Machine Operator

Job Title: Machine Operator

Job Description

The Machine Operator is responsible for operating, monitoring, and adjusting packaging machinery to ensure efficient production, consistent product quality, and compliance with established standards. This role requires strong technical aptitude, attention to detail, and the ability to troubleshoot equipment issues while maintaining production goals in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate packaging equipment associated with the manufacturing process, ensuring safe, efficient, and consistent production.
• Demonstrate technical proficiency with vertical form-fill-seal (VFFS) and horizontal form-fill-seal packaging equipment.
• Monitor, troubleshoot, and adjust statistical weighers to minimize product giveaway and packaging film waste while maximizing line efficiency.
• Use computer systems effectively, including Microsoft Office applications, OIT/HMI interfaces, and process control systems, to support production activities.
• Maximize equipment uptime by anticipating and performing film and coding ribbon changes as needed.
• Accurately complete production documentation, line logs, and required paperwork, and operate barcode scanning equipment as required.
• Assist with onboarding and training new employees on packaging processes and equipment operation.
• Continuously monitor equipment performance, identify operational issues, and perform minor adjustments using appropriate tools.
• Escalate recurring or unresolved equipment issues promptly to supervisors or maintenance personnel.
• Understand and achieve established production targets and performance goals by making necessary equipment adjustments.
• Verify packaging materials, including film, boxes, dividers, and other supplies, ensuring proper materials are used and free of defects.
• Monitor incoming product quality to ensure size, color specifications (bleached/unbleached), and moisture levels meet established standards.
• Inspect finished packaged products for appearance, coding accuracy, print quality, and seal integrity.
• Monitor package weights and make adjustments as necessary to achieve product weight targets and minimize giveaway.
• Perform additional packaging-related duties as assigned to support overall production needs.

Essential Skills

• Proven ability to operate manufacturing and packaging machinery safely and efficiently.
• Hands-on experience with machine operation in a production or food processing environment.
• Ability to troubleshoot basic mechanical and operational issues on packaging equipment.
• Effective reading, writing, and speaking skills to understand instructions, document production, and communicate with team members.
• Capability to work any shift as needed, including first, second, or third shift.
• Willingness and ability to work overtime when necessary, including extended hours during peak seasons.
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Ability to pass a machine operator test as part of the hiring process.
• Ability to pass a forklift certification class and operate a forklift safely.
• Attention to detail for inspecting product quality, packaging materials, and finished goods.
• Comfort using computer systems, including Microsoft Office applications, and interacting with OIT/HMI and process control systems.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with food processing machinery and packaging equipment.
• Experience in food processing or nut processing environments.
• Familiarity with vertical form-fill-seal (VFFS) and horizontal form-fill-seal packaging technologies.
• Experience with statistical weighers and optimizing line efficiency.
• Previous forklift operating experience in a manufacturing or warehouse setting.
• Experience with inspection processes, including visual checks for appearance, coding accuracy, print quality, and seal integrity.
• Comfort working in a loud, machinery-driven production environment.
• Ability to support training and onboarding of new team members on equipment and processes.

Why Work Here?

This opportunity offers a stable role in a large, well-established production facility where safety, quality, and teamwork are highly valued. You will work with modern packaging technology, build in-demand technical skills, and have consistent opportunities for overtime during peak seasons. The environment supports continuous learning, cross-training, and professional development, providing a strong foundation for long-term growth in manufacturing and operations.

Work Environment

The role is based in a clean nut processing facility situated on more than 15 acres, with an average workforce of around 350 employees. The environment can be very loud due to extensive machinery, and team members should be comfortable working in a high-activity production setting. Work schedules run Monday through Saturday, with an expectation to work six days per week and mandatory overtime averaging approximately 48 to 55 hours during harvest season. Shift assignments are based on seniority, and candidates must remain flexible, as they may work any of the three shifts: 1st shift from 6:00 AM to 2:30 PM, 2nd shift from 2:00 PM to 10:30 PM, or 3rd shift from 10:00 PM to 6:30 AM. The facility uses a range of packaging and processing equipment, computer-based control systems, and forklifts, and employees should be prepared for an industrial environment with appropriate safety practices and attire.

Apply right now andexpect acall/textfromAlondra with Aerotek. Positionswith this company will be filled quickly!

This is a Contract position based out of Stockton, CA.

The pay range for this position is $20.27 - $20.27/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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 Stockton,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 2, 2026.

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

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.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.