Production Operator

Production Operator - Direct Placement!!

Pay starting at $20.50/hr for day shift & $21.50 for night shift

Plus a $1,500 Sign‑On Bonus!

Job Description

This role supports a high-volume industrial manufacturing facility producing high-density polyethylene (HDPE) conduit used in construction, telecommunications, transportation, and electrical applications. As a Production Operator, you will be building and handling reels, operating and supporting production equipment, and ensuring that finished product is safely and neatly wrapped, cut, packaged, and prepared for shipment. This is a physically active position that requires mechanical aptitude, comfort with hand and power tools, and the ability to work safely and effectively in a non-climate-controlled, heavy industrial environment.

Responsibilities

• Support the offline department by preparing and supplying materials before and after the extrusion lines.
• Build steel reels for production lines using bolts, hand tools, and power tools.
• Assemble reels accurately and efficiently, following established specifications and safety procedures.
• Load scrap reels onto grinders and manually cut scrap material for reprocessing.
• Operate or assist with grinders, extrusion machines, and related production equipment as trained.
• Set up extrusion and related machines, including changing screens, filters, and temperature settings under guidance.
• Regrind plastic chunks and feed material back into the extrusion process to create pellets.
• Work as a Downstream Operator to ensure the final product is wrapped evenly and neatly around reels.
• Use standard tools and measuring devices, such as tape measures and calipers, to verify that product meets specifications.
• Perform routine quality inspections of parts and conduit to identify and address basic abnormalities.
• Cut conduit to length according to product specifications and routing requirements.
• Check packaging and labeling for accuracy before product is shipped out for final inspection.
• Rout ends of conduit to prepare for fittings and ensure proper finish.
• Perform heavy lifting of industrial pipes (typically 30–40 lbs) using team lifts to move product onto carts.
• Use various hand, power, and measuring tools, including impact guns, saws, and other production tools.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area by performing light housekeeping duties throughout the shift.
• Follow all safety procedures, including proper use of composite or steel-toe footwear and other required PPE.
• Remain on your feet throughout the shift and stay proactively engaged to keep production lines running smoothly.
• Collaborate with team members and participate in cross-training to support multiple roles within the department.
• Work effectively in a loud, dusty, non-climate-controlled industrial environment while maintaining high safety and quality standards.

Essential Skills

• Minimum 1 year of experience in industrial manufacturing (not including warehouse experience).
• Up to 6 months of contract availability, with the ability to commit to the full duration as needed.
• Consistent work history and at least 1 year of steady employment leading up to this role.
• Mechanical aptitude and the ability to learn machine operation and basic troubleshooting.
• Experience with machine operating or machine operation support in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to use hand and power tools safely and effectively, including impact guns and saws.
• Ability to read and use a measuring tape and other measuring devices such as calipers.
• Comfort working in a non-climate-controlled, loud, heavy industrial manufacturing environment.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work, including standing on your feet all day and lifting 30–40 lb pipes with a team.
• Willingness to follow detailed work instructions and quality standards to meet customer specifications.
• Reliability and strong attendance to support a 12-hour, rotating 2-2-3 shift schedule.
• Team-oriented mindset with the ability to communicate and work cooperatively with others on the production floor.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Machine operator experience, especially in extrusion, is preferred.
• At least 3 years of manufacturing experience, preferably in a non-climate-controlled environment, is a strong plus.
• Experience in construction, automotive, or similar mechanically oriented industries is beneficial.
• Comfort working with production equipment, including extrusion machines, grinders, and press brakes.
• Experience in general production, assembly, packaging, inspection, shipping and receiving, or production line work.
• Ability to support troubleshooting of basic mechanical issues on production equipment.
• Familiarity with plastic manufacturing, extrusion, or working with HDPE materials is advantageous.
• Comfortable using hand and power tools with the willingness to learn additional tools and processes.
• Ability to route conduit ends and install fittings after training.
• Willingness to cross-train into roles such as Downstream Operator, Line Operator, Material Handler, or Offline Operator as business needs require.
• Composite or steel-toe footwear required for safety in the industrial facility.
• Openness to contract-to-hire opportunities, with potential to move into other areas of the plant based on performance and business needs.

Why Work Here?

You will join a team-oriented manufacturing environment that values cross-training, continuous learning, and mechanical skill development. The company offers a strong benefits package, including coverage of approximately 80% of medical insurance premiums and 100% employer-paid life insurance. Team members receive annual wage increases and quarterly attendance bonuses that reward reliability and commitment. Paid time off accrues regularly at a rate of approximately 3.08 hours each pay period, supporting work-life balance. In addition, there is a structured sign-on bonus program, with payments at 90 and 180 days for employees in good standing. High performers have the opportunity to transition from contract to direct employment and explore openings in other areas of the facility, providing a clear pathway for long-term growth.

Work Environment

The role is based in a clean, heavy industrial manufacturing plant that operates extrusion lines to produce HDPE conduit. The facility is non-climate-controlled, so temperatures vary with the seasons, and the environment can be loud and dusty with debris typical of industrial production. Team members work on their feet for 12-hour shifts and stay busy throughout the day in a proactive, fast-paced setting. The schedule follows a 2-2-3 rotation, with A and C shifts running from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and B and D shifts running from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., resulting in one week of 48 hours and the next week of 36 hours. Work involves frequent use of hand tools, power tools, extrusion machines, grinders, impact guns, saws, tape measures, calipers, and other production equipment. The culture emphasizes teamwork, cross-training, and safety, with composite or steel-toe footwear and other protective gear required. The environment suits individuals who enjoy staying active, working with their hands, and contributing to a busy, production-focused team.

Apply today with your most up-to-date resume! If you do not have a resume, do not worry. I can help you build one that is tailored to your skills and experiences!

This is a Permanent position based out of Salt Lake City, UT.

The pay range for this position is $41600.00 - $43680.00/yr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your jobclassification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may besubject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefitsavailable 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 Salt Lake City,UT.

This position is anticipated to close on May 18, 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.