Production Operator

Job Title: Fabrication Machine Operator Job Description

This role supports the Fabrication Department by operating a variety of production machines and workstations to move product efficiently through the fabrication process. You will work as part of a team to produce vibration-control foam components used in trucking and private jet manufacturing. The position requires strong attention to detail, consistent documentation, and a commitment to quality at every step of production.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with a team of operators and a group leader to move product through all stages of the Fabrication Department.

• Rotate through multiple workstations, including Sewing, 3D Press/Water Jet, 2D Water Jet, CNC Lathe, Electric Cutters, Multi-Layer Gerber machine, and Lamination, as training and production needs require.

• Operate sewing machines to stitch finished foam products into outer casings and protective layers, preparing them for shipment to customers.

• Load foam product material into the 3D Press/Water Jet machine, start and monitor the machine, and ensure it runs correctly throughout the cycle.

• Remove finished products from the 3D Press/Water Jet machine, attach them to fixtures, and verify that they meet established quality standards.

• Place laminated material on the 2D Water Jet machine, feed it through the system, and oversee the water jet cutting process to achieve correct shapes and dimensions.

• Offload finished products from the 2D Water Jet machine and organize them for the next stage of production.

• Load large spools of foam material onto the Multi-Layer Gerber machine, using the HMI/computer system to layer and cut foam into the required shapes and thicknesses.

• Monitor in-process quality on the Multi-Layer Gerber machine, verify finished product quality, and perform light troubleshooting in coordination with the group lead.

• Unload stacks of light foam cutouts from the Multi-Layer Gerber machine and move them to designated workstations.

• Perform lamination tasks by placing foam pieces correctly on the worktable, applying double-sided tape, labels, and size measurements to each piece.

• Stack laminated foam products in groups of 5–7, taping and cutting foam with scissors as needed to meet precise size and shape parameters.

• Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and documentation processes for each workstation, ensuring accurate recording of measurements, inspections, and production results.

• Conduct regular quality checks and inspections to confirm that all products meet defined specifications and quality standards.

• Use hand tools and machine controls safely and correctly while operating production equipment.

• Maintain a clean, organized work area and follow all safety requirements, including the use of required personal protective equipment.

• Stand for most or all of the shift while performing repetitive production and machine operation tasks.

• Work required shifts, including some Saturdays and additional scheduled days, to meet production demands.

Essential Skills

• Minimum 6 months of experience working around manufacturing machines, with proven ability to operate or closely support machine operation in a production environment.

• Demonstrated experience following standard operating procedures (SOPs) in a production or manufacturing setting.

• Ability to perform quality control inspection and documentation, including recording results accurately and consistently.

• Experience with general production work such as packaging, assembly, general labor, and production line activities.

• Ability to operate or support operation of manufacturing machines such as water jets, lathes, mills, electric cutters, or similar equipment.

• Strong attention to detail, especially in tasks requiring precise measurement, documentation, and quality checks.

• Ability to stand for most or all of the workday while performing repetitive tasks.

• Ability to work required shifts, including some Saturdays and additional scheduled days, as production needs dictate.

• Capability to use basic hand tools safely and effectively in a manufacturing environment.

• Ability to wear and use required personal protective equipment, including steel-toed shoes, safety glasses, and ear protection.

• Eligibility to meet Export Control requirements by providing appropriate documentation such as a valid passport, government-issued identification, birth certificate, or permanent resident documentation, as required for background clearance.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience reading blueprints or production drawings to understand product specifications and dimensions.

• Prior experience with machine operation in environments involving water jets, CNC lathes, mills, or similar fabrication equipment.

• Familiarity with documentation processes and quality control systems in a manufacturing setting.

• Comfort working in a fast-paced production environment with repetitive tasks that require sustained focus.

• Ability to perform light troubleshooting on production machines and communicate issues clearly to maintenance or leadership.

• Willingness to cross-train and become certified on multiple pieces of equipment to support career progression within the fabrication area.

Why Work Here?

Employees join a globally recognized safety products manufacturer that offers strong total rewards and long-term career potential. Benefits begin on the first day of employment and include comprehensive health and medical coverage, a 401(k) plan, and a 15% discount on company stock purchases. Pay is provided on a bi-weekly schedule. The organization supports advancement by offering a structured progression within the Fabrication Department, where operators can increase their earnings as they become certified on additional equipment and move through four levels of operator roles. This environment values skill development, on-the-job training, and the opportunity to grow within a stable, well-established manufacturing operation.

Work Environment

The role is based in a manufacturing facility that is generally comfortable but not temperature controlled, with warmer conditions during the summer months, particularly near heat-producing machines. The Fabrication Department itself does not rely on heat-based processes, and conditions are typical for a production environment. Operators work around various machines, including sewing stations, water jets, CNC lathes, electric cutters, a Multi-Layer Gerber system, and lamination tables. Personal protective equipment is required, including steel-toed shoes, safety glasses, and ear protection near machines. The work involves standing for most of the shift and performing repetitive tasks with light foam materials and other components. Shifts include a second shift (Monday–Friday, 2:00 p.m.–10:30 p.m.) and a third shift (Sunday–Thursday, 10:00 p.m.–6:30 a.m.). Overtime is common, with a high likelihood of working most Saturdays and occasional additional days, while Sundays may be available on a voluntary basis for those who want extra hours.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of INDIANAPOLIS, IN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $21.75 - $21.75/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 Type

This is a fully onsite position in INDIANAPOLIS,IN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 10, 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.