Assistant Machine Operator

Job Title: Machine Operator Assistant

Job Description

The Machine Operator Assistant supports manufacturing operations in a high-volume corrugated packaging facility by learning and assisting with machine setup, operation, and general production tasks. This role starts as a helper, working closely with experienced operators to stack materials, move product, and support machine operation while progressively acquiring new skills. The position is on 1st shift, typically 5:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, with mandatory overtime on Fridays and occasional weekend shifts. It is ideal for motivated, mechanically inclined individuals who want to build a long-term career in manufacturing and grow into a press operator role.

Responsibilities

• Support machine operators by stacking materials, moving product, and assisting with general machine operation tasks.
• Learn to safely and efficiently operate various pieces of converting equipment under the guidance of experienced manufacturing personnel.
• Effectively learn and apply established quality control procedures to ensure products meet specifications and standards.
• Read and follow order specification documents and work instructions accurately.
• Execute position responsibilities as they pertain to the assigned work center, maintaining productivity and quality expectations.
• Consistently work to develop and enhance your skill set, progressing through defined position steps over time.
• Effectively collaborate with co-workers and contribute to a team-oriented approach to achieve production goals.
• Follow all company rules, policies, and safety procedures, including working safely around heavy equipment in a fast-paced environment.
• Successfully work in multiple areas of the converting plant and perform to expectations in each area as needed.
• Maintain a high focus on personal and team safety, including proper lifting techniques and awareness of facility conditions.
• Demonstrate reliable attendance and punctuality, including mandatory overtime on Fridays and occasional weekend shifts.
• Ask questions, seek clarification, and actively participate in learning opportunities to prepare for advancement to machine operator roles.
• Apply basic math skills and use a tape measure to verify dimensions and product specifications.
• Support housekeeping and organization in work areas to maintain a clean, efficient, and safe environment.

Essential Skills

• Ability to read and write English to understand work orders, safety instructions, and quality procedures.
• Mechanical aptitude and the ability to learn new machine-related skills within a standard timeline.
• Comfort working around heavy equipment in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Mental and physical ability to perform at a high pace with a strong sense of urgency while maintaining safety, quality, and productivity standards.
• Basic math knowledge and the ability to accurately read and use a tape measure.
• Strong attention to detail to ensure product quality and adherence to specifications.
• Ability to consistently lift up to 50 lbs, and at times up to 75 lbs, throughout the shift.
• Physically capable of performing repetitive, manual tasks in a large facility that can be hot in the summer and cold in the winter.
• Ability to work mandatory overtime on Fridays and occasional weekend shifts.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
• Must be able to pass a drug screen and physical abilities test.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Prior experience in production, general labor, or general manufacturing is highly beneficial.
• Experience with machine operation or machine assisting in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and interest in understanding how machines work and how to troubleshoot basic issues.
• Ability to multitask and manage several responsibilities simultaneously in a busy production setting.
• Strong teamwork skills and willingness to support co-workers to achieve shared goals.
• Curious mindset with a habit of asking questions and seeking to understand processes and equipment.
• Ambitious, with long-term goals and a desire to move up into machine operator and press operator roles.
• Comfortable memorizing procedures, machine steps, and troubleshooting processes required for operator positions.
• Reliability in attendance and punctuality, with a proven track record of staying in roles and building tenure.
• Positive attitude, eagerness to learn, and willingness to contribute to a collaborative team culture.

Why Work Here?

This facility offers a strong culture of growth, learning, and internal promotion, giving motivated individuals a clear path to advance into press operator positions and significantly increase their earnings as they gain skills. Team members benefit from comprehensive medical and dental coverage with no monthly employee premium, putting more money directly in their pockets. The workplace features an on-site gym available to full-time employees and a large break room with food for purchase, supporting health and convenience during long shifts. Employees receive paid vacation, paid sick leave, paid holidays, a 401(k) plan, and annual performance reviews with wage increases based on skill progression. Additional perks include Christmas bonuses, company BBQs several times a year, and both annual raises and performance-based raises, reflecting a leadership philosophy that rewards hard work and skill development.

Work Environment

The role is based in a very large corrugated packaging manufacturing facility that operates state-of-the-art converting equipment, including a 112" multiflute corrugator, 62" single face laminator, multiple rotary die cutters, flexo folder gluers, platten diecutters, and specialty folder gluers. The standard schedule is 1st shift from 5:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, with mandatory overtime on Fridays (often about 60% of the year) and the possibility of additional weekend shifts, typically around 8 hours, which may occur on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. The environment is fast-paced and physically demanding, with significant lifting and movement of materials; the facility can become hot in the summer and cold in the winter, so employees should be prepared for variable temperatures and appropriate work attire. The plant emphasizes safety, quality, and productivity, and employees work in small teams around large machines, gaining exposure to various equipment and cross-training opportunities, especially on weekend and swing shifts. The site includes an internal gym for full-time employees and a large break room with food available for purchase, providing space to rest and recharge during breaks.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Kent, WA.

The pay range for this position is $24.30 - $24.30/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 Kent,WA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 15, 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.