Machine Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Machine Operator

Job Description

This role operates production machinery in a high-volume, fast-paced manufacturing environment while maintaining strict safety, quality, and productivity standards. The Machine Operator follows detailed work instructions, performs in-process inspections, and supports continuous improvement activities to ensure parts meet required specifications and customer expectations.

Responsibilities

• Observe and follow all safety rules and regulations at all times, including wearing and properly maintaining personal protective equipment.
• Maintain the work area in a clean, organized, and safe condition throughout the shift.
• Operate production equipment and machinery in a safe and efficient manner in a machine shop environment with press and stamping machines.
• Work as an active member of work teams, collaborating with team members, other business functions, customers, and suppliers to improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance.
• Participate in continuous improvement activities, including scrap and rework elimination projects and various kaizen events.
• Work from work instructions, prints, in-process inspection plans, engineering layouts, customer specifications, and written or verbal instructions to complete assigned tasks.
• Set up machines to start production cycles and ensure machines are ready for operation according to specifications.
• Control and adjust machine settings such as speed and other operating parameters to maintain required sizes, finishes, and production output.
• Feed raw materials or parts into semi-automated machines and ensure materials are properly positioned and handled.
• Machine parts by loading and unloading components, operating and adjusting machines and equipment, and monitoring controls to ensure proper operation.
• Perform piece inspections during production and make any required adjustments to maintain tolerances, parallelism, concentricity, and surface finish.
• Use a variety of gauges and measuring instruments to verify dimensions and ensure parts meet quality standards.
• Meet established quality standards while maintaining the expected production rate and minimizing scrap and rework.
• Replace worn or dull tooling as needed to maintain part quality and machine performance.
• Wash and pack parts as required, ensuring parts are handled and packaged according to specifications.
• Accurately complete required quality and production reports and records using both paper forms and electronic computer applications.
• Perform daily maintenance and cleaning of machines, including lubrication, and exercise proper care in the use of tools, equipment, and materials.
• Detect and report faulty equipment, defective materials, improper operations, or unusual conditions to supervision promptly.
• Attend required training programs to maintain and improve job knowledge and skills.
• Assist in training other associates in operating procedures and proper use of equipment.
• Arrange work schedule and support production needs to meet customer requirements, including overtime as needed.
• Use lift equipment when necessary to move and position stock and parts, and safely lift and balance loads in the 35–50 lb range or more as required.
• Perform 5S activities to support workplace organization, cleanliness, and efficiency.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 1 year of experience in production, machine operation, assembly, general production, or a closely related manufacturing role.
• Proven ability to set up machines to start a production cycle and prepare equipment for operation.
• Experience controlling and adjusting machine settings, including speed and other operating parameters, to maintain part quality and productivity.
• Hands-on experience feeding raw materials or parts into semi-automated machines in a high-volume environment.
• Knowledge of metals and precious metals used in manufacturing processes.
• Ability to operate, monitor, and adjust press and stamping machines or similar production equipment.
• Competence in using gauges and measuring instruments to verify tolerances, parallelism, concentricity, and surface finish.
• Capability to meet quality standards while sustaining expected production rates in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to perform basic machine maintenance, including daily cleaning and lubrication.
• Comfort working in a high-volume, fast-paced production setting with frequent machine tending and material handling.
• Ability to safely lift and move loads in the 35–50 lb range and use lift equipment when needed.
• Basic computer literacy to complete quality and production reports using paperless electronic applications.
• Strong attention to detail and adherence to safety procedures and personal protective equipment requirements.
• Willingness to work overtime, including weekends, to support production and customer needs.
• Effective teamwork and communication skills to participate in work teams and support continuous improvement efforts.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with press machines and stamping machines in a machine shop environment.
• Experience in high-volume production of metal or precious metal components.
• Familiarity with in-process inspection plans, engineering layouts, and customer specifications.
• Experience participating in scrap and rework reduction initiatives and kaizen or other continuous improvement events.
• Exposure to 5S or similar workplace organization and lean manufacturing practices.
• Prior experience assisting in training coworkers on equipment operation and procedures.
• Comfort working in a laid-back but performance-focused production environment.
• Ability to adapt to changing schedules and production priorities to meet customer demand.

Why Work Here?

You will join a production environment that values teamwork, continuous improvement, and work-life balance while offering strong overtime earning potential. The organization provides an overtime program with an hourly bonus for Saturday work and access to unlimited overtime for those who want to maximize their income. You can enjoy a laid-back atmosphere combined with a focus on safety, quality, and efficiency, as well as seasonal company events for most holidays that foster a sense of community and recognition.

Work Environment

This position operates in a machine shop environment with extensive use of press machines and stamping machines. The role involves frequent machine tending, material handling, and working around production equipment, with a strong emphasis on safety and proper use of personal protective equipment. The work is high volume and fast paced, requiring consistent attention to detail and adherence to procedures. The shift is a first shift schedule from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with overtime opportunities including weekends. The environment supports 5S practices, daily machine maintenance, and a culture that balances a laid-back feel with clear expectations for quality, productivity, and safe operations.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Pawtucket, RI.

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $23.00/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 Pawtucket,RI.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 17, 2026.

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.

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 meet 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 in solving 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.

Company Description

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 meet 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 in solving 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.