Machine Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Molding Machine Operator 2nd Shift

Job Description

The Molding Machine Operator supports daily molding and casting operations by setting up molds, running molding equipment, and ensuring parts are produced to strict quality standards. This role is well suited for individuals with hands-on experience in injection molding or ceramic casting who understand basic mold setup, can identify and resolve common molding defects, and can perform routine mold and die maintenance to keep production running smoothly on a fast-paced production line.

Responsibilities

• Set up molds, dies, and tooling for injection molding, blow molding, ceramic casting, extrusion, or similar molding production processes.
• Operate molding machines and related production line equipment, including blow mold machines and plastic molding machinery, while monitoring cycle times and making basic parameter adjustments as needed.
• Identify and troubleshoot common molding issues such as short shots, flashing, incomplete fill, and surface defects to maintain consistent product quality.
• Perform routine mold and die maintenance, including cleaning, lubrication, changeovers, and minor mechanical adjustments to support continuous operation.
• Inspect molded parts for dimensional accuracy, surface quality, and overall consistency, following production specifications and quality standards.
• Read and follow work instructions, production specifications, and basic technical drawings to set up equipment and verify product requirements.
• Document production runs, mold changes, and process adjustments in accordance with established procedures.
• Communicate equipment issues, material concerns, or process deviations to supervisors or maintenance teams promptly.
• Work collaboratively within a structured, team-oriented environment to meet production goals and support continuous improvement.
• Maintain a safe and organized workstation, following established safety procedures and guidelines in a busy manufacturing setting.

Essential Skills

• Experience in injection molding, ceramic casting, or similar molding processes.
• Familiarity with mold setup, alignment, clamping procedures, and changeovers.
• Ability to recognize and troubleshoot molding defects such as short shots, flashing, incomplete fill, and surface imperfections.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and comfort performing minor mold and die maintenance tasks.
• Ability to read and interpret work instructions, production specifications, and basic technical drawings.
• Strong attention to detail and a clear commitment to producing high-quality, consistent parts.
• Ability to lift 3050 lbs and work safely in a fast-paced production environment.
• Comfort operating molding machines, blow mold machines, extrusion equipment, and other production line machinery as required.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with plastic molding, blow molding, and extrusion processes.
• Experience in machine operation within a manufacturing or industrial setting.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude for working with hydraulic and pneumatic equipment.
• Experience working on structured production lines with defined workstations and safety procedures.
• Ability to adapt to non-climate-controlled environments and maintain focus during extended shifts.
• Strong communication skills for coordinating with production, quality, and maintenance teams.

Why Work Here?

You will join a U.S. manufacturing operation that produces high-performance polymer and porcelain insulators for electrical transmission and distribution systems. The Virginia Beach facility focuses on advanced molding, assembly, and precision crimping processes, combining materials engineering expertise with strict quality and testing standards. The organization is recognized for durable, reliable products that support utility infrastructure across the country, and it emphasizes safety, consistency, and continuous improvement at every stage of manufacturing. You will work in a structured, team-oriented environment with a consistent full-time schedule and opportunities for overtime based on production demand.

Work Environment

This is a 2nd shift role, Monday through Friday from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM, 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 operations and hydraulic and pneumatic crimping equipment on a structured production line. Employees work at defined workstations under established safety procedures and are allowed to keep water at their workstation to stay hydrated throughout the shift. The schedule is consistent and full-time, with potential overtime opportunities driven by production needs.

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

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $18.00/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 fully onsite position in Virginia Beach,VA.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 7, 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.