Machine Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Machine Operator

Job Description

The Machine Operator sets up, operates, and maintains production machinery in a high-volume, fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role ensures safe operations, consistent product quality, and on-time delivery by following detailed work instructions, performing in-process inspections, and completing required documentation. The position requires working as part of a team to meet production goals while continuously improving safety, quality, and efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Observe and follow all safety rules and regulations, including the proper use and maintenance of personal protective equipment, and maintain a clean and safe work area.
• Operate production equipment and machinery in a safe and efficient manner to meet production schedules and quality standards.
• Set up machines to start production cycles, including preparing equipment, tools, and materials according to work instructions and specifications.
• Control and adjust machine settings, such as speed and other parameters, to maintain required sizes, finishes, and production rates.
• Feed raw materials or parts into semi-automated machines and monitor the flow of materials throughout the production process.
• Load and unload parts from machines, ensuring proper handling and placement to avoid damage and maintain quality.
• Work from work instructions, prints, in-process inspection plans, engineering layouts, customer specifications, and both written and verbal instructions to complete production tasks accurately.
• Machine parts to specified dimensions and finishes, observing machine operation and monitoring controls to detect irregularities or issues.
• Perform piece inspections and make necessary adjustments to maintain tolerances, parallelism, concentricity, and surface finish requirements.
• Use a variety of gauges and measuring instruments to verify product dimensions and quality, documenting results as required.
• Meet established quality standards while maintaining expected production rates and contributing to overall productivity goals.
• Replace worn or dull tooling as needed to maintain machine performance and product quality.
• Wash, clean, and pack parts as required to prepare them for shipment or the next stage of production.
• Accurately complete required quality and production reports and records using both paper forms and electronic computer applications.
• Perform daily maintenance and cleaning of machines, including lubrication and basic upkeep, to ensure reliable operation.
• Exercise proper care in the use of tools, equipment, and materials, and promptly detect and report faulty equipment, defective materials, improper operations, or unusual conditions.
• Participate as an active member of work teams, assisting in measuring team performance for safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Collaborate with team members, other business functions, customers, and suppliers to continually improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance.
• Participate in continuous improvement activities such as scrap and rework elimination projects and other kaizen events.
• Attend required training programs to maintain and enhance skills and knowledge related to machinery, processes, and safety.
• Assist in training other associates on procedures, equipment operation, and best practices to support team development.
• Arrange work schedules and priorities as needed to meet customer requirements and production deadlines.
• Use lift equipment when necessary to move and position stock and parts, ensuring loads are lifted and balanced safely.
• Perform 5S activities, including sorting, organizing, cleaning, standardizing, and sustaining a well-ordered work area.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 1 year of experience in a manufacturing or production environment.
• Hands-on experience with machine operation, including setting up, operating, and tending machines in a high-volume, fast-paced setting.
• Ability to set up machines to start production cycles, including configuring tools, fixtures, and materials according to specifications.
• Skill in controlling and adjusting machine settings, such as speed and operating parameters, to achieve required sizes and finishes.
• Experience feeding raw materials or parts into semi-automated machines and monitoring their operation.
• Ability to perform basic mechanical adjustments on machines to maintain product quality and equipment performance.
• Experience working in environments with press machines, stamping machines, or similar production equipment.
• Knowledge of metals, including precious metals, and how they behave during machining and forming processes.
• Ability to use gauges and measuring instruments to verify dimensions, tolerances, parallelism, concentricity, and surface finish.
• Capability to interpret and follow work instructions, prints, in-process inspection plans, engineering layouts, and customer specifications.
• Comfort working in a high-volume, fast-paced production environment while maintaining quality and accuracy.
• Physical ability to lift and move 35–50 lbs safely and repeatedly as part of daily tasks.
• Basic computer skills to complete paperless electronic quality and production reports.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to meeting quality and production standards.
• Ability to follow safety procedures consistently and use personal protective equipment correctly.
• Effective teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate with coworkers and support team performance goals.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with machine tending in a machine shop environment, including stamping presses and similar equipment.
• Experience in general production or assembly work within a manufacturing setting.
• Familiarity with scrap and rework reduction initiatives and participation in kaizen or continuous improvement events.
• Experience performing routine machine maintenance, including cleaning and lubrication.
• Comfort assisting in the training of other associates on equipment and processes.
• Ability to adapt to changing production priorities and schedules to meet customer needs.
• Familiarity with 5S practices and workplace organization principles.
• Strong communication skills to understand instructions and report issues clearly.

Why Work Here?

Employees benefit from a laid-back, supportive environment that values teamwork and continuous improvement while still offering the excitement of a high-volume manufacturing setting. The organization provides an attractive overtime program, including an additional hourly bonus for Saturday overtime and access to unlimited overtime for those who want to increase their earnings. Team members enjoy company-sponsored seasonal events for most holidays, fostering a sense of community and recognition throughout the year.

Work Environment

This role operates in a machine shop environment with extensive use of press machines, stamping machines, and other production equipment. The workday follows a first-shift schedule, typically running from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The setting is high-volume and fast-paced, requiring focus, attention to detail, and adherence to safety procedures. Team members use a variety of gauges, measuring tools, and computer applications to support production and quality tasks. The environment emphasizes cleanliness, organization, and 5S practices to maintain an efficient and safe workspace.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Pawtucket, RI.

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $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 Pawtucket,RI.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 14, 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.