Machine Operator

Molding Machine Operator | $21-$24/hr | Escondido, CA

Job Description

This role supports the molding department by operating and monitoring production equipment, performing the initial steps of the molding process, and ensuring products meet quality standards through cleaning, inspection, and trimming. You will work in a cleanroom environment, assist mold operators, and handle basic machine setup, troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance.

Schedule:

1st Shift

• Monday-Friday
• 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM
• Overtime before and after shift as needed
• Open to approximately 2 Saturdays per month

2nd Shift

• Monday-Friday
• 3:30 PM - 12:00 AM
• Overtime available daily (can work until approximately 2:00 AM)
• Open to approximately 2 Saturdays per month
• Train on 1st Shift for approximately one week

Pay:

• $21-$24/hr

Responsibilities

• Operate two primary machines, including a cleaning/sanitizing machine and a cutting machine that trims products.
• Perform repetitive tasks of loading and unloading products into the machine on 20-minute cycles, ensuring continuous and efficient operation.
• Monitor machines while they run to confirm they operate properly and address basic issues as they arise.
• Use a microscope to visually inspect parts after they come out of the machine, checking for defects and ensuring quality standards.
• Operate a punch press and cutting machine to trim excess mold material from parts and achieve the required product finish.
• Work in a cleanroom environment and follow strict gowning procedures, including wearing a lab coat, gloves, mask, glasses, and hair net.
• Perform basic machine setup to prepare equipment for production runs according to specifications.
• Carry out basic troubleshooting to resolve minor equipment issues and reduce downtime.
• Perform basic preventative maintenance on equipment to maintain performance and reliability.
• Communicate effectively with team members and supervisors to report issues, follow instructions, and support smooth production flow.

Essential Skills

• Machine operating experience in a production or manufacturing environment.
• Experience using hand tools and power tools, demonstrating mechanical aptitude.
• Ability to perform visual inspection of parts, including using a microscope.
• Mechanical inclination and comfort working with equipment and tools.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English to follow work instructions, document information, and communicate with the team.
• Eligibility to work in an ITAR-regulated environment, in accordance with applicable regulations.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Assembly experience, demonstrating strong mechanical aptitude and attention to detail.
• Microscope experience, particularly in a production or inspection setting, as a nice-to-have skill.
• Experience performing basic machine setup and routine preventative maintenance.
• Familiarity with working in a cleanroom or controlled environment.
• Comfort performing repetitive tasks while maintaining focus and quality.

Why Work Here?

You will join a structured production environment where you can build and grow your mechanical and machine operation skills while working with modern equipment in a clean, well-organized facility. The role offers consistent full-time hours with opportunities for overtime, exposure to regulated manufacturing processes, and the chance to develop experience in cleanroom operations and precision inspection. You will receive hands-on training, including initial training on first shift, and work as part of a supportive team focused on safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Work Environment

This position is based in a cleanroom environment within the molding department, where cleanliness and contamination control are critical. You will work primarily on second shift, Monday through Friday, from approximately 3:30 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., with regular overtime that typically extends the workday to around 2:00 a.m. There may be Saturday work as needed, with an expectation of being available for up to two Saturdays per month. New hires train on first shift for about one week, generally from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The role involves standing for extended periods, performing repetitive loading and unloading tasks, and operating machines such as cleaning/sanitizing equipment, cutting machines, and punch presses. You will use microscopes for inspection and hand and power tools for basic setup and maintenance. Dress code follows cleanroom gowning requirements, including wearing a lab coat, gloves, mask, safety glasses, and a hair net at all times while in the production area.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Escondido, CA.

The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $24.00/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 Escondido, CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 1, 2026.

This is a fully onsite position in Escondido,CA.

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.