Machine Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Machine Operator Job Description

This role operates and monitors production machinery to ensure high-quality products are manufactured accurately and efficiently. The machine operator reads and follows detailed job tickets, sets up and adjusts equipment, performs quality checks, and collaborates closely with production and support teams to meet customer specifications and production goals.

• Read, understand, and accurately follow detailed job ticket instructions for each production run.
• Review job tickets for special instructions, job priorities, and any quality concerns related to the order.
• Complete all required production paperwork, including job tickets, first card sign-off, beginning-of-shift cards, data checks, and related documentation.
• Set up and adjust machine layouts to match data proofs, ensuring correct configuration before starting production.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot machine errors, and perform proper start-up and shut-down procedures for the production line.
• Obtain necessary approvals when making changes to machine settings, layouts, or processes.
• Inspect machines before and during production to confirm proper working order, including cameras, feeders, line belts (imaging and affixing), glue heads (affixing), knives, and dies.
• Make appropriate adjustments if the machine is not functioning correctly and contact maintenance when needed.
• Verify job duties and expectations with production assistants at their stations, providing clear verbal instructions when tasks need to be performed differently.
• Ensure production assistants understand expectations and any changes in process or quality requirements.
• Monitor products during production to ensure they meet customer specifications and internal quality standards.
• Periodically check product quality throughout the run, identifying and addressing defects or inconsistencies.
• Notify the lead or supervisor immediately if any concerns arise regarding product quality or job specifications.
• When a job is finished, complete all paperwork accurately and remove the job from the SPS program.
• Clean the staging area after each job, removing any products or materials from the previous job and recording all waste.
• Near the end of the shift, stage the production line for the next shift, including preparing trays, masters, boxes, and products.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the production line throughout the shift.
• Communicate efficiently and effectively with the production supervisor, data processing, maintenance, and management teams.
• Pass all relevant job information to the next shift operator through written notes and/or verbal communication.
• Prepare and send a shift report to the supervisor and team leads at the end of each shift.
• Adhere to all safety rules, regulations, and company policies while operating machinery and working on the production floor.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support production and operational needs.

• Experience in packaging or production environments for at least 6 months.
• Proven machine operation experience in general production, manufacturing, packaging, or printing machine environments.
• Strong handeye coordination to operate and monitor machinery safely and accurately.
• Good written and verbal communication skills to follow instructions and coordinate with team members.
• Good math skills to interpret job data, counts, and measurements accurately.
• Ability to stand or sit for long periods of time while operating or monitoring machines.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds as part of routine production tasks.
• Ability to pass a card test as part of the qualification process.
• Attention to detail to ensure layouts match data proofs and products meet specifications.
• Ability to diagnose basic machine issues and make appropriate adjustments.

• Background in machine operating within printing or affixing environments.
• Familiarity with imaging and affixing lines, including cameras, feeders, line belts, glue heads, knives, and dies.
• Comfort working with structured job tickets, production paperwork, and shift reports.
• Ability to work effectively across shifts, including handing off information to other operators.
• Strong sense of ownership for machine cleanliness, staging, and production readiness.

Employees join a collaborative production environment where clear processes, teamwork, and quality are highly valued. The role offers structured shifts that support predictable scheduling, along with opportunities to build hands-on technical skills in modern manufacturing and machine operation. Team members work closely with supervisors, maintenance, and data processing staff, gaining exposure to multiple aspects of the production process while contributing directly to delivering high-quality products for customers.

This position is based in a production and manufacturing facility that operates structured shifts. The first shift runs from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and the second shift runs from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The work involves operating and monitoring production and printing machinery, including imaging and affixing lines with cameras, feeders, line belts, glue heads, knives, and dies. Team members work on or near the production line for extended periods, either standing or sitting, and regularly handle materials up to 50 pounds. The environment emphasizes cleanliness and organization, with expectations to maintain a clean staging and production area and to prepare the line for the next shift. Communication with supervisors, data processing, maintenance, and management is frequent and essential to keep operations running smoothly. The dress code is casual, typically jeans and a T-shirt, appropriate for a hands-on manufacturing setting while following all safety rules and company policies.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Ramsey, MN.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $24.00/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)

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Ramsey, MN.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 28, 2026.

This is a fully onsite position in Ramsey,MN.

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.