Machine Operator Material Handler

Job Title: Machine Operator Material Handler

Job Description

The Machine Operator is responsible for the safe and productive operation of machines, which may include Granulator, Shredder, Color System, Wet Sorter System, and/or Extruder. This role encompasses material handling and maintaining a high-quality product.

Responsibilities

• Understand, follow, and apply information from the Run Instruction Sheet (RIS). Set up, run, shut down, troubleshoot, clean, and perform general maintenance of the machines.
• Take regular and proper samples and systematically probe boxes as directed by RIS. Report any discrepancies to lab personnel and supervisor.
• Thoroughly clean boxes, lids, and skids before use. Assess packaging condition and dispose of any substandard material prior to reuse.
• Complete the Run Number Time Log at the end of each shift.
• Update the RIS as needed and communicate changes to the supervisor promptly.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area throughout the shift.
• Maintain and properly complete logs for production ledgers (inbound, outbound, rejects, and run) and quality control.
• Complete Work in Process (WIP) or Ready for Sale (RFS) tags.
• Compute weights accurately using gross, tare, and net figures.
• Weigh material in boxes and hoppers and record weights in appropriate places.
• Become a certified operator on both a forklift and aerial lift as needed.
• Assist with training new associates.
• Load and unload material, placing it into inventory locations using a forklift or pallet jack.
• Compute pounds per hour processed during run.
• Compute percentages to document various run conditions and productivity standards.
• Prepare boxes for material by placing labels in proper locations and/or removing extra labels.
• Participate in shift meetings and training sessions.

Essential Skills

• Experience working in a manufacturing environment is preferred.
• Basic math skills, including addition, subtraction, and calculating percentages.
• Mechanical aptitude and machine operation experience.
• Quality check and production experience.
• Sit down forklift experience is required.
• Ability to stand for the duration of the shift, outside of breaks.
• Ability to lift up to 65 lbs, though not repetitively.
• Comfortable working at heights, up to 25 feet with a harness.
• Good handwriting for record-keeping.
• Experience troubleshooting in a manufacturing environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Plastic manufacturing and injection molding experience.
• Experience with extrusion and extrusion machines.
• Material handling and general labor skills.
• Steel-toed or composite-toed shoes are required (not provided).
• Willingness to work mandated Saturdays if business needs dictate.

Why Work Here?

Enjoy a supportive work environment with comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and flexible spending accounts. Opportunities for growth exist with stock options, 401k plans, and advancement to leadership positions. The facility is expanding, providing a dynamic and growing work atmosphere.

Work Environment

This traditional manufacturing environment involves large machines, some two stories high, used for processing and separating plastics materials. While there is some dust and noise, hearing and eye protection is required. The facility can become hot in the summer and is comfortably cool in the winter. Personal protective equipment guidelines are strictly enforced, and employees must adhere to the dress code and safety regulations. Shift is Sunday - Thursday, 3rd shift. No cell phones or smartwatches are allowed on the production floor.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Indianapolis, IN.

The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $22.00/hr.

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 fully onsite position in Indianapolis,IN.

This position is anticipated to close on May 27, 2026.

About Aerotek

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

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.