Machine Operator - Reading, PA - 1st & 2nd Shift

Job Title: Machine Operator Production (Rotating and Fixed Shifts)

Job Description

This role operates production machinery to safely produce and finish high-quality cast molded products in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. The machine operator follows standard operating procedures, performs precise measurements and inspections, maintains accurate documentation, and supports continuous improvement in product quality and equipment uptime.

Responsibilities

• Operate production machinery to safely produce and finish quality cast molded products in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Cut materials to specified tolerances by following SOPs and work instructions.
• Measure products accurately using tape measures, micrometers, verniers, calipers, and other precision tools.
• Visually inspect products throughout the process to verify quality and identify defects or deviations.
• Perform in-process quality checks and take appropriate corrective action when process deviations occur.
• Maintain accurate work documentation, including shop orders, production records, and computer-based entries.
• Read, understand, and follow production schedules and manufacturing order instructions.
• Work from shop orders to complete jobs in the correct sequence and within required timeframes.
• Load and unload annealing rigs, carts, and ovens to maximize annealing throughput.
• Inspect all product using the required tools to ensure compliance with specified requirements.
• Transfer product promptly to the next manufacturing process or to the warehouse to maintain production flow.
• Initiate and support activities that minimize downtime and improve product quality and process efficiency.
• Operate secondary equipment and other production machinery as needed, such as cast second operations equipment.
• Remove molds from machines once cycles are complete and clean trays as part of the production process.
• Use computers and hand documentation to record production data and quality results accurately.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and orderly work area and care for company property in line with high housekeeping standards.
• Follow all safety procedures and contribute to an injury-free work environment.
• Perform additional duties as required to support production and team goals.

Essential Skills

• At least 2 years of hands-on experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Proven machine operation experience in a production setting.
• Ability to read, write, and comprehend English to understand work orders, SOPs, and safety instructions.
• High school diploma or GED (or equivalent).
• Ability to read and use a tape measure accurately, including to 1/16 of an inch.
• Ability to use micrometers and other precision measuring tools for product inspection.
• Mechanical aptitude and comfort working with industrial machinery and tools.
• Computer navigation skills and the ability to complete electronic and hand-written documentation.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds or more as part of daily duties.
• Commitment to working safely and supporting an injury-free workplace.
• Basic math skills and comprehension at a high school level or equivalent.
• Ability to inspect products and recognize quality issues.
• Ability to work repetitive tasks consistently and accurately.
• Availability to work required shifts and mandatory weekend overtime when needed.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with table saws, extrusion equipment, overhead cranes, or CNC machinery is very helpful.
• Previous experience using micrometers, calipers, and other precision measuring instruments.
• Experience in production, general production, or inspection roles.
• Familiarity with hand tools and machine operating in a manufacturing environment.
• Forklift experience or certification is beneficial.
• Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, and process flow.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow detailed work instructions.
• Willingness to share knowledge with colleagues and support team problem-solving.
• Ability to work independently, make sound decisions within guidelines, and take ownership of assigned tasks.

Why Work Here?

You join a company that invests significant time and effort into training, giving you ample opportunity to grow your skills and advance in your role. The culture emphasizes leading by example, empowering employees to work independently, make confident decisions, and contribute meaningfully to shared goals and core values. Collaboration and knowledge-sharing are encouraged, with a strong focus on finding the best solution in every situation and creating future possibilities through continuous improvement. Work-life balance is genuinely valued, with an understanding that family and personal priorities are important and that the best results come from maintaining a healthy balance between work and life across all stages of a career.

Work Environment

This is a production-floor role in a manufacturing facility with three shifts: 1st shift (7:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m.), 2nd shift (3:00 p.m. 11:00 p.m.), and 3rd shift (11:00 p.m. 7:00 a.m.). The 3rd shift is fixed, while 1st and 2nd shifts typically rotate weekly. Weekend work is mandatory when needed across departments, with weekend hours matching regular shift hours; new employees generally do not work mandatory weekends until they reach a certain training level. The environment includes operating and working around industrial equipment such as extrusion machinery, table saws, CNC machines, overhead cranes, ovens, and annealing rigs, as well as using hand tools, forklifts, and precision measuring instruments. The production floor can be hot, especially in the summer, as there is no air conditioning in that area. Safety footwear with metatarsal or steel toe protection is required; strap-on metatarsals may be available if needed. Typical dress is practical and safety-focused, such as jeans and 100% cotton T-shirts appropriate for a manufacturing setting.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Reading, PA.

The pay range for this position is $22.72 - $22.72/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 Reading, PA.

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 24, 2026.

This is a fully onsite position in Reading,PA.

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.