Machine Operator

The machine operator / electrode technician plays a key role in the electrode manufacturing process, producing high-quality anode and cathode electrodes for advanced battery applications. This role focuses on the electrode coating process, including machine start-up, loading coating mixtures, monitoring production, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring both in-process and finished product quality. The technician will grow into a subject matter expert in roll-to-roll slot die coating and will help develop, optimize, and own the coating process within a highly technical manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate and oversee the electrode coating machine, including safe start-up, shutdown, and routine operation.
• Load coating mixtures into the machine and ensure consistent, accurate application onto aluminum and copper sheets.
• Monitor the roll-to-roll slot die coating process and adjust parameters to maintain product quality and process stability.
• Perform in-process quality checks and verify that finished electrodes meet defined specifications and standards.
• Document process conditions, production data, and quality results accurately and in a timely manner.
• Troubleshoot mechanical and process-related issues on automated coating and related production equipment.
• Understand and characterize process capabilities using design of experiments and data analysis.
• Develop and optimize process conditions for new materials, recipes, and electrode designs.
• Lead new process development from validation at pilot scale through scale-up to mass production.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to solve technically complex problems using first-principles thinking and data-driven methods.
• Support related production operations such as slitter machines, calendering, coating, punching, and other mechanical equipment as needed.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in accordance with battery manufacturing cleanliness standards.
• Handle materials safely, including lifting up to 50 lbs and performing physical tasks such as bending, squatting, and reaching as required in a manufacturing environment.

• Machine operating experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience troubleshooting automated machines in a production setting.
• Experience taking responsibility for in-process and finished product quality in manufacturing.
• Ability to operate and troubleshoot coating machines and related production equipment.
• Mechanical troubleshooting skills for production and assembly line equipment.
• Ability to stand on feet for the full shift.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform bending, squatting, and other physical tasks as needed.
• Use of steel-toed shoes in the production environment.
• Comfort working in a manufacturing environment with production lines and quality checks.

• Experience operating mechanical slitter, calender, coater, or punching equipment.
• Background in production, assembly line, or manufacturing industry environments.
• Familiarity with roll-to-roll processes and slot die coating is highly beneficial.
• Experience with process development, including design of experiments and data analysis.
• Experience leading process validation at pilot scale and supporting scale-up to mass production.
• Ability to collaborate with multi-functional teams to solve technical problems using data-driven approaches.
• Strong attention to detail and dexterity when working with precision manufacturing processes.

You will join a dynamic organization in an exciting research and development phase, where processes are still evolving and every day brings new challenges and learning opportunities. The environment feels like a startup, offering the chance to help shape processes from the ground up rather than simply following established routines. You will gain hands-on experience with advanced battery manufacturing technologies, work closely with experts across disciplines, and develop into a subject matter expert in a highly specialized field. This role offers significant room for professional growth, continuous problem solving, and the satisfaction of contributing directly to innovative energy solutions.

Work Environment

The facility is a very clean production environment designed to meet stringent battery manufacturing requirements. The coating area, while the most exposed to coating materials, remains clean and well maintained. The workspace is temperature controlled to a comfortable level, typically around the mid-70s Fahrenheit even during warmer months. The role follows a first-shift schedule, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Team members work around automated coating and related production equipment such as slitters, calenders, and punching machines. The position requires standing for most of the shift, regular material handling, and adherence to safety practices, including wearing steel-toed shoes and appropriate manufacturing attire.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Indianapolis, IN.

The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $23.00/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 Indianapolis,IN.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 4, 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.

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.