Machine Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Molding Machine Operator – 1st Shift
Job Description

The Molding Machine Operator supports daily molding and casting operations by setting up molds, running molding equipment, and ensuring parts meet strict quality standards. This role is well suited for individuals with hands-on experience in injection molding, ceramic casting, or similar molding processes who can perform basic mold setup, identify and correct common defects, and carry out routine mold and die maintenance to keep production running smoothly on a 1st shift schedule.

Responsibilities

• Set up molds, dies, and tooling for injection molding, ceramic casting, or similar molding production runs.
• Operate molding machines and related production line equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
• Monitor machine cycle times and basic operating parameters, making adjustments within defined limits to maintain stable production.
• Identify and troubleshoot common molding issues such as short shots, flashing, incomplete fill, and surface defects.
• Perform routine mold and die maintenance, including cleaning, lubrication, and minor mechanical adjustments to support reliable operation.
• Inspect molded parts for dimensional accuracy, surface quality, and overall consistency against production specifications.
• Read and follow work instructions, production specifications, and basic technical drawings to set up and run jobs correctly.
• Document production runs, mold changes, machine settings, and process adjustments accurately and in a timely manner.
• Communicate equipment issues, material concerns, or quality problems promptly to supervisors or maintenance teams.
• Support changeovers between molds and jobs to minimize downtime and maintain production flow.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area and follow all established safety procedures and guidelines.
• Work effectively as part of a team in a fast-paced manufacturing environment to meet production and quality targets.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on experience in injection molding, ceramic casting, blow molding, extrusion, or similar molding processes.
• Proficiency in operating molding machines and production line equipment in a manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with mold setup, alignment, clamping procedures, and changeover activities.
• Ability to recognize, diagnose, and troubleshoot common molding defects such as short shots, flashing, incomplete fill, and surface blemishes.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and comfort performing minor mold and die maintenance, including cleaning, lubrication, and small adjustments.
• Ability to read and interpret work instructions, production specifications, and basic technical drawings.
• Strong attention to detail with a commitment to producing high-quality, consistent parts.
• Capability to work in a fast-paced production environment while maintaining safety and quality standards.
• Physical ability to lift 30–50 lbs as part of normal daily duties.
• Reliable communication skills to report equipment, material, or quality issues clearly and promptly.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with plastic molding processes such as injection molding, blow molding, and blow mold machine operation.
• Background in operating molding, extrusion, or related plastic processing equipment.
• Experience supporting changeovers and mold set up in a production setting.
• Comfort working with polymer materials and understanding basic characteristics of molded plastic or ceramic components.
• Prior experience in a structured, safety-focused manufacturing environment.
• Strong teamwork mindset and willingness to follow established procedures and continuous improvement practices.

Why Work Here?

The organization manufactures high-performance polymer and porcelain insulators that play a critical role in electrical transmission and distribution systems across the country. The Virginia Beach facility specializes in advanced molding, assembly, and precision crimping processes, combining materials engineering expertise with rigorous quality and testing standards. Employees join a team that values safety, consistency, and continuous improvement at every stage of manufacturing. The company offers a stable, full-time schedule with opportunities for overtime based on production demand, and provides a structured, team-oriented environment where employees can develop their technical skills while contributing to reliable utility infrastructure.

Work Environment

This position operates on 1st shift, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with a consistent full-time schedule and potential overtime based on production needs. Work takes place in a non-climate-controlled production facility where temperatures can become very hot during the summer months. The environment is fast-paced and hands-on, featuring polymer molding and hydraulic/pneumatic crimping equipment within defined workstations and established safety procedures. Team members work in a structured, team-oriented setting that emphasizes safe work practices, organization, and adherence to process standards. Employees may keep water at their workstation to stay hydrated throughout the shift, supporting comfort and safety while working on the production floor.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Virginia Beach, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $17.00 - $17.00/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 Virginia Beach,VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 10, 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.