Production Associate

Job Title: Machine Operator

Job Description

This role operates and monitors a thermoforming machine in a small, close-knit production team. You will interface with the machines HMI control system, perform basic troubleshooting and unload finished materials while ensuring product quality and safe operation throughout your shift.

Responsibilities

• Operate the thermoforming machine safely and efficiently during the Tuesday to Friday shift.
• Interface with the machine control system using the HMI screen to run, adjust, and monitor production processes.
• Change and adjust machine processes and parameters through the HMI based on production requirements.
• Perform basic troubleshooting on the thermoforming machine to resolve minor mechanical or operational issues.
• Carry out basic preventive maintenance (PM) tasks to keep equipment in good working order.
• Unload finished materials and products from the machine and prepare them for the next stage of handling or packaging.
• Inspect finished products for quality, identifying defects or inconsistencies and taking corrective action as needed.
• Use basic hand tools safely for minor adjustments, maintenance, and setup activities.
• Follow all safety procedures, including the use of required safety glasses and adherence to facility safety guidelines.
• Collaborate with a small production team, communicating machine status, issues, and progress to maintain smooth operations.
• Accurately record basic production or machine data, using a computer and basic Excel skills where needed.

Essential Skills

• Experience operating production or manufacturing machinery.
• Ability to interface with an HMI (Human Machine Interface) to control and adjust machine processes.
• Basic troubleshooting skills for production or thermoforming machines.
• Mechanical aptitude and basic mechanical knowledge for working with hydraulics and moving equipment.
• Ability to perform basic preventive maintenance tasks on machinery.
• Comfort using hand tools safely and correctly.
• Basic computer literacy, including the ability to navigate simple software interfaces.
• Attention to detail for inspecting finished products and monitoring machine performance.
• Ability to work independently and manage tasks with minimal supervision.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Any prior experience with thermoforming equipment in plastics or paper production is highly relatable.
• Experience working with hydraulics or similar mechanical systems.
• Basic Excel skills for simple data entry or tracking.
• Farming or farm hand experience, demonstrating mechanical inclination and hands-on problem-solving.
• Previous exposure to machine setup, inspection, and troubleshooting in a production environment.
• Strong mechanical inclination and interest in learning more about production machinery and processes.

Why Work Here?

You join a small, supportive team where your contributions are visible and valued, and you enjoy a high level of independence in your daily work. The environment offers room to grow as the company expands, creating opportunities to develop your skills and take on greater responsibility over time.

Work Environment

The role is based in a nontemperature-controlled production facility, working within a small team of about five people. You will spend most of your time on the shop floor operating thermoforming equipment and using hand tools, with regular interaction with an HMI control system and basic computer applications such as Excel. Safety glasses are required at all times in designated areas, and you will work in a hands-on, mechanically focused environment that emphasizes safe practices and teamwork.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Franklin, KY.

The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $28.00/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 Contract to Hire position based out of Franklin, KY.

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 2, 2026.

This is a fully onsite position in Franklin,KY.

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.