Machine Operator

The Production Machine Operator proficiently operates, monitors, and maintains one or two pieces of production equipment in a fast-paced, GMP-regulated manufacturing environment. This role works with equipment such as cartoners, labelers, wrappers, pouching and stick machines, and related accessories, while also assisting with end-of-line packaging, shipper filling, stacking, and pallet handling. The operator ensures consistent product quality, accurate documentation, and a clean, organized work area that meets all company standards and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and maintain one or two pieces of production equipment, including cartoners, labelers, wrappers, pouching machines, stick machines, and related accessories.
• Assist with end-of-line packaging activities, including filling shippers, stacking shippers, and moving full pallets from the production line.
• Ensure all machine operations and work practices comply with GMP requirements and company standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Observe product and machine operation continuously to detect defects, irregularities, or malfunctions during the production run and report or correct issues as appropriate.
• Maintain a clean, organized machine work area in accordance with 5S standards, including the regular removal and proper disposal of waste materials.
• Follow good documentation practices at all times, accurately recording information in batch records, log books, and production documents.
• Read, understand, and follow batch records to ensure correct product setup, processing, and documentation.
• Assist with equipment setup and tear down, including loading the correct formulas and components for each production run.
• Check and verify product weight limits to ensure all finished goods meet specified requirements.
• Document production output, downtime, and other required metrics clearly and accurately.
• Label and palletize pressed or packaged product according to company standards and customer requirements.
• Use basic hand tools and mechanical aptitude to make minor adjustments or support routine equipment tasks as needed.
• Follow all safety guidelines, including the use of required personal protective equipment and adherence to cleanroom protocols where applicable.
• Collaborate with team members and other departments to support smooth production flow and meet daily production goals.

• At least 1 year of machine operation experience in a GMP manufacturing environment OR demonstrated mechanical aptitude (such as experience working on vehicles or similar equipment).
• Ability to operate production machinery safely and efficiently in a manufacturing setting.
• Understanding of and adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English to follow batch records, SOPs, and safety instructions.
• Basic math skills to perform weight checks, counts, and other simple calculations.
• Mechanically inclined with the ability to learn equipment setup, adjustment, and minor troubleshooting.
• Capability to stand and walk throughout the shift in a production environment.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and move up to 50 pounds as needed.
• Comfort working in food, pharmaceutical, or other GMP manufacturing environments.
• Ability to work required shifts and be flexible with occasional mandatory overtime.

• Experience in food manufacturing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, or other GMP-regulated production environments.
• Previous packaging or general production experience, including working with cartoners, labelers, wrappers, pouching, or stick machines.
• Familiarity with hand tools for basic mechanical tasks.
• Experience documenting output, downtime, and production metrics in batch records and log books.
• Background working with fruit-flavored powders or similar products is a plus.

Employees enjoy a supportive culture that recognizes contributions and celebrates milestones through birthday events, quarterly celebrations tied to company goals, an annual summer event, a holiday party, and anniversary rewards. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical insurance with a choice of traditional open-access or HSA-compatible plans, company-paid NICE healthcare, dental and vision insurance, and flexible spending options such as FSA and HSA. Team members benefit from wellness-focused offerings, including wellness events and an on-site flu shot clinic. Financial security is supported through a 401(k) plan with company match, company-paid life and accident insurance, and company-paid disability insurance. Work-life balance is reinforced with 80 hours of paid company holidays annually and additional paid time off, providing time to rest, recharge, and enjoy life outside of work.

Work Environment

This role is based in a production facility operating on a Monday through Thursday schedule, with a 1st shift from 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and a 2nd shift from 4:20 p.m. to 2:50 a.m. Fridays may be scheduled as mandatory overtime for certain lines, so employees should be comfortable with the possibility of working a Monday through Friday schedule when needed. The environment includes production machinery that can be noisy at times, and hearing protection is provided. Part of the work takes place in a cleanroom environment, where employees wear gowns, hairnets, and other appropriate protective attire. For safety and product integrity, jewelry and cell phones are not allowed on the production floor. The facility handles fruit-flavored powders, resulting in a noticeable fruit aroma throughout parts of the production area. The role is physically active, involving regular standing, walking, lifting, and moving materials, while working with packaging and production equipment in a structured, GMP-compliant setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Minneapolis, MN.

The pay range for this position is $21.15 - $23.40/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 Minneapolis,MN.

This position is anticipated to close on May 8, 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.