Machine Operator

Job Title: Machine Operator – 1st Shift

20.00-21.50/hour!!!!

Job Description

This role operates and maintains extrusion lines to produce high-quality hose and rubber products in a unionized manufacturing environment. You will set up, run, and monitor extrusion equipment, perform quality checks for ISO compliance, and ensure production meets established quality and quantity standards. The position requires strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and the ability to work safely and efficiently with automated and manual systems on a 1st or 2nd shift schedule.

Responsibilities

• Perform extrusion line operations under supervision to produce hose products that meet established quality and quantity standards.
• Set up extrusion lines according to product specifications, including assembling and installing parts for extruders and branders, and furnishing yarn dies and gears for lappers.
• Operate switches, valves, and levers to control power, water, air, vacuum, heat, and coolants during production.
• Start compound into extruders and set tube, layer, and cover gauge and size as specified.
• Establish and maintain continuous flow by stringing or threading hose components from extruders through lappers and through the c-v tank.
• Continuously inspect the operation of assigned lines, perform gauge and visual checks, and make necessary adjustments to maintain quality and quantity specifications.
• Make timely checks on all equipment, materials, and tooling to ensure proper condition and function, and promptly report defects to supervision.
• Authenticate and complete all required production and quality reports accurately and on time.
• Develop proficiency in all line operations to provide relief for other employees when needed.
• Assume responsibility for the entire operation of an extrusion line, ensuring safe and efficient performance.
• Record usage of materials as required for production and inventory tracking.
• Set up the lapper with proper dies, gears, tension rings, yarn, and yarn tension, and assist in starting hose through the extrusion line.
• Adjust equipment as needed and perform additional line setup tasks as directed by supervision.
• Truck yarn to the lapper, remove waste to appropriate locations, and weigh yarn as prescribed.
• Maintain the lapper in a ready-to-run condition and start and maintain any required longitudinal yarns.
• Ensure all safety equipment remains in place and used properly during operations.
• Load lapper decks as needed to support continuous production.
• Use and interpret hand tools such as hose cutters, OD tape, and plug gauges correctly during setup and inspection.
• Maintain the work area and equipment in clean and orderly condition throughout the shift.
• Sweep and clean the area at the end of each shift to maintain housekeeping standards.
• Follow all safety policies and procedures at all times while performing job duties.
• Support the implementation of technology and automation that replaces paper-based and manual operations and processes.
• Perform other duties within the job classification as assigned by supervision.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent (preferred).
• Ability to read, write, and follow written and verbal instructions accurately.
• Basic math skills to perform measurements, counts, and simple calculations.
• Basic computer skills to support documentation and automated processes.
• Ability to correctly use and interpret hand tools such as hose cutters, OD tape, plug gauges, and similar measuring devices.
• At least 2 years of experience with general machine operation in a production or manufacturing environment.
• Previous assembly experience using hand and power tools.
• Mechanical aptitude and the ability to troubleshoot and adjust machinery during operation.
• Ability to stand for long periods and push, pull, or lift up to 50 pounds as part of daily duties.
• Ability to work in a non-temperature-controlled environment.
• Consistent and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Willingness and ability to work a flexible schedule, including overtime and weekends as needed.
• Strong teamwork skills and reliability in attendance and performance.
• Experience with production, general labor, hand tools, power tools, extrusion, plastics, and machine operation.
• Ability to operate or support loading, molding, calipers, assembly, and forklift activities as required.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in a cross-functional role within manufacturing.
• Experience in rubber manufacturing or the automotive industry.
• Familiarity with older manufacturing equipment and willingness to learn evolving automation technologies.
• Comfort working across multiple departments such as extrusion, finishing, and mixing.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality and ISO-compliant documentation.

Why Work Here?

The organization offers a stable, unionized work environment with a strong focus on employee well-being and long-term growth. Team members benefit from comprehensive insurance options, including medical, dental, vision, and a 401(k) plan. Paid time off starts at 2–3 weeks, complemented by 9–11 paid holidays each year, supporting work-life balance. The company recognizes years of service at key milestones and regularly hosts employee events such as holiday parties and cookouts to foster a sense of community. There is a strong commitment to promoting from within, providing clear opportunities for career advancement. Additional perks include safety glasses reimbursement for this role, reinforcing a culture of safety and support.

Work Environment

This position operates in a non-climate-controlled rubber manufacturing facility with three primary departments: extrusion, finishing, and mixing. The plant utilizes older machinery alongside evolving technology and automation, requiring comfort working with both traditional and modern equipment. The environment involves exposure to typical manufacturing conditions such as noise, rubber materials, and varying temperatures.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Bellefontaine, OH.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $20.00/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 Bellefontaine,OH.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 18, 2026.

About Aerotek

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.