Machine Operator

This role operates production and packaging machinery in a clean, modern manufacturing facility, ensuring products are produced in the correct quantities and to agreed specifications. You will start and stop equipment, monitor material usage, perform regular quality checks, and support mold and color changes while maintaining high cleanliness and safety standards throughout your shift.

Responsibilities

• Start and stop production and packaging machines safely and according to established procedures.
• Monitor material control, including weight distribution, regrind levels, and tail lengths, and adjust settings as needed to maintain product quality.
• Perform regular quality control checks and visual inspections throughout the shift to ensure products meet specifications.
• Prepare machines for mold changes, including cleaning, setup, and basic adjustments.
• Ensure goods are produced in the correct quantity and in accordance with agreed specifications and quality standards.
• Accurately record goods produced, machine settings, downtime, and any problems encountered during the shift.
• Assist Machine Operator II, Shift Supervisor, and Mold Change Team with mold and color changes as needed.
• Operate multiple types of production and packaging equipment simultaneously while maintaining safe and efficient workflows.
• Maintain high cleanliness standards for machines and the surrounding work area, following Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Support training efforts by helping new team members learn machine operation, safety practices, and quality procedures.
• Identify basic issues with equipment performance and assist with troubleshooting to minimize downtime.
• Follow all labeling, inspection, and packaging procedures to ensure accurate and compliant finished products.

• Experience in production, general labor, general production, or machine operation in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to operate production and packaging machinery, including plastic and food manufacturing equipment.
• Capability to lift up to 25–35 pounds and stand for a minimum of 12 hours per shift.
• Ability to work with multiple types of equipment simultaneously while maintaining safety and quality.
• Strong focus on cleanliness for machines and work area, including adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Basic troubleshooting skills to assist in resolving machine and production issues.
• Experience with packaging, labeling, inspection, and quality control processes.
• Ability to start and stop machinery safely and follow established operating procedures.
• Attention to detail for monitoring material control, weight distribution, regrind levels, and tail lengths.
• Reliable, safety-conscious work habits suitable for a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

• Prior experience in plastic or food manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with mold and color change processes on production equipment.
• Comfort working 12-hour shifts on a rotating schedule (2-2-3 pattern).
• Willingness to train on day shift initially and transition to night shift as required.
• Strong teamwork skills and willingness to assist supervisors and specialized teams.
• No formal certifications required for this role.

You will work in a new, clean facility that supports social distancing and emphasizes safety and cleanliness. The organization promotes from within, offering clear opportunities for growth and advancement for high-performing employees. You will receive hands-on training, including initial training on day shift, and be part of a supportive team environment that values reliability, development, and long-term career progression.

Work Environment

This position is based in a new manufacturing building designed to allow social distancing and maintain a clean, orderly production environment. You will work 12-hour shifts on a 2-2-3 schedule, with core hours from approximately 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., following initial training on the day shift. The facility operates plastic and food manufacturing equipment, including production, packaging, labeling, and inspection machinery. Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) are strictly followed, and cleanliness of machines and work areas is a high priority. Personal protective equipment is required, including steel-toe footwear, and the environment is structured, safety-focused, and suitable for extended periods of standing and moderate lifting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Bethlehem, PA.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $22.00/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 Bethlehem,PA.

This position is anticipated to close on May 24, 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.