Machine Operator

This role operates and monitors production machinery in the forming and extrusion departments to manufacture plastic products to specification. You will run and adjust equipment, perform quality checks, complete cleaning and basic disassembly/reassembly of machines, and support changeovers while working a rotating 12‑hour shift schedule.

Responsibilities

• Operate forming and extrusion machines safely and efficiently to produce plastic cups, lids, and related products according to specifications.
• Monitor the extrusion process, including the feed supply of raw plastic, ensuring the auger supplies product correctly and consistently.
• Oversee molding and cutting processes, inspecting products for defects and taking corrective action when needed.
• Monitor stamping and press operations that form lids into plastic sheets, checking for quality issues and making adjustments as required.
• Adjust machine speeds and feed rates to ensure products meet quality and production specifications.
• Use touch screen controls and newer machine technology to operate and fine‑tune equipment settings.
• Perform regular quality and production checks and accurately document results as required by plant procedures.
• Use basic hand tools to adjust equipment and assist with product changeovers and setups in coordination with setup technicians.
• Conduct cleaning, disassembly, reassembly, refurbishing, and rebuilding of machine parts in accordance with the plant SSOP (Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures) program.
• Clean production equipment thoroughly by washing, sanitizing, scrubbing, polishing, and performing other required sanitation tasks.
• Disassemble production equipment using basic hand tools such as wrenches, screwdrivers, and hammers to prepare for cleaning and maintenance.
• Reassemble and restart production equipment after cleaning or minor maintenance, ensuring machines return to proper operating condition.
• Read and interpret micrometers and calipers to verify product dimensions and maintain adherence to specifications.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, following all safety, quality, and sanitation standards.
• Work a rotating 12‑hour shift schedule, including approximately two weekends per month, and reliably report to work as scheduled.

• At least 1 year of machine operating experience or completion of mechanical schooling.
• Basic mechanical aptitude with the ability to understand how machines function and how to make routine adjustments.
• Ability to use basic hand tools, including wrenches, screwdrivers, hammers, tape measures, and similar tools.
• Comfort working with newer technology, including touch screen machine controls.
• Ability to read and use micrometers and calipers for dimensional checks.
• Previous experience in production or industrial cleaning environments.
• Strong dependability and reliability in attendance and work performance.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, including SSOP and quality procedures.
• Capability to work safely in a loud, hot, and fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

• Experience with extrusion processes is highly desirable but not required.
• Experience operating punch, press, or similar heavy manufacturing machinery is a plus.
• Background in foundry or other heavy manufacturing environments is beneficial.
• Experience in plastics production, sanitation, and quality inspection is advantageous.
• No formal certifications are required for this role.

Employees benefit from strong training and development opportunities, with clear paths for advancement and cross‑training across multiple production areas. The organization offers solid benefits and long‑term growth potential within a large, stable operation that invests in its people and equipment. Team members gain valuable experience working with modern manufacturing technology in an environment that supports learning and career progression.

Work Environment

This position is based in a large plastics production facility that manufactures cups, lids, and other plastic utensils. The work takes place in a hot environment with continuous production, where you will spend much of your shift on your feet, walking and performing manual tasks to run and monitor your machine. The facility is loud, and hearing protection is required at all times in production areas. You will work primarily on your own production line rather than in a close team setting, taking ownership of machine operation and cleanliness. The role involves climbing several sets of stairs and working on catwalks approximately 5–6 feet off the ground to check material flow and equipment status. Shifts are 12 hours in length, either night shift (6:00 p.m. to 6:15 a.m., three‑night rotation, working every other weekend) or day shift (6:00 a.m. to 6:15 p.m., three‑day/four‑day rotation, working every other weekend). The facility uses newer machinery with touch screen controls and standard production support tools, and the dress code requires appropriate industrial work attire and personal protective equipment suitable for a manufacturing and sanitation environment.

Job Type & Location

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

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $25.59/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 Denver,PA.

This position is anticipated to close on May 2, 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.