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The Production Associate plays a key role in manufacturing advanced CNG fuel storage systems and tanks for trucks and heavy-duty vehicles. This position focuses on mechanical assembly, machine operation, and support of specialized processes such as filament winding and rotomolding. The role requires strong mechanical aptitude, comfort working with tools and equipment, and the ability to follow detailed work instructions to consistently meet quality and production standards.

Responsibilities

• Interpret and follow detailed work instructions, procedures, and visual documentation with accuracy.
• Operate assembly tools, fixtures, and specialized equipment safely and efficiently.
• Perform mechanical assembly tasks using best practices to ensure product quality and reliability.
• Assist with filament winding operations, including resin application, resin squeezing, tool cleaning, and setting up floor mats.
• Support rotomolding processes by preparing materials, loading raw materials such as resin and paxon, and performing boss recovery tasks.
• Perform tank labeling and foam dome installation with precision and attention to detail.
• Assemble and package products to meet or exceed quality standards and delivery timelines.
• Lift, move, and handle raw materials, finished products, and packed items as needed.
• Clean and lubricate equipment to maintain proper operation and extend equipment life.
• Dispose of scrap resin, fiber, cardboard, and other production waste in accordance with established procedures.
• Maintain housekeeping and 5S standards to keep the work area clean, organized, and safe.
• Work across multiple production stations as assigned, including rotomold operation, filament winding, trailer assembly, tube bending, and testing stations.
• Operate rotomold machines to form tanks and monitor the process for quality and consistency.
• Support winding machines that wrap tanks with resin and protective layers, including troubleshooting and working with carbon fiber after appropriate training.
• Assist as a Trailer Assembler by preparing tanks for installation on trucks, including performing pressure tests.
• Perform tube bending tasks by installing and shaping metal tubing around tanks as part of safety and support systems.
• Work at adapter, volumetric, and end-of-line (EOL) dome and labeling stations, including measuring tanks and checking pressurization levels.
• Conduct basic pressure checks, including lowering tanks into water tanks and visually checking for bubbles, as directed.
• Follow all safety procedures and guidelines while working with machines, tools, resins, composites, and pressurized components.
• Support overtime and extended shifts as needed to meet production demands.

• At least 1.5 years of production, manufacturing, or machine operation experience.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and ability to work with mechanical assemblies.
• Experience and proficiency with hand and power tools, with the ability to identify and properly use common tools.
• Ability to accurately follow detailed work instructions, procedures, and visual instruction sheets or routers.
• Comfort operating production or machine equipment in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Willingness and ability to work 50–60 hour workweeks, including mandatory overtime and occasional Saturdays, when required.
• Reliability and strong attendance to support consistent production output.
• Ability to work safely around machinery, resins, composites, and pressurized components.

• Experience with machine operation in a clean manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with resin, epoxy, composite materials, Kevlar, pre-preg, fiberglass, or carbon fiber is a plus.
• Experience working with visual instruction sheets, blueprints, or routers is a plus but not mandatory.
• Experience using a torque wrench is a plus.
• Comfort working with pressure testing processes or pressurized systems is beneficial but not required.
• Experience in environments that follow 5S or similar workplace organization standards.
• Ability to learn new stations and processes, such as rotomolding, filament winding, trailer assembly, tube bending, and end-of-line testing.
• Strong attention to detail and quality when measuring, labeling, and inspecting parts.

Employees benefit from a comprehensive package that typically includes a full benefits program, paid time off and vacation time, and a 401(k) plan. The organization offers a clear path from contract to permanent employment, with the opportunity to convert after a set number of hours for those who perform well and maintain strong attendance. Team members work in a modern, clean facility with advanced manufacturing processes, providing opportunities to build valuable hands-on skills with specialized equipment and materials while contributing to innovative fuel system technology.

Work Environment

This role is based in a very clean, large manufacturing facility with multiple machines running, providing a modern and comfortable production environment rather than a heavily industrial setting. The work involves operating and working around rotomold machines, filament winding equipment, and other production machinery used to manufacture CNG fuel storage tanks. The schedule is a second shift, Monday through Friday, typically from 2:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., with the need to be open to a 4:00 p.m. start time depending on production needs. Overtime is mandatory as required and may result in 12-hour workdays and occasional Saturday work. The environment includes regular lifting of up to 50 pounds, standing for extended periods, and working around resins, composites, and moving equipment. Appropriate protective footwear, such as steel-toed boots, is expected, and employees are required to follow all safety and housekeeping standards to maintain an organized, safe, and efficient workspace.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lake Forest, CA.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $23.00/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 Lake Forest,CA.

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.