Machine Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Extrusion Operator
Job Description

This role focuses on operating a variety of extrusion equipment in a fast-paced production environment. You will set up machines based on production orders, monitor and maintain product quality, and ensure that finished products are correctly labeled and packaged. The position offers hands-on training, exposure to large industrial machinery, and the opportunity to grow through clearly defined skill levels.

Responsibilities

• Operate a variety of extrusion machines in accordance with production orders and work instructions.
• Set up extrusion equipment based on production orders, including adjustments required for different materials and products.
• Check operating controls and verify the safety of equipment before starting production.
• Obtain raw materials for processing from inventory bins and report any damaged, defective, or missing material to the supervisor.
• Monitor material quality throughout the production run, identify defects, and adjust machine parameters as needed to maintain quality standards.
• Collect samples for quality control checks and follow established procedures to ensure consistent product quality.
• Label and pack finished products directly from the machine according to work order instructions and customer requirements.
• Review work orders and drawings, clarify any discrepancies, and resolve conflicts before or during production.
• Wear a respirator and other required personal protective equipment to safely perform machine setup and related tasks.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in line with company policies and housekeeping standards.
• Follow OHSA safety standards at all times and adhere to all safety procedures and guidelines.
• Identify and promptly report any potential safety hazards or equipment issues to a supervisor or manager.
• Handle materials, including lifting up to 50 lbs occasionally, and move products or components as needed for production and packaging.
• Work collaboratively with team members to meet production goals and support continuous improvement in the department.
• Adapt to a fast-paced environment by learning new tasks quickly and assisting in general production activities as needed.

• At least 2 years of experience as a Machine Operator or in a similar role working with large machines and materials.
• Experience in heavy general labor, heavy machine operation, carpentry, or construction.
• Hands-on experience in production, material handling, packaging, or extrusion environments.
• Ability to operate and monitor large industrial equipment safely and effectively.
• Capability to wear a respirator to perform machine setup and related tasks.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally and perform physically demanding tasks.
• High school diploma or equivalent work experience.
• Good job tenure with a stable work history.
• Strong attendance record and reliability in meeting scheduled work hours.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced production environment.
• Ability to follow work orders, read basic drawings, and resolve simple production-related conflicts.
• Strong teamwork skills and willingness to collaborate with others on the production floor.
• Motivation to learn and operate machinery with attention to detail and safety.

• Fast learner with the ability to quickly understand new processes and equipment.
• Patience and persistence when troubleshooting issues or learning new tasks.
• Self-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision once trained.
• Basic power tool skills and familiarity with mechanical concepts.
• Some mechanical aptitude for understanding how machines operate and how to make minor adjustments.
• Interest in operating and working around industrial machinery and extrusion equipment.
• Basic Microsoft Office skills for reading instructions, simple documentation, or reporting.
• Comfort working in a general production, construction, or heavy labor environment.
• Experience in extrusion or compounding processes is a plus.

This opportunity offers a clear path for growth with a contract-to-hire structure and defined progression levels. You will start at an entry-level position and can advance through multiple skill tiers, receiving pay increases at each stage as you develop your abilities. The culture emphasizes teamwork, reliability, and continuous learning, providing a supportive environment for individuals who want to build a long-term career in manufacturing. You will gain hands-on experience with advanced production processes and materials used across aerospace, wind energy, marine, automotive, and other high-technology industries.

Work Environment

The role is based in a fast-paced production facility that manufactures vacuum bagging and composite tooling materials used in high-performance applications such as aerospace, wind energy, marine, automotive, printed circuit boards, solar energy, and general FRP composites. The environment involves working around large extrusion and related machinery, handling materials such as films, tapes, rubber, pressure pads, cutting tools, and composite reinforcements. You will work with equipment and processes designed for high-temperature applications, and you must consistently follow OHSA safety standards and company safety policies. The setting is hands-on and physically active, requiring occasional lifting of up to 50 lbs and the use of personal protective equipment, including a respirator during machine setup. The facility promotes a team-oriented atmosphere where employees support one another to meet production targets while maintaining cleanliness, organization, and safety on the production floor.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Huntington Beach, CA.

The pay range for this position is $22.50 - $23.50/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 Huntington Beach,CA.

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

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.

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 meet 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 in solving 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.

Company Description

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 meet 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 in solving 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.