Production Associate

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Production Equipment Operator

Job Description

This role operates key production equipment in a dairy processing facility, including dryers, baggers, and standardizers. You monitor product flow, prepare batches, maintain quality and safety standards, and keep equipment and work areas clean and organized in a fast-paced, 24/7 production environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate assigned production equipment such as dryers, baggers, and standardizer machines in a safe and efficient manner.
• Monitor the flow of milk from incoming tankers through the drying process, ensuring consistent product throughput.
• Prepare and dump powdered product into batches according to specifications.
• Communicate clearly with the production department about batch details and types of production being run.
• Start up, run, and thoroughly clean the standardizer machine in accordance with procedures.
• Maintain proper quality standards and adhere to safety requirements for specific products and customers.
• Organize and clean the work area and machines regularly to support a safe and efficient production environment.
• Assemble and disassemble pumps and related equipment as needed for production and cleaning.
• Follow all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and FDA regulations at all times while on the production floor.
• Participate in approximately six weeks of training on first shift (7:00 am – 3:00 pm) prior to assignment to a regular shift.
• Work flexibly on any shift (1st, 2nd, or 3rd) and be willing to move to a different shift once hired direct.
• Be available to work increased hours, including up to seven days per week during busy seasons such as spring and winter (around Easter and Christmas).
• Work some holidays as part of a 24/7/365 operation, with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day when production does not run.
• Demonstrate reliable attendance and strong work ethic consistent with facility expectations.

Essential Skills

• Proven attendance record, validated through past employment references.
• Strong work ethic and reliability in previous roles.
• Basic math skills, including the ability to perform simple addition and subtraction (for example, 250 - 75, 300 + 250) to manage batch sizes bagged in increments of 50.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds throughout the shift, including large bags of powdered milk 5–10 times per shift and occasionally lifting overhead to dump into hoppers.
• Ability to stand and walk for the entire duration of the shift in a physically demanding production environment.
• Comfort working in a wet, hot, and humid production setting with continuous physical activity.
• High school diploma.
• General labor experience with demonstrated mechanical aptitude.
• Strong attention to detail to ensure product quality, safety, and compliance with procedures.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience in food or beverage production is preferred.
• Prior production or manufacturing experience in a plant environment is preferred.
• Comfort working in an FDA-regulated facility and following Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Willingness to cross-train on multiple jobs within the facility to support operational flexibility.
• Demonstrated longevity with past employers and career moves motivated by growth or better opportunities.
• Stable employment history without frequent short-term roles or unexplained gaps in employment.

Why Work Here?

Employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, shift premiums, and multiple performance-based bonuses that reward reliability, cross-training, and overtime contributions. The organization supports long-term financial security through retirement plan contributions and provides paid vacation and holidays from early in employment. A culture of recognition for perfect attendance and skill development encourages continuous growth, while structured raises offer clear progression over time.

Work Environment

The role is based in a modern dairy production plant that operates around the clock and can become hot and humid during summer months due to extensive machinery. The production floor is wet underfoot, and work is hands-on and physically demanding throughout the shift. As an FDA-regulated facility, strict Good Manufacturing Practices must be followed at all times. Employees work on one of three shifts (1st: 7:00 am–3:00 pm, 2nd: 3:00 pm–11:00 pm, 3rd: 11:00 pm–7:00 am), with approximately six weeks of training on first shift. Busy seasons in spring and winter may require working up to seven days per week, and some holidays are worked, although production does not run on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, or New Year’s Day. The facility provides a smock suit, elbow-length gloves, boots, and hairnets to be worn at all times on the plant floor, and employees wear comfortable pants and shirts under the uniform

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of DETROIT, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $15.00 - $18.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in DETROIT,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 30, 2026.

About Aerotek

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.

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.

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.