Assembler/Machine Operator

Job Title: Assembler / Machine Operator Heat Exchangers (Night Shift)

Job Description

This role combines hands-on assembly and machine operation in a modern, climate-controlled manufacturing facility. You will use hand and power tools, operate machinery to load and unload units into testing equipment, and support both production and shipping activities. The position primarily covers night shifts and offers the opportunity to grow into semi-automated line operations and cross-train across multiple manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Assemble units using a variety of hand and power tools, following detailed manufacturing orders, drawings, and blueprints.

• Operate machinery to safely load and unload finished units into testing equipment ensuring proper handling and process adherence.

• Perform machine operator tasks, including monitoring equipment performance, stopping production in case of safety, quality, or environmental deviations, and reporting issues promptly.

• Handle materials and components, including copper, metal assemblies, piping, and brazed parts, and support stocking and material handling activities.

• Support outbound shipping operations such as picking, packing, FedEx shipping, and working within a Warehouse Management System (WMS) for outbound shipments.

• Receive daily work assignments from team leadership and execute production tasks in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• Accurately and consistently use required personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, steel-toe shoes, hand gloves, uniform, and other gear as required by specific processes.

• Report any safety, quality, parts, or equipment deviations on status boards immediately and update team leadership on issues and progress.

• Actively participate in daily status board meetings, explain deviations, and propose practical solutions to improve safety, quality, and efficiency.

• Review existing Standard Operating Procedures and suggest improvements to enhance clarity, safety, and productivity.

• Identify and eliminate waste in your area, including unnecessary time, motion, transportation, and excess inventories, and drive continuous improvement activities.

• Engage in daily and weekly 5S routines to maintain a clean, organized, and efficient work area and sustain high 5S standards.

• Use downtime effectively to learn new processes, cross-train in different manufacturing operations, and support improvement initiatives from status board activities.

• Communicate and coordinate with support functions such as Quality, Maintenance, Order Planning, and Warehouse as needed to resolve issues and keep production running smoothly.

• Initiate and participate in problem resolution and improvement activities related to safety, quality, and process performance.

• Operate stand-up forklifts for material movement and support warehouse and production needs, following all safety guidelines.

• Support both assembly and shipping departments as needed, including working as a floater within the BHE department when required.

• Maintain accurate documentation and basic computer entries related to production, shipping, and inventory using intermediate computer skills.

• Contribute positively to a strong team-oriented culture, collaborating with assemblers, team leads, and other departments to meet production goals.

Essential Skills

• 23 years of experience in a manufacturing environment working with machines, equipment, and jigs.

• Demonstrated experience in assembly work using hand and power tools, ideally on mechanical or higher-level assemblies.

• Ability to safely lift up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.

• Forklift operating experience, preferably with stand-up forklifts.

• Experience in outbound shipments, including picking, outbound shipping, and FedEx shipping processes.

• Ability to read and interpret drawings, blueprints, and manufacturing orders.

• Intermediate computer skills for basic data entry, WMS use, and production documentation.

• Mechanical aptitude and familiarity with power tools, hand tools, and general mechanical assembly practices.

• Experience in electrical, plumbing, or machine operation in an industrial or manufacturing setting.

• Capability to recognize and respond to safety, quality, and environmental deviations, including stopping production when necessary.

• Comfort working with materials such as copper, metal assemblies, piping, and brazed components.

• Strong attention to detail and consistency in following Standard Operating Procedures and safety requirements.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Electrical-mechanical experience with higher-level mechanical assemblies is highly desirable.

• Experience in quality assurance, maintenance, or similar technical roles is considered a strong plus.

• Familiarity with 5S methodologies and continuous improvement practices within a manufacturing environment.

• Experience with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and outbound shipping workflows.

• Material handling and stocking experience in a production or warehouse setting.

• Ability to communicate clearly with cross-functional teams, including Quality, Maintenance, Order Planning, and Warehouse.

• Comfort working on semi-automated production lines and learning new manufacturing processes.

• Problem-solving mindset with a willingness to propose and implement improvements to processes and procedures.

• Flexibility to work across different areas such as assembly and shipping and to serve as a floater within the department when needed.

Why Work Here?

You will join a modern, climate-controlled facility with an onsite cafeteria offering made-to-order breakfast and lunch, making each shift more comfortable and convenient. Advancement opportunities are significant, with many supervisors and leads having started in production and built long-term careers over more than 15 years. The organization is a global leader in heat transfer, separation, and fluid handling technologies, backed by thousands of patents and a long history of innovation dating back to the 19th century. With production operating at record-high capacity and new units enabling future growth across North America and globally, you will work in a stable, growth-oriented environment that values continuous improvement, skill development, and internal promotion.

Work Environment

This is a clean, climate-controlled production and warehouse environment with a strong team atmosphere. Multiple shifts are available, including 1st shift (approximately 6:00 a.m.2:30 p.m., MondayFriday), 2nd shift (approximately 2:00 p.m.10:30 p.m., MondayFriday), and 3rd shift (approximately 10:00 p.m.6:00 a.m., SundayFriday), with the greatest need on the night shift. The department is newly established and in the process of being set up and organized, offering the chance to be part of building and refining operations. You will work alongside a small team of assemblers and team leads, with warehouse space located next to the production area to streamline material flow. Required attire includes steel-toe shoes, long pants, and a plain t-shirt; safety glasses are provided, and additional PPE such as gloves and uniform items are used as required by specific processes. The onsite restaurant serves breakfast and lunch, and the overall culture emphasizes collaboration, safety, and continuous improvement in a well-structured manufacturing setting.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $21.00/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)

Job Type & Location

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

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 29, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in RICHMOND,VA.

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.