Machine Operator

This entry-level Machine Operator role involves running production equipment in a large, climate-controlled manufacturing facility. You will rotate between different machines, follow work orders, and support general production and packing activities while maintaining a safe, clean, and efficient work area. The position offers structured shifts, paid breaks, and a short training period to help you get up to speed quickly.

Responsibilities

• Attend a 15-minute meeting at the start of each shift to review daily priorities, safety topics, and work assignments.
• Operate assigned production machines, rotating between machines daily to learn different equipment and keep tasks varied.
• Review and follow work orders accurately to ensure correct setup, production counts, and quality standards.
• Monitor machine performance during the shift, reporting any issues or irregularities to the appropriate personnel.
• Perform general production tasks, including feeding materials into machines, removing finished products, and organizing items for packing.
• Carry out packing duties, such as placing products into appropriate containers, labeling, and preparing items for shipment or storage.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area around machines, following workplace safety and housekeeping standards.
• Follow all safety procedures and use required personal protective equipment provided by the company.
• Communicate clearly with team members and supervisors regarding production status, issues, or needs throughout the shift.
• Adhere to scheduled breaks, including two 10-minute breaks and one 30-minute lunch, while returning to work on time.
• Complete a 2–3 day training period to learn machine operation, production processes, and workplace expectations.
• Demonstrate consistent reliability by arriving on time for each scheduled shift and being ready to begin work at shift start.

• Ability to operate basic production and manufacturing machinery after training.
• Strong work ethic with a positive attitude and reliable punctuality.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English to understand work orders, safety instructions, and workplace communication.
• Physical ability to stand for the entirety of the shift and perform repetitive tasks safely.
• Capability to perform general production duties and basic machine operating tasks.
• Ability to handle packing tasks, including organizing and preparing products for shipment or storage.

• Previous work experience is a plus, ideally 3–6 months at a former or current job.
• Prior experience in general labor, production, or machine operation is beneficial but not required.
• Rehire eligibility may be considered on a case-by-case basis if you have worked at this facility before.
• Comfort working in a structured shift environment with defined break times.

You will work in a modern, climate-controlled manufacturing facility that values comfort, safety, and team connection. All shifts include two 10-minute breaks and a 30-minute lunch, and the team regularly hosts common luncheons for all shifts to build a sense of community. The company provides all necessary personal protective equipment, and seniority can create opportunities to move to a first-shift schedule when available. The site is accessible by bus, and the environment emphasizes stability, reliability, and long-term growth opportunities.

Work Environment

The role is based in a 100,000-square-foot climate-controlled manufacturing floor and warehouse space. Each shift targets a headcount of approximately 12 machine operators, creating a team-oriented production environment. Shifts are structured as follows: first shift from 6:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., second shift from 2:45 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., and third shift from 10:45 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Every shift begins with a 15-minute meeting and includes two 10-minute breaks and one 30-minute lunch. The facility offers lockers and a lunchroom with refrigerators for each shift, as well as a covered smoking deck. The manufacturing floor is climate controlled for comfort throughout the year. Steel-toe shoes are not required. The company provides personal protective equipment such as ear protection, hairnets, beard guards, and safety glasses. Typical workday attire is casual, such as a t-shirt and jeans. Public transportation is available to nearby streets, with at least one bus arriving from downtown Cortland, though having personal transportation may offer more flexibility.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Cortland, NY.

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $18.00/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 Cortland,NY.

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.