Production Associate

Job Title: Production Associate

Job Description

The Production Associate plays a key role in producing cheese and sanitation processes using production equipment. This role offers a structured progression through multiple skill levels based on performance, attendance, and demonstrated ability to operate and maintain production machinery.

Responsibilities

• Perform all basic production line operations in assigned departments.
• Clean and sanitize equipment before and after production to maintain high hygiene and food safety standards.
• Place empty forms and funnels on conveyors to prepare for cheese filling.
• Level cheese in forms after dipping to ensure consistent product quality.
• Load, push, and pull cheese stacks using hand carts, trolleys, pallet jacks, and cheese carts.
• Operate tunnel washers, including loading and unloading trays and forms.
• Use touchscreens to adjust stack and form sizes and to change tooling as needed for different products.
• Hand-turn cheese in curing and drying rooms to support proper aging and product consistency.
• Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and all safety policies at all times.
• Set up, operate, diagnose, lubricate, and fix faults on multiple machines such as SRC/Feta production lines, pasteurizers, dry salters, and bag fillers (Levels 2 and 3).
• Understand and perform all functions required at Operator Level 1, and progressively take on most functions of Operator Level 2 and higher-level equipment roles such as pasteurizer, sanitation, dry salter, or bag filler.
• Participate in skills and performance evaluations conducted approximately every six months, which determine level advancement.
• Work independently while safely following established procedures and production guidelines.
• Maintain reliable attendance and consistent performance to support level progression and overall production efficiency.

Why Work Here?

Employees join a stable food manufacturing operation that values skill development, performance, and reliability. The role offers structured advancement opportunities through clearly defined levels, a sign-on bonus, and comprehensive benefits that begin on the first day of employment. Team members benefit from medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, short-term disability, a 401(k) with employer match, paid vacation and holidays, and a perfect attendance program, supporting both financial security and work-life balance.

Work Environment

The work environment includes frequent exposure to hot and cold climates, chemicals, noise, vibration, and wet and humid conditions. Employees spend most of their time on their feet, using pallet jacks, carts, and production equipment in an active, fast-paced production setting.

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

The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $19.00/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 Stockton,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 22, 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.