Machine Technician

Job Title: Machine Technician Job Description

The Machine Technician is responsible for setting up, operating, monitoring, and troubleshooting production and packaging machinery in a food manufacturing environment. This role focuses on carton flow and related equipment, ensuring machines are configured according to specifications, running efficiently, and producing high-quality product with minimal downtime and waste. The Machine Technician performs changeovers, basic preventive maintenance, and light mechanical adjustments while adhering to current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate carton flow and related production equipment in accordance with established procedures and guidelines.

• Adjust machine settings to complete tasks accurately, according to specifications and within required timeframes.

• Perform periodic checks on equipment to identify issues and solve problems as they are detected.

• Execute changeovers from one product format to another, ensuring equipment is properly configured for each run.

• Complete necessary pre-operation activities to ensure proper startup and operation on multiple pieces of equipment.

• Operate and monitor multiple pieces of equipment simultaneously to maintain quality production and minimize unplanned stops.

• Communicate effectively with team members and support teams to ensure continuous production of the correct product at high quality levels with minimal wasted time and materials.

• Perform basic preventive maintenance on packaging machines and assist in troubleshooting machine-related issues.

• Report any food safety or product quality issues to plant leadership promptly.

• Keep machines and surrounding work areas clean, organized, and safe at all times.

• Follow standardized work procedures and strictly adhere to safe work practices.

• Contribute to a continuous improvement environment by identifying and suggesting opportunities to enhance processes and equipment performance.

• Follow current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) and all applicable plant policies.

Essential Skills

• Demonstrated ability to set up and operate production and packaging machinery.

• Experience performing equipment changeovers between different product formats.

• Hands-on experience using basic hand tools to set up and adjust packaging lines.

• Ability to troubleshoot packaging lines and resolve routine mechanical issues.

• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to perform light adjustments and repairs on machinery.

• Basic preventive maintenance skills on production and packaging equipment.

• Basic math skills for measurements, counts, and production-related calculations.

• Basic computer skills for operating equipment interfaces and recording production data.

• Ability to read, speak, and write English fluently to understand work instructions, safety guidelines, and production documentation.

• Commitment to following current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) and standardized work procedures.

• Strong focus on safety, cleanliness, and maintaining an organized work area.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Spanish language fluency and/or knowledge is a plus for communication in a diverse workforce.

• Experience working in a food manufacturing or packaging environment is beneficial.

• Familiarity with continuous improvement practices and willingness to contribute ideas for process enhancement.

• Ability to work collaboratively with production, maintenance, and quality teams.

• Attention to detail to ensure correct product setup, quality standards, and compliance with food safety requirements.

Why Work Here?

Join a growing organization that values its employees and offers opportunities for professional growth and advancement. Team members enjoy appreciation events and a positive, supportive culture that recognizes hard work and dedication. Employees also benefit from access to complimentary snacks produced on-site, creating a rewarding environment where contributions directly support the success of the business.

Work Environment

This role is based in a food manufacturing facility operating on a first shift schedule from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The environment follows strict Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines to ensure product safety and quality. Team members work around production and packaging equipment and must adhere to cleanliness and hygiene standards at all times. The dress code requires compliance with GMP-related rules, including no jewelry and no make-up, along with appropriate protective attire as provided by the facility.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Piscataway, NJ.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $25.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Piscataway,NJ.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 11, 2026.

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.