Machine Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Machine Operator

Job Description

The New Hire Utility role focuses on learning and supporting equipment operation within the tube mill, handling aluminum products, and assisting extrusion and casting operations. You start as a Utility employee, receiving comprehensive training across multiple departments in machine operation, quality, packing, and inspection. Over time, you transition into a specific department, where you can remain or bid into other areas based on your interests and union guidelines. This position requires working safely, meeting quality standards, and supporting production goals in a busy manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Learn to operate equipment associated with the tube mill and extrusion processes, including machines used in aluminum manufacturing.
• Handle aluminum products and materials on and off machines using proper lifting techniques and hoists.
• Support tube mill operations on a shift schedule that is different from the extrusion department.
• Assist operators with extrusion and casting equipment, including setup, operation, and monitoring of machinery.
• Ensure all quality objectives are met by performing inspections, quality checks, and documenting results accurately.
• Report and review any unusual conditions, equipment issues, or safety concerns with lead operators or supervisors.
• Work as part of a team, interacting frequently with team members and management to meet daily production and quality goals.
• Follow safe job practices, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and all established safety and quality requirements.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Prior machine operation experience, particularly in metals or industrial manufacturing, is encouraged.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment with both older and newer, including robotic, machinery is beneficial.
• Previous forklift experience is a plus.
• Experience in extrusion, casting, tube mill operations, or similar industrial processes is advantageous.
• Comfort working long shifts, including potential 10–12 hour days and up to 6 days per week when needed.
• Strong work ethic, integrity, and a “can do” approach to cross-training and new responsibilities.
• Ability to progress from a utility role into more specialized positions within the extrusion department, subject to union bidding and internal processes.

Work Environment

The work takes place in a non-climate-controlled manufacturing environment that can be loud due to the machinery, but is generally open and spacious in most areas. Summers can be hot despite air flow and cooling fans, while the facility is heated in winter. Department hours follow steady but potentially long shifts, typically 7–3, 3–11, and 11–7, with the possibility of working 10–12 hour days up to 6 days per week. Most team members currently average around 50 hours per week. Tube mill employees are assigned to a team and have the same two days off each week. The environment includes very large equipment and complex machinery, ranging from brand-new robotic systems to equipment that is decades old. The nature of metals manufacturing requires regular use of lubricants such as grease, oil, and hydraulic fluids, and cleaning these substances is a routine part of the job. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided to support safe work practices. Flexibility is important, as union guidelines dictate shifts and job bidding across roles.

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

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $23.00/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 Richmond,VA.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 2, 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.

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.