Production Associate-Quick Start

The Production Associate works in an indoor manufacturing environment on either first or third shift, supporting the production of hose and pipe products. This role focuses on coiling hose, wrapping, labeling, palletizing, and moving finished goods with a sit-down forklift, while learning to operate production machinery. The position offers on-the-job training and a clear path for someone interested in growing into an extrusion operator role in the near future.

Responsibilities

• Operate as part of a production team to coil hose, wrap, label, and stack products on pallets according to production requirements.
• Use sit-down forklifts to safely move finished and in-process products to designated staging and storage areas.
• Assist with machine operation for product assembly after receiving on-the-job training.
• Perform palletizing and manual material handling to organize, stage, and prepare products for shipment or further processing.
• Use basic hand tools such as utility knives, wrenches, screwdrivers, hammers, and caulk guns to support production and assembly tasks.
• Operate power and air tools including Sawzall, hand drill, impact wrench, nail gun, jig saw, and router as needed for manufacturing activities.
• Follow all safety procedures and wear required personal protective equipment, including steel toe shoes.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area in a busy production environment.
• Work collaboratively with another person or a small team to meet production goals and quality standards.
• Demonstrate an interest in learning and developing the skills required to become an extrusion operator.

• Previous manufacturing experience in a production environment.
• Experience with general production tasks such as machine operation and material handling.
• Ability to safely operate a sit-down forklift and perform palletizing.
• Ability to lift 50–75 pounds regularly, handling materials and hoses of varying weight.
• Basic experience using hand tools including utility knives, wrenches, screwdrivers, hammers, and caulk guns.
• Experience using power and air tools such as Sawzall, hand drill, impact wrench, nail gun, jig saw, and router.
• Comfort working in a non-climate-controlled environment that can be very warm in summer and cool in winter.
• Willingness to work assigned shifts: 1st shift Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., or 3rd shift Monday to Friday, 12:00 a.m.–8:00 a.m.

• Interest in career growth into an extrusion operator role.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a small team or with a partner to complete production tasks.
• Attention to detail when labeling, wrapping, and organizing products on pallets.
• Reliability and punctuality for consistent shift work in a manufacturing setting.

You will join an established manufacturer known for high-quality hose and pipe products and a strong reputation for innovation. The organization focuses on continuous improvement and works closely with customers to deliver tailored solutions, giving employees exposure to a wide range of industrial and commercial applications. Team members receive hands-on, on-the-job training, along with clear opportunities to grow into more advanced roles such as extrusion operator. You will work in an environment that values product quality, practical problem-solving, and long-term customer relationships.

Work Environment

This role is based in an indoor production and manufacturing environment that is not climate-controlled. Temperatures can become very warm during the summer and quite cool during the winter. The work involves standing, moving, lifting, and operating machinery throughout the shift. Production operates on a first shift (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.) and a third shift (Monday to Friday, 12:00 a.m.–8:00 a.m.). Steel toe shoes are required, and employees should wear clothing that can get dirty due to the nature of manufacturing work. The environment includes use of hand tools, power tools, air tools, production machinery, and sit-down forklifts in a busy, team-oriented setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Vernon Hills, IL.

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $26.40/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 Vernon Hills,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 29, 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.