with the goal of progressing into a permanent role within a specific department. This position requires a strong mechanical aptitude, a commitment to safety and quality, and the flexibility to work rotating shifts in a unionized, high‑volume production setting.

Responsibilities

• Support operations by moving materials on and off machines using proper lifting techniques, hoists, and other material handling equipment.
• Perform machine operating tasks such as starting, stopping, monitoring, and adjusting equipment under the guidance of experienced operators and lead personnel.
• Assist with quality checks, visual inspections, and quality control activities to ensure all products meet established quality objectives and specifications.
• Perform packing and packaging duties, including preparing finished products for shipment and ensuring correct labeling and documentation.
• Inspect products and materials for defects or irregularities and promptly report unusual conditions or equipment issues to lead operators or supervisors.
• Work closely with team members and management to meet daily production goals and maintain efficient workflow across assigned areas.
• Learn and follow all standard operating procedures (SOPs), safety practices, and quality requirements, maintaining a safe and clean work area at all times.
• Support general production activities such as assembly, loading, unloading, and handling of raw materials and finished goods.
• Participate in cross-training across multiple departments to understand process flow from raw material to finished product and to support different operations as needed.
• Operate or learn to operate forklifts and other motorized equipment as required to move materials safely within the facility.
• Perform routine housekeeping and clean-up tasks, including cleaning grease, oil, and hydraulic fluids that are part of the metals manufacturing process.
• Use hand tools, tape measures, and other basic tools to perform measurements, adjustments, and assembly tasks accurately.
• Document production, quality, and operational information clearly and accurately, using both verbal and written communication.
• Adhere to union-related guidelines regarding shift movement, job bidding, and flexibility requirements, regardless of union membership status.
• Meet physical demands of the job, including frequent lifting of 15–50 lbs and occasional assisted lifting of up to 100 lbs, as well as stepping on and off machinery and working around large, motorized equipment.
• Support continuous improvement efforts by identifying potential process issues, suggesting improvements, and participating in problem-solving with the team.
• Successfully complete the probationary period and ongoing training requirements to become eligible for advancement into one of several higher-level roles within the department.

Essential Skills

• 1–2 years of experience in manufacturing, production, or a related environment, including exposure to general production or material handling.
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to understand how machines operate and how raw materials flow through the production process.
• Experience or strong interest in machine operation, machine assembly, or production support activities.
• Ability to perform general labor tasks, including loading, unloading, and material handling in a manufacturing environment.
• Basic proficiency with hand tools and measurement tools, including the ability to use a tape measure accurately.
• Experience or willingness to learn forklift operation and work safely around motorized equipment.
• Ability to perform visual inspection, quality checks, and basic quality control and quality assurance tasks.
• Capability to work safely in a non-climate-controlled, loud manufacturing environment around large and complex machinery.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to complete documentation and communicate effectively with team members and supervisors.
• Ability and willingness to work all three rotating shifts (7–3, 3–11, and 11–7) in the tube mill, including long days and overtime as needed.
• Physical ability to frequently lift 15–50 lbs and occasionally lift up to 100 lbs with assistance, as well as bend, push, pull, step over obstacles, and climb on and off machinery.
• Comfort working around grease, oil, and hydraulic fluids and performing clean-up tasks related to these materials.
• Team-oriented mindset with a strong work ethic and a “can do” approach to cross-training and taking on new tasks.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience in a tube mill, extrusion, or metals manufacturing environment.
• background in machine operation with an understanding of process flow and production goals.
• Experience with press machines, robotic or automated equipment, or complex industrial machinery.
• Prior exposure to assembly line work, packaging, and general production support.
• Experience in inventory handling and basic production tracking or reporting.
• Familiarity with quality assurance procedures in a manufacturing setting.
• Comfort working in a unionized environment and following union guidelines related to shifts and job bidding.
• Interest in long-term career progression within manufacturing, including moving into specialized roles after the probationary period.
• Openness to completing additional job training to enhance skills and increase earning potential.

Why Work Here?

You will join a company that builds its success on strong core values, integrity, and a commitment to hiring people with a solid work ethic. The organization focuses on making every new hire better through meaningful work, hands-on training, and continuous development. You will benefit from best-in-class new hire orientation, ongoing training opportunities that can increase your base wage, and a structured path for advancement into multiple higher-level roles. The culture values teamwork and shared vision, creating an environment where people support each other to solve complex problems and produce excellent products. Employees receive an incentive bonus based on plant performance, annual pay increases, a company match for 401(k), and comprehensive, low-cost medical coverage with company-paid dental and vision benefits. You will also gain vacation eligibility after 90 days of consecutive employment, overtime opportunities, and company-provided personal protective equipment, all within a workplace that invests in your long-term success and career growth.

Work Environment

This role is based in a non-climate-controlled manufacturing facility that is open and spacious but can be loud due to operating machinery. Summers can be hot despite airflow and cooling fans, while the facility is heated in winter. The environment includes large and complex equipment, ranging from brand-new robotic systems to machinery that is decades old, and requires working around grease, oil, and hydraulic fluids that are essential to the metals manufacturing process. The tube mill operates on steady but potentially long shifts of 7:00–3:00, 3:00–11:00, and 11:00–7:00, with the possibility of 10–12 hour days and up to six days per week; most employees typically work around 50 hours. Tube mill teams have the same two days off each week, and shift assignments and job bids follow union guidelines, so flexibility is important. The work involves frequent lifting, stepping on and off machinery, working around motorized equipment such as forklifts, and performing regular clean-up of lubricants and production areas. Personal protective equipment is provided by the company, and the environment is comparable to other heavy manufacturing facilities with a focus on safety, teamwork, and efficient operations.

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

The pay range for this position is $20.31 - $20.31/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.