Machine Operator

Job Title: Machine Operator

Job Description

This role involves hands-on operation of industrial production machinery in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. You will set up, load, operate, and adjust production equipment, perform quality inspections, and support continuous improvement while maintaining high safety and production standards. This is a true machine operator position, not an assembly or simple button-pushing role, and requires strong mechanical aptitude and experience with industrial equipment.

Responsibilities

• Set up, load, and operate industrial production machinery
• Adjust machine settings and parameters to maintain product quality, dimensional accuracy, and production output standards.
• Monitor equipment performance continuously and identify potential machine malfunctions or irregularities.
• Perform basic troubleshooting and operational adjustments to resolve mechanical or process issues.
• Read, interpret, and follow production work orders, specifications, and process instructions.
• Conduct routine quality checks and inspections throughout the production run to ensure products meet specifications.
• Measure products using appropriate tools and verify that dimensions and tolerances meet required specifications.
• Handle raw materials, in-process materials, and finished goods safely and efficiently, including loading and unloading materials.
• Perform preventative maintenance activities on machines as directed to reduce downtime and extend equipment life.
• Support Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement initiatives by maintaining an organized, efficient work area and suggesting process improvements.
• Maintain accurate production records and documentation, including production counts, downtime, and quality data.
• Follow all safety policies and procedures, including machine safety practices and lockout/tagout where applicable.
• Operate within a high-speed manufacturing environment, monitoring processes and making timely adjustments to maintain consistent production.
• Collaborate with team members, shift leads, and technicians to resolve production issues and maintain workflow.
• Use basic computer systems to enter production data, access work orders, and complete required documentation.

Essential Skills

• Minimum 3+ years of machine operator experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Proven experience operating, setting up, troubleshooting, and adjusting industrial manufacturing equipment.
• Hands-on experience with machine operation in production environments, including extruder machines, extrusion, and other production machines.
• Demonstrated ability to perform machine setup, changeovers, and basic preventive maintenance.
• Mechanical aptitude and mechanical troubleshooting skills for industrial equipment.
• Experience with manufacturing production processes, high-speed manufacturing, and process monitoring.
• Knowledge of machine safety practices and adherence to manufacturing safety standards.
• Ability to conduct quality inspections and quality control using tools such as calipers and micrometers.
• Familiarity with SPC (Statistical Process Control) and production line quality monitoring.
• Ability to read and follow production work orders and process documentation.
• Experience with material handling, including handling raw materials and finished goods.
• Basic computer skills for data entry and accessing production information.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds overhead.
• Comfort working in manufacturing conditions that may include heat, cold, dust, noise, fumes, oils, and chemicals.
• Ability to work at heights occasionally.
• Willingness to wear required personal protective equipment, including steel-toe boots.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Hartselle, AL.

The pay range for this position is $25.71 - $27.21/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 Hartselle, AL.

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 4, 2026.

This is a fully onsite position in Hartselle,AL.

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.