Machine Operator

Job Title: New Hire Utility –Machine Operators ( Immediate Hiring)

Job Description

The New Hire Utility role supports tube mill operations by learning to operate production equipment, handling aluminum products, and assisting across multiple departments in a manufacturing environment. You will begin as a utility employee, gaining hands-on experience in machine operation, quality inspection, packing, and material handling, with the opportunity to move into a permanent department role after successful completion of the probationary period. This position requires a strong work ethic, mechanical aptitude, and a commitment to safety, quality, and teamwork in a unionized manufacturing facility.

Responsibilities

• Learn to operate equipment associated with the extrusion and tube mill processes, including machines used to produce and handle aluminum products.
• Support tube mill operations by assisting with machine setup, operation, and shutdown under the guidance of experienced operators and leads.
• Move materials on and off machines using proper lifting techniques, hoists, and other material handling equipment while following safe work practices.
• Perform general production tasks such as packing, inspecting, and quality checking products to ensure all quality objectives and specifications are met.
• Assist operators in running extrusion or casting equipment and promptly report any unusual conditions, equipment issues, or safety concerns to lead operators or supervisors.
• Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs), safety policies, and quality requirements consistently throughout all tasks and assignments.
• Work closely with team members and management to achieve daily production goals, communicate status updates, and support continuous improvement efforts.
• Participate in cross-training across multiple departments to learn different processes and roles, preparing for eventual placement into a specific department.
• Complete required documentation accurately and clearly, including production records, quality checks, and any other operational paperwork.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, including cleaning up grease, oil, and hydraulic fluids as needed to support safe and efficient operations.
• Adhere to union guidelines regarding shift assignments, job bidding, and flexibility requirements, regardless of union membership status.
• Demonstrate a willingness to learn and operate a forklift, as well as other equipment, as needed to support production and material flow.
• Meet physical demands of the role, including frequent lifting, stepping on and off machinery, bending, pushing, and pulling objects as required by the job.
• Support a rotating shift schedule in the tube mill, including working long days, overtime, and weekends as needed to meet production demands.

Essential Skills

• 1–2 years of experience in manufacturing, general production, or related environments such as assembly, production support, or material handling.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude with the ability to understand how machines and production processes operate.
• Experience in machine operation, machine assembly, or production line work, including exposure to press machines or similar equipment.
• In general labor tasks such as loading, packaging, and handling materials in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to perform quality control and quality assurance activities, including inspections, quality checks, and documentation of results.
• Experience using basic hand tools in a production or assembly setting.
• Willingness and ability to learn forklift operation if not already experienced.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for completing documentation, communicating with team members, and following instructions.
• Ability and willingness to work all three shifts (7–3, 3–11, 11–7) as the tube mill rotates and union bidding dictates shift assignments.
• Capability to meet physical demands, including frequent lifting of 15–50 lbs and occasional lifting up to 100 lbs with assistance.
• Ability to step over obstacles, get on and off machinery, and work with and around motorized equipment safely.
• Ability to bend, push, and pull objects in excess of 15 lbs and pull objects up to 100 lbs as required.
• Comfort working in a non-climate-controlled, noisy manufacturing environment with exposure to grease, oil, and hydraulic fluids.
• Willingness to work in a union environment and adhere to union-related guidelines for shift movement and job bidding.
• Consistent "can do" attitude toward cross-training, new assignments, and learning multiple departments.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Prior machine operation experience in a manufacturing or industrial setting, particularly involving process flow of raw materials through production.
• Experience in production, assembly line work, or general production support roles.
• Familiarity with forklift operation, material handling equipment, or warehouse environments.
• Previous exposure to quality control, quality assurance, or inspection roles in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in packaging, loading, and general material movement in a production facility.
• Comfort working around large equipment and complex machinery, including both older and newer robotic systems.
• Ability to adapt to long shifts, overtime, and a rotating schedule while maintaining performance and safety standards.
• Interest in career progression within a manufacturing environment, including the desire to bid into different roles and departments over time.
• Reliability in completing onboarding requirements such as processes and other pre-employment steps within required timelines.

Why Work Here?

The organization emphasizes a strong set of core values and actively seeks individuals with integrity and a strong work ethic, creating a workplace built on trust and mutual respect. The culture focuses on developing people, providing best-in-class orientation and ongoing training so employees can grow their skills and advance their careers. Employees benefit from performance-based incentive bonuses, annual pay increases, and opportunities to move into higher-paying roles as they progress. The company offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a 401(k) with company match, excellent low-cost medical coverage, and company-paid dental and vision benefits, supporting long-term financial and personal well-being. Vacation eligibility after 90 days and regular overtime opportunities provide both work-life balance and the chance to increase earnings. The environment is designed to attract and retain talented individuals, giving them the tools, training, and support needed to be successful and take pride in producing high-quality products.

Work Environment

This role is based in a non-climate-controlled manufacturing facility that can be loud due to operating machinery, but is generally open and spacious in most areas. Summers can be hot despite airflow and cooling fans, while the facility is heated in winter. The tube mill operates on steady but often long shifts, with standard hours of 7:00–3:00, 3:00–11:00, and 11:00–7:00, and the potential for 10–12 hour days up to 6 days per week, though typical schedules average around 50 hours. Tube mill employees are assigned to teams and have the same two days off each week. The environment includes exposure to grease, oil, and hydraulic fluids, which are essential to metals manufacturing and require regular cleanup as part of daily operations. The facility uses a mix of very large, complex machinery, including both brand-new robotic equipment and older machines, reflecting a blend of modern and legacy technologies. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided, and employees work under union guidelines that influence shift assignments and job bidding, requiring flexibility and adaptability. The role involves frequent physical activity, working in and around motorized equipment, and stepping on and off machinery, all within a structured, safety-focused industrial setting.

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

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 25, 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.