Machine Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Machine Operator

Job Description

This role focuses on operating and supporting semiautomatic packaging lines, including box forming, closing, and case packing equipment, to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality production. You provide hands-on support to line leaders through changeovers, quality inspections, machine cleaning, and early detection of safety and quality issues, while consistently meeting production targets in a modern, high-speed manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate one or multiple pieces of production equipment on the semiautomatic line, including box formers, box closers, and case packers, ensuring smooth and efficient production flow.
• Move and handle raw materials to and from the production line, including loading, filling, lifting, and carrying materials as required.
• Provide proactive support and demonstrate leadership in safety and quality by identifying risks and escalating concerns promptly.
• Comply with all applicable safety legal requirements, internal safety standards, and manufacturing procedures in the work area.
• Maintain cleanliness and orderly conditions of machines and the working area before, during, and after each shift, following 5S principles.
• Perform machine operation tasks, including changeovers and fine adjustments, to optimize production on the semiautomatic line.
• Troubleshoot equipment issues quickly and effectively to minimize downtime and maintain continuous production.
• Follow established quality standards, work instructions, and inspection criteria to ensure products meet high-quality requirements.
• Conduct quality inspections, quality checks, and participate in line release audits to verify product and process compliance.
• Collaborate closely with maintenance, engineering, and other support teams to resolve technical issues and improve equipment performance.
• Achieve or exceed standard hourly production results and contribute to meeting overall line performance targets.
• Support line operation activities such as Autonomous Maintenance (AM), basic machine care, and routine preventative maintenance tasks.
• Propose and support implementation of improvements in production processes related to safety, quality, and operational efficiency.
• Use measurement tools such as tape measures and blueprints to verify dimensions and specifications during setup and production.
• Perform minor mechanical repairs and adjustments on production and packaging equipment as needed.
• Handle cardboard and packaging materials safely and efficiently, particularly in high-speed production environments.
• Operate CNC or similar production equipment when required, including understanding and working with CNC programs.
• Follow all site rules regarding personal items and attire while on the production floor to maintain safety and product integrity.
• Participate in training and performance feedback processes to continuously build skills and progress to higher-level operator roles.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Education in Mechatronics, an associate degree, or formal training in CNC operations and packaging equipment, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience with process manufacturing and packaging equipment is ideal but not required.
• Experience with cardboard processing machinery is preferred.
• Familiarity with Autonomous Maintenance (AM), 5S, and continuous improvement practices in a production setting.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and use measurement tools such as tape measures accurately.
• Experience with forklifts and material handling equipment is beneficial.
• Comfort working with mills and other manufacturing equipment as part of a broader production operation.
• Strong focus on safety, quality, and operational excellence, with a willingness to propose process improvements.
• Readiness to participate in structured career paths and progression programs, including training to become higher-level operators, trainers, or supervisors over time.

Why Work Here?

You join a culture that believes only the best is good enough, extending that philosophy to product quality, safe operations, and the well-being of every colleague. The environment emphasizes training benchmarks, consistent safety and training standards, and clear performance feedback models to help you learn, grow, and become part of the core team at a rapidly expanding site. There is strong upward mobility, with structured career paths that can lead to advanced operator levels, trainer roles, and supervisory opportunities as the facility grows. A comprehensive benefits program is available, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, 401(k), health spending accounts, and additional ancillary options. You accrue vacation at a rate of 120 hours per year from your hire date, have access to enhanced paid family care leave, and can participate in a performance-based bonus program with up to 10% eligibility. Wellness resources support you in being your best self, and the focus on people, community impact, and inspiring future builders creates a positive, purpose-driven workplace.

Job Type & Location

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

The pay range for this position is $22.50 - $22.50/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 Colonial Heights,VA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 16, 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.