Machine Operator

Job Title: Production Technician

Job Description

This role focuses on learning and operating equipment in the extrusion and tube mill departments while safely handling aluminum products. As a New Hire Utility employee, you will rotate through multiple areas, support machine operations, move materials, and perform quality, packing, and inspection tasks. Over time, you will develop broad skills across departments and eventually move into a permanent position within a specific area based on business needs and internal bidding opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Learn to operate equipment associated with aluminum extrusion and tube mill processes while following safe job practices, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and quality requirements.
• Support machine operators by assisting with setup, operation, and monitoring of extrusion, casting, and related production equipment.
• Move materials on and off machines using proper lifting techniques, hoists, and other material handling tools to support continuous production flow.
• Perform general utility tasks including machine operating, quality checks, packing, inspecting, and supporting multiple departments as needed.
• Learn and support press team operations within the extrusion department, contributing to meeting daily production goals.
• Ensure all quality objectives are met by performing inspections, quality checks, and basic quality assurance tasks on aluminum products.
• Report and review any unusual conditions, equipment issues, or safety concerns with lead operators and supervisors in a timely manner.
• Work collaboratively on a team, communicating frequently with team members and leadership to coordinate tasks and meet production targets.
• Follow all safety policies and machine safety guidelines, including proper use of PPE, safe operation of machinery, and adherence to plant safety rules.
• Participate in inventory and production support activities, including tracking materials, assisting with production line flow, and supporting general production needs.
• Use hand tools, tape measures, and basic measuring devices to support machine setup, inspection, and production tasks.
• Learn and perform basic forklift operations once trained and authorized, assisting with material movement and staging.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, including cleaning grease, oil, and hydraulic fluids as required by metals manufacturing processes.
• Remain flexible to perform any role assigned within the utility function, including cross-training in multiple departments and adapting to changing production needs.
• Adhere to union-related processes regarding shift assignments, job bidding, and flexibility requirements, regardless of union membership status.
• Work required shifts, including 2nd and 3rd shift, extended shifts up to 12 hours, and weekend work as needed to support production demands.
• Meet the physical demands of the role, including frequent lifting over 15 lbs, occasional assisted lifting up to 100 lbs, stepping on and off machinery, and working around motorized equipment.

Essential Skills

• 12 years of experience in manufacturing, production, general labor, or a similar industrial environment.
• Experience in machine operation, assembly, production line, or material handling environments.
• Basic understanding of manufacturing processes and process flow of raw materials through production.
• Mechanical aptitude and interest in learning to operate complex machinery and equipment.
• Ability and willingness to learn forklift operation if not already experienced.
• Experience or comfort with general production tasks such as packaging, assembly, and production support.
• Familiarity with hand tools and basic measuring tools, including tape measures.
• Ability to perform quality control, quality checks, inspection, and basic quality assurance tasks.
• Understanding of machine safety principles and safe work practices in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to work 2nd or 3rd shift and up to 12-hour shifts, including weekends, with flexibility for overtime.
• Physical ability to frequently lift more than 15 lbs and occasionally up to 100 lbs with assistance, and to bend, push, pull, and step over obstacles.
• Comfort working around grease, oil, hydraulic fluids, and lubricants used in metals manufacturing.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for completing documentation and communicating with team members and supervisors.
• Positive, can do attitude toward cross-training, learning new tasks, and taking on different roles as needed.
• Ability to work effectively in a unionized environment and adapt to shift movement and job bidding processes.

Work Environment

The role is based in a heavy industrial manufacturing facility focused on metals and extrusion operations. The environment is non-climate-controlled and can become very hot, especially during the summer, and can be loud due to large machinery, though the facility is generally open and spacious. Employees work around a mix of brand-new robotic equipment and older machinery, some of which is up to 60 years old, along with large and complex production systems. The work involves exposure to grease, oil, and hydraulic fluids, which are essential for lubricating machines and parts, and employees are expected to assist in cleaning these materials as part of normal operations. Shifts are structured as three 8-hour blocks: 7:00 a.m.3:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m.11:00 p.m., and 11:00 p.m.7:00 a.m., with current openings on 2nd and 3rd shifts. While standard shifts are 8 hours, employees should expect to work 10-hour days at times and potentially 4060 hours per week depending on production needs. Weekend work is common, with the possibility of working up to 6 days per week, though schedules may fluctuate and often include every other Saturday. The union structure dictates shift assignments and job bidding, so flexibility is essential. Employees may have opportunities for shift differentials when permanent, as well as overtime, including premium pay for certain holiday and weekend combinations. PPE is provided by the company, and employees work closely with motorized equipment, hoists, forklifts (once trained), and other material handling tools in a safety-focused environment.

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

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $23.00/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 Richmond, VA.

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 20, 2026.

This is a fully onsite position in Richmond,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.