Production Operator

The Production Operator supports manufacturing operations by loading and unloading materials, assisting machine operators, and sorting small parts into crates. This role plays a key part in maintaining efficient production flow, ensuring product quality, and keeping the work area organized and safe.

Responsibilities

• Load and unload materials and parts to support ongoing production activities.
• Assist machine operators with daily production tasks, including feeding parts into machines and removing finished components.
• Sort small, lightweight parts into crates accurately and efficiently, ensuring correct counts and proper placement.
• Handle crates that may become heavy once filled with parts, using proper lifting techniques and equipment as required.
• Perform basic machine operation tasks under direction, following established procedures and safety guidelines.
• Support general labor activities such as cleaning work areas, organizing materials, and preparing workstations.
• Use hand tools as needed to complete assembly or production-related tasks.
• Inspect parts visually and by hand to identify obvious defects or quality issues and report concerns promptly.
• Assist with packaging and preparing finished products for shipment or storage.
• Follow written instructions, including basic blueprints or work orders, to ensure accurate production.
• Operate a forklift if trained and authorized, to move materials and crates safely within the facility.
• Adhere to all safety policies, including the use of required personal protective equipment, and maintain a clean and orderly work environment.

• Experience in production, manufacturing, or general labor roles.
• Ability to assist with machine operation in a fast-paced environment.
• Background in assembly, pick, pack, or similar hands-on work.
• Capability to perform repetitive tasks with attention to detail and quality.
• Ability to safely lift and move heavy crates when filled with parts.
• Basic inspection skills to identify defective or nonconforming parts.
• Comfort using hand tools for basic production or assembly tasks.
• Ability to follow instructions, including simple blueprints or work orders.
• Willingness and ability to work overtime, including 50–60 hours per week as needed.
• Flexibility to adjust to changing schedules, including coming in early or staying late when required.

• Previous machine operator experience in a production environment.
• Forklift experience or willingness to learn forklift operation if needed.
• Experience in packaging and inspection within a manufacturing setting.
• Demonstrated reliability and strong work ethic in labor-intensive roles.

Employees benefit from consistent overtime opportunities that can significantly increase overall earnings. The role offers a clear path to higher hourly pay once brought on full time, along with an additional shift differential. Team members join a production environment that values hard work, dependability, and the chance to grow skills on the job.

Work Environment

This position is based in a manufacturing and production facility that operates at a fast pace and often requires 50–60 hours of work per week, including overtime. Scheduling may vary, and employees may be asked to start earlier or stay later to meet production demands, so flexibility is important. The work involves handling small, lightweight parts that become heavy when crates are full, and may include operating or working near machinery and forklifts. Personal protective equipment is required, including steel-toe footwear and safety glasses, and employees work in an environment that emphasizes safety, organization, and adherence to established procedures.

Job Type & Location

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

The pay range for this position is $15.75 - $16.50/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 Richmond,KY.

This position is anticipated to close on May 26, 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.