Machine Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Machine Operator / Line Operator

Job Description

This role involves working on a production line in a food manufacturing facility, learning the full process from mixing and refining through packaging and intermediate machine-based steps such as panning, portioning, baking, extracting, grinding, and depositing. Production line workers operate and monitor machinery to produce inclusions, such as ingredients for ice cream, muffin mixes, cereals, oatmeal, waffles, and chocolate, while completing required documentation and quality checks. Some employees may serve as floaters, supporting multiple lines and positions to ensure smooth operations across the facility.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor production line machinery involved in mixing, refining, panning, portioning, baking, extracting, grinding, depositing, and packaging.
• Produce inclusions and chocolate products that will be used as ingredients in ice creams, muffin mixes, cereals, oatmeal, waffles, and other food products.
• Learn and follow the entire production process for assigned line(s), including start-up, normal operation, changeovers, and shutdown procedures.
• Complete all required production paperwork accurately and on time, including batch records, logs, and other documentation.
• Perform metal detector checks on an hourly basis and document results to ensure product safety and compliance with food safety standards.
• Scan products in and out of the system as required to maintain accurate inventory and production tracking.
• Follow new and existing processes, procedures, and work instructions, including cGMP and other food manufacturing requirements.
• Act as a floater when assigned, learning and supporting multiple production lines and positions based on daily operational needs.
• Assist with troubleshooting mechanical issues on production equipment and take appropriate steps to minimize downtime.
• Perform changeovers on machines, including cleaning, adjusting, and setting up equipment for different products or batches.
• Lift and move boxes and ingredients weighing up to 50 pounds on a regular basis throughout the shift.
• Maintain a fast work pace while standing for the entire shift in a production environment.
• Use pallet jacks to move materials and products safely within the facility.
• Adhere to all health, safety, and food safety guidelines, including proper use of personal protective equipment and compliance with facility rules.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, supporting overall facility cleanliness and adherence to good manufacturing practices.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 6 months of experience in a production or manufacturing role producing a product.
• Experience in food, chemical, or pharmaceutical manufacturing, ideally in a GMP or cGMP environment.
• Experience operating production or processing machinery, including starting, stopping, and monitoring equipment.
• Ability to assist with troubleshooting mechanical issues on machines to keep equipment running smoothly and minimize downtime.
• Capability to perform machine changeovers and adjust equipment for different products or batches.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly and stand for 100% of a 12-hour shift.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced production environment with repetitive tasks and continuous movement.
• Familiarity with mixing or blending processes in a manufacturing setting.
• Ability to follow detailed processes, procedures, and safety guidelines consistently.
• Basic ability to complete production paperwork and follow documentation requirements.
• Willingness to work rotating 12-hour shifts, including days and nights, as scheduled.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience in food manufacturing, especially with mixing batches, blending, or similar roles.
• Experience operating or working with metal detectors and performing metal detector checks.
• Familiarity with cGMP requirements and working in regulated manufacturing environments.
• Experience using pallet jacks to move materials safely.
• Mechanical aptitude and strong interest in learning how machines work and how to optimize their performance.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot mechanical problems and resolve minor issues without always relying on maintenance.
• Experience in roles such as mixer, blender, or machine operator in food or chemical manufacturing.
• Flexibility and willingness to serve as a floater, learning multiple lines and positions across the facility.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality and food safety.

Why Work Here?

Employees join a growing, internationally connected company that offers clear pathways for advancement into roles such as mixers, team leads, supervisors, and positions in other departments. The rotating 12-hour schedule provides built-in days off during the week, and there are frequent opportunities for overtime, with the potential to work up to 60 hours in a week. Upon conversion to a permanent role, employees gain access to robust benefits, paid holidays, holiday pay, and a monthly vending card allowance. High-performing permanent employees may also qualify for an incentive trip abroad to learn advanced production processes, providing unique professional development and recognition opportunities.

Work Environment

This position is based in a clean, well-lit food manufacturing facility that operates under strict health and safety guidelines. The environment is fast-paced and requires standing for the entire 12-hour shift while working on rotating day (6:30 a.m.–6:50 p.m.) or night (6:30 p.m.–6:50 a.m.) schedules, with training provided on the assigned shift. The facility is climate controlled, but temperatures can reach up to 100 degrees due to heat from machinery and ovens, and the air can become dusty because of the products manufactured. Employees work with production machinery, metal detectors, and pallet jacks, and must consistently follow food safety and cGMP practices. The dress code includes wearing hairnets, beard nets (as applicable), steel-toed shoes, and lab coats to maintain a safe and hygienic production environment.

If you are interested in this role, please schedule a Video Interview with me using this link:

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Affton, MO.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $21.50/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 Affton,MO.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 23, 2026.

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 meets 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 solving for 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.

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.

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.