Production Associate - 1st Shift

Job Title: Production Associate

Job Description

This role is a hands-on production position focused on end-of-line operations for extruded products used in the garage door industry. You will work at the end of an extrusion line, performing final quality checks, measuring product dimensions, packaging finished goods in various formats, and managing scrap and material flow. The position is well-suited for someone who takes pride in accuracy, enjoys physical, repetitive work, and wants to grow in a stable manufacturing environment. No prior manufacturing or extrusion experience is required; the team will train candidates who bring strong work ethic, reliability, and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Work at the end of the extrusion line to sort, count, and package finished products coming off the line.
• Package products in multiple formats, including coils on reels, pancake coils on flat corrugated sheets, and straight lengths packed in cartons.
• Make up packaging materials such as corrugated reels and boxes as requested for your production line.
• Serve as the final quality checkpoint by measuring critical product dimensions with calipers and tape measures as instructed.
• Test-fit products on gauges to verify that each roll or box meets required specifications.
• Cut production retains according to quality guidelines and number them sequentially based on when they came off the line.
• Accurately document measurements and quality checks on production reports for supervisor review and follow-up.
• Maintain established production standards and pace while preserving high quality and accuracy.
• Regrind scrap materials and return them to the process as directed to support efficient material usage.
• Fill material hoppers regularly to keep production running smoothly and avoid line interruptions.
• Monitor products for defects or inconsistencies and immediately flag and communicate any quality issues or questions to supervisors.
• Use hand tools and measurement devices safely and correctly after training.
• Follow written and verbal instructions, quality guidelines, and standard operating procedures consistently.
• Participate in ongoing training to improve skills, learn new processes, and support continuous improvement.
• Stand for full 8-hour shifts at end-of-line stations, frequently bending, lifting, and moving materials up to and over 50 pounds.
• Maintain reliable and punctual attendance, arriving on time for scheduled shifts and being prepared to work the full shift.
• Communicate clearly with team members and supervisors about production status, quality concerns, and any issues that arise.
• Work both independently and as part of a small line team to meet production, quality, and safety goals.
• Follow all safety rules, including use of required personal protective equipment, and support a clean, safe work area.
• Complete any additional tasks related to production, quality, packaging, or material handling as assigned.

Essential Skills

• Strong attention to detail to measure critical dimensions accurately, number retains correctly, and ensure each roll or box meets specifications.
• Physical stamina and agility to stand for up to 8-hour shifts, bend, and regularly lift items up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to remain on your feet for the duration of the shift at an end-of-line station.
• Capability to use hand tools and measurement devices such as calipers and tape measures after training.
• Basic reading skills in English to follow written instructions, quality guidelines, and production documentation.
• Reliable, on-time attendance and the ability to arrive consistently and promptly for scheduled work hours.
• Ability to follow instructions, quality guidelines, and standard operating procedures with consistency and accuracy.
• Basic verbal communication skills to ask questions, report issues, and interact effectively with supervisors and team members.
• Determined ability to learn new tasks, meet goals, and adapt to production requirements.
• Comfort working in a repetitive, production-oriented environment while staying focused on quality.
• Willingness and ability to work in a drug- and alcohol-free workplace and pass required screenings.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• 0–2 years of experience; no prior experience required, with full training provided.
• Six or more months of experience in production, warehouse, or quality control environments is a plus.
• Previous manufacturing or extrusion experience preferred but not required.
• Experience in plastics manufacturing, extrusion, or general production is beneficial.
• Familiarity with measurement tools such as calipers, tape measures, or gauges helps reduce training time.
• Basic math skills to support counting, measuring, and documentation tasks.
• Ability to read and interpret basic product specifications or packaging requirements is helpful.
• Forklift certification or experience is a plus.
• Stable work history, such as one or more years with previous employers, is desirable.
• Preference or flexibility for second or third shift can be advantageous.
• Consistent attendance and punctuality, with reliable transportation to and from the facility.
• Takes pride in accuracy and quality, with a strong quality mindset.
• Coachable, willing to ask questions when unsure, and open to feedback.
• Able to work independently while communicating problems or concerns promptly.

Why Work Here?

You join a growing manufacturing company in a stable, essential industry with a clear path from contract to permanent employment. After a short evaluation period, high performers frequently convert to full-time roles with strong benefits, including a retirement plan with company match, substantial company contribution toward medical coverage, life insurance, paid holidays, and progressive paid time off that increases with tenure. The organization invests in new machinery and facility expansion, creating real opportunities for advancement and long-term career growth rather than a dead-end production job. The culture is laid-back yet performance-focused, with minimal politics and an emphasis on reliability, quality, and communication. People who show up, do quality work, and take pride in accuracy are recognized, retained, and promoted in a secure, growing business.

Work Environment

This position is based in a manufacturing plant specializing in extrusion and plastic fabrication for garage door components, with an active production floor and multiple extrusion lines running. The facility is climate-controlled, but you should expect normal industrial machinery noise and a busy production environment. You will work primarily at end-of-line stations, standing for full 8-hour shifts, frequently bending and lifting materials that can weigh 50 pounds or more. Safety is a priority, with established protocols and required personal protective equipment. The dress code is manufacturing casual, including jeans or work pants and t-shirts, with steel-toed shoes required and available through a company program; safety glasses are provided, and loose clothing or jewelry is not permitted. You will work alongside a team on each production line, typically with several coworkers, within a facility of more than 60 employees. The atmosphere is laid-back but focused on execution, where management values quality work over micromanagement and promotes from within. Shifts are structured as first (7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.), second (3:00 p.m.–11:30 p.m.), and third (11:00 p.m.–7:30 a.m.), Monday through Friday, with no regular weekend work and plant closure for 10 paid holidays; occasional overtime may occur during peak demand. A typical day includes clocking in, attending a safety briefing, moving to your line, sorting and counting products, measuring dimensions with calipers, packaging in reels, boxes, or cartons, documenting measurements, cutting and numbering retains, regrinding scrap, filling hoppers, promptly flagging any quality issues, and clocking out at the end of your shift.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Evansville, IN.

The pay range for this position is $17.00 - $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 Evansville,IN.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 17, 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.