Production Technician

Job Title: New Hire Utility – Extrusion and Tube Mill Operations

Job Description

The New Hire Utility role supports aluminum extrusion and tube mill operations by learning to operate production equipment, handling materials on and off machines, and maintaining high standards of safety and quality. You will rotate through multiple departments, gain hands-on experience with machinery and production processes, and eventually move into a specific role within the extrusion department. This position is ideal for individuals with mechanical aptitude, a strong work ethic, and an interest in growing their skills in a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Learn to operate, support, and monitor equipment associated with aluminum extrusion and tube mill operations.
• Handle aluminum products and materials on and off machines using proper lifting techniques, hoists, and other material handling equipment.
• Support the press team operations within the extrusion department, including assisting with extrusion and casting processes.
• Meet all quality objectives by following standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and safe job practices.
• Perform machine operation tasks such as starting, stopping, and monitoring equipment, while promptly reporting unusual conditions to lead operators or supervisors.
• Assist with quality control activities including inspecting product, performing quality checks, and documenting results accurately.
• Carry out general production duties such as packing, labeling, and preparing finished product for shipment or further processing.
• Participate in machine and line changeovers, basic adjustments, and cleaning tasks to support continuous production.
• Learn and apply proper machine safety practices, including lockout/tagout procedures as directed, and safe operation around moving and motorized equipment.
• Work as part of a team, communicating frequently with team members and management to meet daily production goals.
• Demonstrate flexibility by learning multiple departments and performing a variety of roles including machine operation, quality, packing, inspecting, and general labor as assigned.
• Support inventory and production flow by moving materials, staging product, and maintaining organized work areas.
• Use basic measuring tools such as tape measures to verify dimensions and ensure products meet specifications.
• Assist with operation of press machines and related production equipment in a manufacturing environment.
• Follow all union-related guidelines and procedures regarding shifts, job bidding, and movement between roles.
• Maintain a clean and safe work area, including cleaning grease, oil, and hydraulic fluids associated with metals manufacturing processes.
• Perform physical tasks such as frequent lifting over 15 lbs and assisted lifting up to 100 lbs, stepping on and off machinery, bending, pushing, pulling, and working around large, complex equipment.
• Be available to work 2nd or 3rd shift, extended shifts up to 10–12 hours when needed, and regular weekend overtime in line with production requirements.
• Pursue additional training opportunities offered to increase your skills and support progression into one of several roles within the extrusion department after the probationary period.

Essential Skills

• 1–2 years of experience in manufacturing, production, or a similar industrial environment.
• Experience in general labor or production support in a manufacturing setting.
• Basic machine operation or assembly experience, with understanding of production or assembly lines.
• Mechanical aptitude and interest in learning how machines and production processes work.
• Understanding of process flow of raw materials through the production process and meeting production goals.
• Experience with quality control, quality checks, and basic inspection activities.
• Ability to use basic hand tools safely and effectively.
• Ability to use a tape measure and other basic measuring tools to verify product dimensions.
• Willingness and ability to learn to operate a forklift if not already experienced.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for documentation and interaction with team members and leadership.
• Ability to work 2nd or 3rd shift and to work up to 10–12 hour shifts as needed.
• Ability to work weekends and extended hours, including 40–60 hours per week when required by production.
• Ability to perform frequent lifting over 15 lbs and occasional assisted lifting 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 pull objects up to 100 lbs.
• Comfort working around large, complex, and sometimes older industrial equipment.
• Willingness to work in a union environment and adhere to union-related processes for shifts and job bidding.
• Consistent, reliable attendance and a strong work ethic.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Prior machine operation experience in a manufacturing or heavy industrial environment is encouraged.
• Previous experience in production, material handling, assembly, packaging, or general production work.
• Experience with forklifts, overhead cranes, or other material handling equipment is a plus.
• Exposure to quality assurance processes and documentation in a production environment.
• Comfort working around grease, oil, and hydraulic fluids used in metals manufacturing.
• Openness to cross-training in multiple departments and roles, with a positive, “can do” attitude.
• Interest in long-term career growth within an extrusion department, including bidding into different roles over time.
• Ability to adapt to changing schedules, fluctuating overtime, and union-driven shift assignments.
• Veterans and individuals with demonstrated integrity, discipline, and strong work ethic are especially encouraged to apply.

Why Work Here?

You will join a company that builds its success on strong core values, integrity, and a shared commitment to producing high-quality products. The organization invests heavily in people through best-in-class new hire orientation, extensive on-the-job training, and ongoing development opportunities that allow you to increase your skills and earning potential over time. You will benefit from performance-based incentives, annual pay increases, retirement savings support, and comprehensive health benefits, including low-cost medical and company-paid dental and vision coverage. The culture emphasizes teamwork, respect, and continuous improvement, creating an environment where employees can grow their careers and take pride in the work they do. The company’s mission is to help every new hire become a better professional and person through meaningful work, strong support, and opportunities to advance.

Work Environment

This role is based in a metals manufacturing facility that is non-climate controlled, so temperatures can become very hot, especially during the summer. The environment can be loud due to operating machinery, but work areas are generally open and spacious. You will work around large and complex equipment, ranging from brand-new robotic systems to machinery that has been in service for many years. The production process involves grease, oil, and hydraulic fluids, and cleaning these substances is a regular part of maintaining equipment and work areas. Shifts are structured as 8-hour schedules with three shifts available: 7:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m., and 11:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m., with current openings on 2nd and 3rd shift. While standard schedules are 8 hours, you may work 10-hour days and occasionally up to 12-hour shifts depending on production needs. You should expect the possibility of working up to 6 days per week, with overtime fluctuating and some weekends required, typically with at least one weekend off per month when conditions allow. The work is physically demanding and involves frequent lifting, stepping on and off machinery, bending, pushing, and pulling. Personal protective equipment is provided, and you will follow strict safety and machine safety practices. Shifts, job assignments, and movement between roles are governed by a union bidding process, so flexibility in shift and department assignment is essential.

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

The pay range for this position is $20.81 - $20.81/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 North Chesterfield,VA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 3, 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.