Machine Operator

This role operates and supports semiautomatic production equipment on high-speed packaging lines, with a strong focus on safety, quality, and efficient changeovers. You will work closely with line leaders and cross-functional teams to perform changeovers, quality inspections, machine cleaning, and proactive detection of safety and quality issues, while ensuring consistent production output and adherence to standards.

• Operate one or multiple pieces of semiautomatic production equipment, including box formers, box closers, and case packers on high-speed lines.
• Move raw materials to the production line and perform tasks such as filling, lifting, loading, and carrying materials as required.
• Provide proactive support and demonstrate leadership in safety and quality throughout daily operations.
• Comply with all applicable safety legal requirements, procedures, and standards for the assigned area.
• Maintain cleanliness and good operating conditions of machines and the working area before, during, and after each shift.
• Perform machine changeovers and fine adjustments on the semiautomatic line to meet production requirements.
• Troubleshoot equipment issues promptly and take corrective action to minimize downtime.
• Follow established quality standards, perform quality checks, and ensure products meet specifications.
• Conduct and support quality inspections and line release audits to confirm readiness for production.
• Collaborate with maintenance, engineering, and other support teams to resolve technical issues and optimize equipment performance.
• Achieve and maintain standard hourly production results while meeting safety and quality expectations.
• Support line operation activities, including Autonomous Maintenance (AM), 5S housekeeping, and other continuous improvement practices.
• Propose and contribute ideas for improving production processes related to safety, quality, and operational efficiency.
• Use blueprints, tape measures, and basic measurement tools to verify dimensions and ensure proper machine settings.
• Perform minor mechanical repairs and preventive maintenance tasks on equipment as needed.
• Operate forklifts or other material handling equipment, when required and trained, to support production and material flow.
• Handle cardboard processing machinery and packaging equipment, ensuring correct setup and safe operation.
• Use computer interfaces such as Easy HMI and other electronic settings to monitor and adjust machine parameters.
• Adhere to all plant rules regarding personal protective equipment, cleanliness, and use of personal items in the production area.

• 12 years of experience as a machine operator, preferably on high-speed production lines with box former, box closer, and case packer machines.
• 24 years of CNC machine operations experience, including CNC machine operation and working with CNC programs, is highly valued.
• Hands-on experience with production equipment, packaging equipment, and process manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated ability to perform machine changeovers, troubleshooting, and fine adjustments on production equipment.
• Experience with quality inspection, quality control, quality assurance, and routine quality checks in a manufacturing setting.
• Proficiency in general production and machine operation, including loading and material handling.
• Experience with cardboard processing machinery or similar packaging equipment, preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and use a tape measure accurately.
• Strong math skills, including understanding fractions and decimals for measurements and machine settings.
• Experience using computers in a manufacturing environment, including interfaces such as Easy HMI and electronic settings.
• Capability to perform minor mechanical repairs and preventative maintenance on machinery.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for machines and production processes.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills for working with line leaders, maintenance, and engineering teams.
• Analytical reasoning and problem-solving skills for identifying root causes of issues and implementing solutions.
• Ability to lift, pull, and push up to 50 lbs for up to 50% of the shift, and to lift product up to 33 lbs consistently.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, twist, turn side-to-side, and perform grabbing and pinching motions away from the body for prolonged periods, up to 12 hours per day as needed.
• Comfort working in a manufacturing environment that requires continuous standing, walking, bending, and squatting.
• Willingness to follow all safety rules and facility policies, including restrictions on personal items and attire in the production area.

• Education in Mechatronics, an associate degree, or formal training in CNC operations and packaging equipment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with process manufacturing or packaging equipment is ideal but not required.
• Exposure to mills or other machining equipment in a manufacturing environment.
• Forklift operation experience or certification is a plus.
• Familiarity with Autonomous Maintenance (AM), 5S, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience working in a climate-controlled, modern manufacturing facility.
• Interest in structured career progression and developing into higher-level operator, trainer, or supervisory roles.
• Comfort working 12-hour shifts (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.) on designated shift patterns.
• Ability to adhere to strict cleanliness and dress code standards appropriate for a packaging and production environment.

You will join a highly respected organization that believes only the best is good enough, not just for its products, but for its people and daily operations. The culture emphasizes positive impact on the environment and local communities, while inspiring future generations and putting peoples well-being at the center of its business model. You will benefit from strong training benchmarks, consistent safety and training standards, and clear performance feedback, all designed to help you learn, grow, and become part of a core group of associates supporting a rapidly expanding site. There is clear upward mobility, with opportunities to progress into level 3 and 4 operator roles within the first year and to develop into trainer or supervisor positions as the site continues to grow. The benefits program includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), health spending accounts, and a range of additional ancillary benefits. You will accrue vacation at a rate of 120 hours per year starting from your hire date, and you will have access to enhanced family care leave, providing paid time for important life events. All colleagues receive life and disability insurance for added security and peace of mind. You may also be eligible for a performance-based bonus program with a maximum payout of 10%. Wellness resources are available to help you be your best self, and a structured career path supports your long-term development and progression.

You will work in a very clean, state-of-the-art facility in Colonial Heights that houses packaging operations, warehouse space, and a dedicated training center. The larger site is expanding and will include substantially more equipment, additional square footage, and hundreds more machines, along with on-site amenities such as a retail store. The facility is climate controlled to provide a comfortable working environment throughout the year. A locker room is available, with lockers provided upon request when available; if lockers are not available, personal items can be placed on top of lockers in a secure area, or alternatively kept in your vehicle. A canteen and breakroom with food and drink machines are available for use during breaks. The production floor enforces strict safety and cleanliness standards: phones are not allowed on the production floor, and you must keep cell phones stored away from the work area. The dress code prohibits jewelry, phones on the floor, fake nails, fake lashes, nail polish, and hoodies to maintain product safety and quality. You will work 12-hour shifts, typically from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on designated shifts, which require continuous standing and walking, frequent bending and squatting, and regular lifting of materials in a modern, well-organized manufacturing environment.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Colonial Heights, VA.

The pay range for this position is $22.50 - $22.50/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 Colonial Heights, VA.

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 13, 2026.

This is a fully onsite position in Colonial Heights,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.