Production Technician

New Hire Utility Extrusion DepartmentThe New Hire Utility role provides a comprehensive introduction to aluminum extrusion and tube mill operations, focusing on safe machine operation, material handling, and quality control in a union manufacturing environment. Utility employees start by supporting multiple departments, learning to operate and assist with extrusion and casting equipment, and handling aluminum products on and off machines. Over time, successful hires transition into a specific department and role, with opportunities to bid into other areas as they progress in their career.ResponsibilitiesLearn to operate equipment associated with the extrusion department and tube mill, including press team operations, while following standard operating procedures and safe job practices.Support machine operations by moving materials on and off machines using proper lifting techniques, hoists, and other material handling equipment.Handle aluminum products throughout the production process, including machine operating, packing, inspecting, and quality-related tasks across multiple departments.Assist extrusion and casting equipment operators, ensuring machines run efficiently and reporting any unusual conditions to lead operators or supervisors.Follow all quality control and quality assurance procedures to ensure products meet established quality objectives and customer requirements.Perform routine inspection and quality checks on products and processes, documenting findings accurately and communicating issues promptly.Work collaboratively on a press team and in other production teams, interacting regularly with team members and management to meet daily production goals.Adhere to union-related guidelines regarding shift movement, flexibility, and job bidding, whether a union member or not, and remain open to assignment changes based on operational needs.Remain flexible and willing to work in any assigned role, including machine operation, general production support, packaging, inventory, and material handling, as cross-training needs arise.Learn and follow machine safety practices, including safe operation around large and complex machinery, both robotic and legacy equipment.Use hand tools and measuring tools such as tape measures to support production, assembly, and quality verification tasks.Maintain a clean and safe work area by cleaning up grease, oil, and hydraulic fluids associated with metals manufacturing processes.Operate or learn to operate forklifts and overhead cranes as needed to move materials and support production flow.Comply with all physical requirements of the role, including frequent lifting of more than 15 lbs and occasional assisted lifting and pulling of up to 100 lbs, stepping on and off machinery, and working around motorized equipment.Work assigned 2nd or 3rd shift schedules, including extended shifts up to 12 hours, and be available for weekend work and overtime as production demands require.Complete all required documentation clearly and accurately, including production records, quality reports, and any safety or incident reports.Participate actively in orientation, training, and cross-training programs to build skills and prepare for advancement into one of several specialized roles in the extrusion department.Demonstrate integrity, strong work ethic, and a positive, "can do" attitude toward learning new tasks, taking on cross-training, and contributing to team success.Essential Skills12 years of experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably in general labor, production support, machine operation, or assembly line work.Experience or familiarity with production or material handling, including working on production lines, assembly, packaging, and general production tasks.Basic machine safety knowledge and comfort working around large industrial equipment in a manufacturing environment.Ability to use hand tools and measuring tools such as tape measures to support production and quality tasks.Experience with or strong interest in learning machine operation, including press machines and other production equipment.Understanding of manufacturing process flow, including movement of raw materials through production and meeting production goals.Mechanical aptitude and ability to learn the operation of extrusion and casting equipment and other complex machinery.Ability and willingness to learn forklift operation if not already experienced, including safe driving and material handling practices.Strong verbal and written communication skills for documenting production activities, quality checks, and other required records.Ability to work 2nd or 3rd shift and to work up to 12-hour shifts as needed.Willingness to work weekends and to support a work schedule that may range from 40 to 60 hours per week depending on production needs.Ability to perform frequent lifting of more than 15 lbs and occasional assisted lifting and pulling of up to 100 lbs.Ability to step over obstacles, get on and off machinery, bend, push, and pull objects in excess of 15 lbs, and work around motorized equipment.Comfort working in a non-climate-controlled environment that can be loud and hot, with exposure to grease, oil, and hydraulic fluids.Willingness to work in a union environment and adhere to union-related terms regarding shifts, job bidding, and flexibility.Additional Skills & QualificationsPrior machine operation or assembly experience is encouraged, even if not extensive, particularly in environments involving production lines or press machines.Background in production, inventory, or quality control work, including quality assurance, inspection, and quality checks.Experience with forklifts, overhead cranes, or other material handling equipment is a plus.Comfort working around both modern robotic equipment and older industrial machinery.Demonstrated integrity, strong work ethic, and reliability in previous roles.Ability to adapt quickly to new tasks and departments, with a positive attitude toward cross-training and continuous learning.Interest in long-term career progression within a manufacturing environment, including bidding into specialized roles in the extrusion department.Ability to work effectively within a team-oriented environment and communicate clearly with team members and supervisors.Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of North Chesterfield, VA.Pay and BenefitsThe 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)Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in North Chesterfield, VA.Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Oct 2, 2026.