Production Associate

Job Title: Production Associate Job Description The Production Associate supports the manufacturing of large fiberglass tubes and related components in a high-volume industrial facility. This role involves setting up and operating machines, working with composites and fiberglass, using a variety of measurement tools, and following detailed instructions and specifications. The position offers exposure to multiple production areas, opportunities for cross-training, and the chance to develop strong technical and mechanical skills in a close-knit, supportive environment. Responsibilities Set up and operate machines to shape composites and produce large fiberglass tubes according to production requirements. Read and interpret blueprints, diagrams, and work instructions to select, position, and secure machinery and materials correctly. Adjust machine settings and parameters to complete tasks accurately and within defined specifications. Follow established safety procedures and standard operating procedures (SOPs) throughout all production activities. Use math skills to perform measurements, conversions, and calculations needed for precise production tasks. Operate and use calipers, tape measures, and other measurement tools to verify dimensions and quality. Work in the Gear Box area using a variety of measurement tools to ensure components meet required tolerances. Support molding operations, including working with plastics and sheet fiberglass, and clean with acetone as required while following safety guidelines. Fill molds and work independently in the Element area, including blowing out dust from circular gears and performing repetitive tasks with consistency. Perform Cut & Bond activities, including using a computer to scan and enter data, tracking and meeting daily production goals (such as 20 parts per day), and partnering with a coworker to use a circular saw to cut material. Use a tape measure to confirm cut accuracy and adjust machine settings in the Cut & Bond area as needed. Assist in packaging operations, safely handling and packaging items weighing up to 40 pounds. Operate various shop equipment such as saws, grinders, and other power tools as part of daily production tasks. Perform basic inspection of parts and components using hand tools and measurement devices to ensure quality standards are met. Rely on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform job functions while maintaining consistent output and quality. Maintain a clean and organized work area, including cleaning tools and equipment after use as required. Collaborate with team members and communicate effectively with supervisors regarding production status, issues, and improvements. Participate in cross-training across multiple production areas and apply new skills learned on the job. Essential Skills High school diploma or GED. Minimum 6+ months of machine operator experience in a production or manufacturing environment. Knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures in manufacturing, including adherence to safety rules and SOPs. Ability to read a tape measure down to 1/32 of an inch accurately. Ability to convert fractions to decimals, or willingness and ability to learn how to do so. Ability to stand for 8 or more hours per day while performing production tasks. Ability to safely lift and handle items up to 40 pounds as part of packaging and material handling. Basic proficiency with hand tools, power tools, and machine operation in a shop environment. Comfort working with composites, fiberglass, and industrial cleaning agents (such as acetone) while following safety procedures. Ability to follow detailed written and verbal instructions and work within pre-established guidelines. Additional Skills & Qualifications 6+ months of experience using calipers, micrometers, or other precision measurement tools. 6+ months of experience working with composites in a manufacturing or fabrication setting. 6+ months of molding experience, particularly in plastics or fiberglass molding. 6+ months of experience performing machine setup, including adjusting settings and preparing equipment for production. 6+ months of experience working with mills, lathes, winders, or similar machining equipment. Experience reading and interpreting blueprints and diagrams in an industrial environment. Experience with computer use to scan and enter production data. Experience in machine shop work, including saw operation, grinding, and inspection, is beneficial. Ability to work independently and stay focused on repetitive tasks while maintaining quality. Comfort working in a large industrial facility and around powered saws and other loud equipment. Why Work Here? This opportunity combines the stability and benefits of a large, established global manufacturer with the feel of a close-knit, family-style operation. The facility operates with a strong sense of teamwork, where people know and care about each other, and every individual is treated as more than just a number. The environment encourages flexibility and collaboration, and employees have the chance to be cross-trained in multiple areas of production. As new skills and areas are learned, employees receive a significant pay increase for each new area mastered, creating clear opportunities for growth, development, and long-term career progression. Work Environment The role is based in a large industrial manufacturing facility focused on producing fiberglass tubes and related components. The workspace features wide open areas, and employees generally have a large work area to themselves. The environment includes running saws and other loud equipment, so hearing protection is required. The facility can be dusty and dirty, especially when working with fiberglass and cutting operations, and employees may get dirty if they brush against materials or equipment. Work involves exposure to acetone and other industrial substances, always handled in accordance with safety procedures. The standard schedule is a first-shift role, typically from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with overtime regularly available (approximately 15% overtime and additional overtime as an option). The production team is mid-sized, with around 16 team members collaborating across different areas. Required attire includes steel-toe footwear, jeans, and a T-shirt, along with safety glasses and hearing protection provided or required by the facility. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lincoln, NE. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $18.00/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 jobclassification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may besubject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefitsavailable 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 Lincoln,NE. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Sep 24, 2026. 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. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Aerotek