Extrusion Machine Operator

Job Title: Extrusion Machine Operator – Night Shift

Job Description

This role operates and monitors an extrusion machine in a high-volume manufacturing environment on a night shift schedule. You will set up, run, and shut down extrusion equipment, ensure product quality, handle raw materials using a propane forklift, and work closely with a team to maintain a safe and efficient production process. The position requires reliability, strong attention to safety, and the ability to work a rotating 12-hour schedule that includes weekends.

Responsibilities

• Operate an extrusion machine, including startup, steady-state operation, and shutdown according to established procedures.
• Monitor machine performance and make routine adjustments to maintain consistent product quality and output.
• Perform quality checks on materials and finished products, ensuring they meet all specified quality standards and documentation requirements.
• Identify and stage raw materials for production, confirming correct materials are used for each run.
• Safely operate a 60-ton propane forklift to move raw materials, finished goods, and other production-related items within the facility.
• Follow all safety policies and procedures, proactively identifying and addressing potential hazards in the work area.
• Work collaboratively with team members and support personnel to meet production goals and resolve issues quickly.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area around the extrusion line and material handling zones.
• Assist with basic troubleshooting of the extrusion machine and related equipment, escalating issues to maintenance or leadership as needed.
• Complete required production and quality documentation accurately and in a timely manner.
• Support training activities by learning from experienced operators during day-shift training and applying that knowledge on night shift.
• Demonstrate consistent attendance, punctuality, and a positive attitude to support stable and reliable production operations.

Essential Skills

• Experience operating production or manufacturing machinery, preferably extrusion equipment.
• Ability to operate or learn to operate a 60-ton propane forklift safely; previous forklift experience is preferred.
• Strong commitment to safety, with the ability to follow safety procedures and use common sense in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow work instructions, quality specifications, and production documentation.
• Team-oriented mindset with the ability to communicate effectively and work cooperatively with others.
• Reliable attendance and strong work ethic, with a focus on performance, attitude, and accountability.
• Willingness and ability to work a rotating 12-hour night shift schedule, including weekends and overtime as required.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and comfort working with industrial equipment in a manufacturing setting.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience as an extrusion operator or in a similar plastics or manufacturing environment is preferred.
• Manufacturing experience is strongly preferred; candidates with prior factory or production experience are more likely to succeed.
• Willingness to obtain in-house forklift certification; training and certification are provided.
• Attention to detail and quality-focused mindset when inspecting materials and finished products.
• Ability to adapt to changing production demands and learn new processes or equipment as needed.

Why Work Here?

You will join a company that offers a stable, structured schedule with a three-day weekend every other weekend, supporting work-life balance. The rotation typically provides two to three days on followed by two to three days off, allowing for predictable time away from work. There are clear opportunities for growth, with regular pay increases as you move from temporary to direct hire and continue to develop your skills over time. The organization values safety, teamwork, and reliability, and invests in training and certification to help you build a long-term career in manufacturing.

Work Environment

This is a night shift role in a manufacturing facility operating from 4:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m., with initial training typically on a 4:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. day shift. The schedule follows a rotating pattern, with approximately 36 hours one week (for example, Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday) and 48 hours the next week (for example, Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday), including built-in overtime of about 2 hours per day. You will work around extrusion machinery, packaging areas, and material storage zones, and regularly use a 60-ton propane forklift. The environment is fast-paced, production-driven, and safety-focused, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and consistent attendance. Appropriate industrial work attire and adherence to safety and personal protective equipment requirements are expected at all times.

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

The pay range for this position is $19.50 - $19.50/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 Visalia,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on May 8, 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.