Machine Operator

Job Title: Machine Operator

Job Description

The Machine Operator operates high-speed packaging machines within a food manufacturing facility and provides hands-on support to other operators and packers. This role focuses on safe and efficient machine setup, operation, and basic maintenance, while ensuring products are packaged accurately, labeled correctly, and meet all quality and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Set up and start complex packaging lines using checklists and center lining, and closely observe operations to identify and resolve machine malfunctions.
• Perform assigned preventative maintenance tasks to keep equipment running safely and efficiently.
• Adjust weight settings and roll stock on packaging machines and promptly report malfunctions to leadership and maintenance personnel.
• Make adjustments or minor repairs to line machinery to maintain smooth and efficient production and ensure necessary supplies are readily available.
• Maintain an adequate supply of product blend, keep accurate logs, and transport empty totes to the blending department and full totes to the mezzanine.
• Inspect filled containers to verify that products are packaged to specifications and properly coded and labeled.
• Replenish packaging supplies such as paper rolls, plastic bags, boxes, cartons, glue, ink, labels, locator tags, and windows for locator tags as needed.
• Maintain an adequate supply of shipping materials to support continuous production.
• Minimize scrap and waste by monitoring processes and making timely adjustments.
• Check metal detector function in accordance with quality assurance regulations and calibrate check-weighers to operate within control limits for each product.
• Drain product from machine hoppers when needed and thoroughly vacuum or wet clean machines in line with sanitary quality assurance specifications.
• Review and document work orders to identify special instructions and confirm use of proper packaging components.
• Complete all required paperwork neatly and accurately, including tare weight verification, packing material documentation, work orders, scrap records, daily production reports, and completed pallet information.
• Assist with daily packing operations by alternating with the packer on the line, including manually packing boxes of good and rejected envelopes of product.
• Make machine and process adjustments as needed to maintain established quality standards.
• Weigh containers and adjust product quantity to meet specified requirements.
• Inspect product and packaging materials at each step of the process to ensure quality and compliance.
• Record key information such as weight, time, date packaged, and code date for traceability and quality control.
• Participate in high-speed improvement teams to support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Keep the work area sanitary, organized, and free of debris.
• Follow all safety rules, procedures, and good manufacturing practices at all times.
• Coordinate downtime tasks with leads and team leaders to maximize productivity and support maintenance activities.
• Rotate break and lunch schedules to keep the line running and allow time for maintenance repairs.
• Document downtime on specific pieces of machinery accurately and promptly.
• Clean the entire line as needed to maintain sanitary and efficient operations.
• Assist in training new high-speed operators and packers when required.
• Report unsafe conditions and work-related accidents immediately to appropriate safety and leadership personnel.
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance to support consistent production schedules.

Essential Skills

• At least 1 year of machine operating experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience operating packaging machines, packaging lines, and general production equipment.
• Mechanical aptitude and the ability to perform basic adjustments and minor repairs on production machinery.
• Computer literacy to read work orders, enter production data, and complete electronic or digital documentation.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Experience in general production, packaging, inspection, and general labor within a manufacturing setting.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions, quality standards, and safety procedures consistently.
• Strong attention to detail for monitoring machine performance, packaging quality, and accurate recordkeeping.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience as a Machine Operator, Packaging Operator, Manufacturing Operator, or Production Operator in a food or similar manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with high-speed packaging equipment and packaging lines.
• Knowledge of good manufacturing practices and basic quality assurance procedures.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented production environment and participate in improvement initiatives.
• Strong organizational skills to manage supplies, documentation, and workflow on the line.

Why Work Here?

Employees enjoy a competitive pay structure with the opportunity for a raise upon becoming permanent, supporting long-term financial growth. The organization offers strong stability with low turnover, creating a reliable and secure work environment. Team members benefit from a positive culture that values safety, collaboration, and respect. The facility is climate regulated and designed with safety as a priority, helping employees feel comfortable and protected throughout their workday.

Work Environment

This role is based in a food manufacturing facility that is climate regulated, providing comfortable temperatures throughout the year. Workspaces are designed to be very safe, with established safety procedures and good manufacturing practices. The position operates on a first shift schedule, working Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., supporting a consistent daytime routine. The environment involves working on and around high-speed packaging equipment and production lines, handling packaging materials, and maintaining sanitary conditions on and around the machinery.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lenexa, KS.

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 Lenexa, KS.

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 15, 2026.

This is a fully onsite position in Lenexa,KS.

About Aerotek

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.