Machine Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Machine Operator

Job Description

This role operates production equipment in a soy sauce manufacturing facility, working in either the filling area or press department. You will handle large vats, tanks, and mixtures, monitor complex processes, and down-pack product into smaller containers while performing continuous in-process quality checks. The position involves substantial walking, working on elevated platforms, and managing multi-step processes in a hot, humid, and fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate machinery in the filling area to handle soy sauce tanks and mixtures and down-pack product into smaller containers.
• Work in the press department to press soy sauce out of soybeans using specialized equipment and multi-step processes.
• Monitor equipment continuously while on your feet, ensuring machines run safely and efficiently throughout production runs.
• Perform your own in-process quality control procedures while machines are running and conduct inspections when machines are stopped.
• Conduct regular quality checks at specified intervals, monitoring temperature, pressure, speed, heat, humidity, and other process parameters.
• Make manual adjustments to equipment as needed to maintain product quality and process stability.
• Document readings, gauge measurements, and other production data accurately to support process control and traceability.
• Manage and oversee processes from elevated second-level platforms, coordinating with elevator systems that move soybeans between levels.
• Climb stairs frequently and work comfortably on elevated, metal-grated surfaces as part of daily production activities.
• Work autonomously in transfer roles, managing processes with minimal direct supervision while coordinating with other production areas.
• Use forklifts, pallet jacks, and other material handling equipment as needed to move materials and product within the facility.
• Support mixing, batching, and batch mixing operations to prepare soybeans and soy sauce mixtures for different stages of production.
• Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and site procedures to maintain product safety and regulatory compliance.
• Assist with inventory-related tasks, including tracking materials and finished product as part of the production flow.
• Participate actively in sanitation activities, including cleaning equipment, floors, and work areas at the end of production as required.
• Work flexible, very early schedules and stay until the work is completed, including mandatory overtime when necessary.
• Contribute to a team-oriented environment where everyone pitches in to run the process and complete cleaning tasks.
• Maintain a high level of attention to safety while working around water, valves, silos, vessels, lift systems, and other process equipment.

Essential Skills

• 1–2 years of machine operation experience in a process or manufacturing environment.
• Experience in production, packaging, or general manufacturing operations.
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to understand and operate various pieces of equipment.
• Ability to perform basic mathematics for measurements, calculations, and process checks.
• Ability to read and interpret gauges, meters, and process indicators.
• Comfort working in hot, humid, and muggy environments for extended periods.
• Ability to work on elevated platforms, metal-grated surfaces, and climb stairs frequently without fear of heights.
• Capability to perform substantial walking and remain on your feet for most of the shift.
• Willingness and ability to work very early shifts and stay until production and sanitation tasks are complete.
• Comfort working in a damp environment with constant exposure to water for cleaning and housekeeping processes.
• Ability to pass a math test and mechanical reasoning test during the interview process.
• Strong attention to detail to perform frequent quality checks and monitor process parameters.
• Flexibility to perform a variety of duties and adapt to changing tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Henrico, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $17.00 - $17.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Henrico,VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 14, 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.

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.

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.