Machine Operator

This role focuses on operating and supporting semiautomatic production lines, with a strong emphasis on safety, quality, and efficient changeovers. You will run one or more pieces of production equipment, perform quality inspections, complete machine cleaning, and proactively identify and resolve safety and quality issues. The position supports line leaders by ensuring smooth operation of packaging equipment, including box formers, box closers, and case packers, in a high-speed, state-of-the-art manufacturing environment.

• Operate one or multiple pieces of production equipment on the semiautomatic line, including box former, box closer, and case packer machines.
• Move raw materials to the production line and perform tasks such as filling, lifting, loading, and carrying materials and products.
• Provide proactive support and demonstrate leadership in safety and quality across all assigned tasks.
• Comply with all applicable safety legal requirements and standards in the work area.
• Maintain cleanliness and good conditions of machines and the working area before, during, and after shifts, including machine cleaning.
• Perform changeovers and fine adjustments on the semiautomatic line to meet production requirements and product specifications.
• Troubleshoot machine issues promptly and effectively to minimize downtime and maintain production flow.
• Follow established quality standards, procedures, and quality checks to ensure high-quality products.
• Conduct quality inspections and contribute to quality assurance activities, including line release audits.
• Collaborate closely with maintenance, engineering, and other support areas to resolve technical issues and optimize equipment performance.
• Achieve standard hourly production results and support continuous improvement in production efficiency.
• Participate in and support line operation activities such as Autonomous Maintenance (AM), 5S, quality checks, and line release audits.
• Propose and support implementation of improvements in production processes related to safety, quality, and operational efficiency.
• Use basic measurement tools such as tape measures and interpret blueprints as needed for machine setup and verification.
• Handle materials using equipment such as forklifts when required, following all safety and operational procedures.
• Perform minor mechanical repairs and preventative maintenance on equipment to sustain reliable operation.
• Operate CNC and packaging-related equipment as needed, including reading and working with CNC programs where applicable.
• Ensure consistent adherence to housekeeping standards and 5S principles in the production area.
• Support training and knowledge sharing within the team as skills and experience increase.

• 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.
• Experience with packaging and production equipment, including general machine operation in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with cardboard processing machinery is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability in troubleshooting machines and performing changeovers in a production setting.
• Strong quality control and quality assurance experience, including performing quality checks and inspections.
• Experience with process manufacturing or packaging equipment, ideally in a high-speed environment.
• Ability to read and use a tape measure accurately and understand fractions and decimals.
• Good math skills and analytical reasoning to interpret measurements and production data.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, to interact effectively with line leaders, maintenance, and engineering teams.
• Experience using computers in a manufacturing setting, including interfaces such as Easy HMI and electronic settings.
• Experience performing minor mechanical repairs and preventative maintenance on production equipment.
• Ability to lift, pull, and push up to 50 lbs for up to 50% of the shift.
• Ability to continuously stand and walk, turn the body side-to-side, and lift product up to 33 lbs consistently.
• Ability to perform frequent grabbing and pinching motions away from the body, as well as bending and squatting.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and twist for prolonged periods, up to 12 hours per day as needed.
• Comfort working in a manufacturing environment with production lines, packaging equipment, and CNC machines.
• Basic understanding of blueprint reading and application in a production environment.

• Education in Mechatronics, an associate degree, or formal training in CNC operations and packaging equipment, or equivalent experience.
• Experience in a process manufacturing environment, particularly with packaging equipment, is ideal but not required.
• Experience with forklifts and material handling equipment.
• Familiarity with Autonomous Maintenance (AM) and 5S methodologies.
• Exposure to line release audits and structured quality systems.
• Comfort working with mills and other manufacturing machinery.
• Ability to propose and support continuous improvement initiatives in safety, quality, and operations.
• Strong problem-solving mindset with the ability to analyze issues and implement practical solutions.
• Willingness to grow into higher-level operator roles and potentially support training and supervisory activities as experience increases.

You will join an organization that puts people and their well-being at the center of its operations, with a strong commitment to quality, safety, and positive impact on the environment and surrounding communities. The company offers a structured career path with clear progression, including opportunities for upward mobility as the site expands and new roles become available. Employees can grow into higher-level operator positions, and many will advance into trainer or supervisor roles within their first year. You will benefit from robust training benchmarks, consistent safety and training standards, and ongoing performance feedback to support your development. 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 on your hire date and have access to enhanced family care leave options. All colleagues are covered by life and disability insurance for added peace of mind, and wellness resources help you bring your best self to work. There is also eligibility for a performance-based bonus program with a maximum payout of 10%, providing additional recognition for your contributions.

You will work in a very clean, state-of-the-art facility in Colonial Heights that houses packaging operations, a warehouse, and a training center. The site is climate-controlled, providing a comfortable environment throughout the year. As the larger facility expands, it will include substantially more equipment, additional square footage, and hundreds of additional machines, along with on-site amenities such as a retail store. The facility offers a locker room with lockers available upon request; if lockers are not available, personal items can be placed on top of lockers or kept in your vehicle. Cell phones are not allowed on the production floor, and if you prefer not to leave your phone outside a locker, you must keep it in your car. A canteen and breakroom with food and drink machines are available for breaks. The dress code supports safety and product quality: no jewelry, phones, fake nails, fake lashes, or nail polish are allowed, and hoodies are not permitted on the production floor. You will work 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. shifts (designated as J and K shifts), which may involve prolonged standing, walking, bending, and twisting in a high-speed production and packaging 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 20, 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.