Machine Operator

Job Title: Molding Machine Operator 1st Shift

Job Description

The Molding Machine Operator supports daily molding and casting operations by setting up molds, operating molding equipment, and ensuring parts meet strict quality standards. This hands-on role is well suited for individuals with experience in injection molding, ceramic casting, or similar processes, who can perform basic mold setup, troubleshoot common defects, and carry out routine mold and die maintenance to keep production running smoothly.

Responsibilities

• Set up molds, dies, and tooling for injection molding or ceramic casting production in accordance with work instructions and production specifications.
• Operate molding machines on the production line, monitor cycle times, and make basic parameter adjustments to maintain stable, efficient production.
• Identify and troubleshoot common molding issues such as short shots, flashing, incomplete fill, and surface defects to minimize scrap and downtime.
• Perform routine mold and die maintenance, including cleaning, lubrication, and minor mechanical adjustments to ensure reliable operation.
• Inspect molded parts for dimensional accuracy, surface quality, and overall consistency, ensuring they meet established quality standards.
• Document production runs, mold changes, and process adjustments accurately to support traceability and continuous improvement efforts.
• Communicate equipment issues, material concerns, or process deviations promptly to supervisors or maintenance teams.
• Follow established safety procedures and guidelines while working with molding, blow molding, extrusion, and related production equipment.
• Support changeovers between different molds or products, helping to set up and align tooling to reduce downtime.
• Work collaboratively in a structured, team-oriented environment to meet production goals and maintain a smooth workflow.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on experience in injection molding, ceramic casting, or similar molding processes.
• Proficiency in mold setup, alignment, and clamping procedures for molding machines.
• Ability to recognize and troubleshoot molding defects such as short shots, flashing, incomplete fill, and surface defects.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and comfort performing minor mold and die maintenance tasks.
• Ability to read and follow work instructions, production specifications, and basic technical drawings.
• Strong attention to detail and a consistent commitment to producing high-quality parts.
• Ability to lift 3050 lbs and work safely in a fast-paced production environment.
• Comfort operating molding machines and related production line equipment.
• Effective communication skills to report equipment issues and material concerns.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with plastic molding processes, including blow molding, blow mold machines, and injection molds.
• Experience in operating extrusion and other molding-related machinery.
• General machine operating experience in a manufacturing or production environment.
• Ability to support changeovers and adjust basic machine parameters during production.
• Familiarity with polymer molding and hydraulic or pneumatic crimping equipment.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude for working with tools, molds, and dies in a hands-on setting.

Why Work Here?

This manufacturer focuses on high-performance polymer and porcelain products used in critical electrical transmission and distribution systems, offering employees the chance to contribute to essential infrastructure across the country. The facility emphasizes safety, consistency, and continuous improvement, supported by strong materials engineering expertise and strict quality and testing standards. Team members work in a structured, collaborative environment with clear procedures, reliable full-time hours, and opportunities for overtime based on production demand, creating a stable and growth-oriented workplace.

Work Environment

This role is on 1st shift, running Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with a consistent full-time schedule and potential overtime driven by production needs. Work takes place in a nonclimate-controlled production facility where temperatures can become very hot during the summer months. The environment is fast-paced and hands-on, centered around polymer molding operations and hydraulic/pneumatic crimping equipment, with defined workstations and established safety procedures. Employees work in a structured, team-oriented setting and are allowed to keep water at their workstation to stay hydrated throughout the shift. Typical attire is suitable for a manufacturing floor, supporting safety and comfort while working with machinery and materials.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Virginia Beach, VA.

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $18.00/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 Contract to Hire position based out of Virginia Beach, VA.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 30, 2026.

This is a fully onsite position in Virginia Beach,VA.

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.