Machine Operator

Job Title: Production Associate

Job Description

This role focuses on operating automated production equipment, including thermal spray (plasma) machines and furnace systems, to ensure consistent product quality and output. You monitor machines, perform visual inspections of finished product, and carry out routine adjustments such as changing tips and replacing nozzles. You follow written instructions and documentation closely, support basic troubleshooting when quality issues arise, and contribute to a safe, efficient, and high-quality manufacturing process.

Responsibilities

• Operate thermal spray (plasma) machines to coat products, including monitoring operation, performing visual inspections of parts as they come out of the machine, and ensuring coating quality meets specifications.
• Change tips, replace nozzles, and perform routine adjustments on thermal spray machines to maintain proper function and consistent output.
• Operate furnace equipment by monitoring temperatures, observing product condition as it comes out of the furnace, and performing visual inspections to verify quality standards.
• Follow written instructions, production documentation, and work orders accurately to complete tasks in the correct sequence and to the required specifications.
• Perform basic machine troubleshooting when quality errors or abnormal conditions occur, such as adjusting settings or identifying issues that need escalation.
• Conduct basic quality checks and visual inspections throughout the production process to detect defects or inconsistencies and take appropriate corrective actions.
• Handle general production tasks such as mixing, blending, and material handling as needed to support continuous operation of production lines.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, adhering to safety guidelines and production procedures at all times.
• Work overtime as required, including 1012 hour days, 56 days per week, with additional hours on Saturdays and occasional Sundays to meet production demands.
• Collaborate with team members and shift personnel to ensure smooth handoffs between shifts and consistent adherence to quality and safety standards.

Essential Skills

• At least 1 year of machine operator experience in a production or manufacturing environment.
• At least 1 year of experience operating automated machines, such as CNC equipment or robotic machinery.
• Ability to follow written instructions, production documentation, and standard operating procedures accurately.
• Basic machine troubleshooting skills to respond to quality errors or equipment issues.
• Basic quality control skills, including visual inspection of products to identify defects or deviations from specifications.
• Experience with general production activities such as machine operation, mixing, blending, and inspection.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining consistent product quality.
• Reliability and willingness to work overtime, including extended shifts and weekend hours as required.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with CNC machine operation or robotic machine operation.
• Experience in powder coat spray or plasma coating processes.
• Familiarity with general production workflows and quality documentation.
• Ability to read and understand basic production records and log information accurately.
• Comfort working with industrial machinery in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Why Work Here?

You join a production team that values reliability, quality, and continuous operation, offering the opportunity to build hands-on experience with advanced automated equipment. The environment rewards strong work ethic and attention to detail, with flexible pay rates based on experience and the chance to grow your skills in machine operation, quality inspection, and industrial processes. The consistent overtime availability provides opportunities to increase earnings while working in a structured setting with clear procedures and expectations.

Work Environment

This is a manufacturing environment focused on thermal spray (plasma) and furnace operations. Production associates work on designated shifts, including a first shift from approximately 6:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. and second shifts from approximately 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., with a shift differential for certain second-shift roles. Overtime is a regular part of the schedule, with 1012 hour days, 56 days per week, additional 68 hour shifts on Saturdays, and occasional Sunday work based on production needs. The role involves standing for extended periods, working around automated machinery, and performing routine inspections and adjustments. You work with powder coat spray and furnace equipment, follow established safety procedures, and wear appropriate industrial work attire suitable for a production floor. Pay rates are flexible and depend on experience.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of San Antonio, TX.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $20.00/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 San Antonio,TX.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 15, 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.