Machine Operator

Job Title: New Hire Utility

Job Description

The New Hire Utility role supports aluminum extrusion and tube mill operations by learning to operate production equipment, handling materials safely, and maintaining high quality standards. You will start as a Utility employee, rotating through multiple departments to learn machine operation, quality inspection, packing, and material movement. Over time, you will develop into a specialized role within the extrusion department while working in a unionized, high-volume manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Learn to operate equipment associated with aluminum extrusion and tube mill processes, following standard operating procedures and safe work practices.
• Support, operate, and move materials on and off machines using proper lifting techniques, hoists, and other material handling equipment.
• Train across all departments as a Utility employee, including machine operation, quality inspection, packing, and general production support, and remain flexible for any role assignment.
• Participate in press team operations in the extrusion department and assist operators with extrusion or casting equipment as needed.
• Ensure all quality objectives are met by performing inspections, quality checks, and documenting results accurately.
• Report and review any unusual conditions, equipment issues, or quality concerns with lead operators and supervisors in a timely manner.
• Work collaboratively on a team, communicating frequently with team members and leadership to achieve daily production goals.
• Follow all safety procedures, including machine safety, lockout/tagout as applicable, and safe operation of hand tools, hoists, and other equipment.
• Perform general labor tasks such as cleaning work areas, managing grease and oil cleanup, and maintaining a safe and organized production environment.
• Support production lines by assisting with assembly, packaging, inventory handling, and material flow throughout the manufacturing process.
• Learn and apply tape measure skills and basic measurements to support machine setup, quality checks, and production requirements.
• Develop the ability to operate forklifts and overhead cranes as needed, once trained and authorized.
• Adapt to shift changes and union-driven job bidding processes, remaining flexible regarding department placement and schedule changes.
• Work scheduled 2nd or 3rd shift and be prepared to work extended hours, including up to 10–12 hour shifts and frequent weekend work, to meet production demands.
• Meet all physical demands of the role, including frequent lifting, stepping on and off machinery, bending, pushing, pulling, and working around large, motorized equipment.

Essential Skills

• 1–2 years of experience in a manufacturing, production, or material handling environment.
• Experience with general labor and production support in a manufacturing setting.
• Basic machine operation or assembly experience, with understanding of production or assembly lines.
• Mechanical aptitude and interest in learning how machines and production processes work.
• Experience with or willingness to learn machine safety practices, including working around large and complex equipment.
• Ability to use basic hand tools safely and effectively.
• Basic understanding of quality control, quality checks, and quality assurance processes.
• Ability to read and use a tape measure for measurements related to production and quality.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for documenting work and communicating with team members and supervisors.
• Ability and willingness to learn forklift operation if not already experienced.
• Ability to work 2nd or 3rd shift and to work up to 12-hour shifts as required.
• Willingness and ability to work weekends and to support a 40–60 hour workweek when needed.
• Ability to perform frequent lifting of more than 15 lbs and occasional lifting of up to 100 lbs with assistance.
• Ability to step over obstacles, get on and off machinery, and work safely around motorized equipment.
• Ability to bend, push, and pull objects over 15 lbs and pull objects up to 100 lbs.
• Comfort working in a non-climate-controlled, sometimes hot, and noisy industrial environment.
• Willingness to work in a union environment and adhere to union terms regarding shifts, job bidding, and flexibility.

Why Work Here?

You will join a values-driven organization that emphasizes integrity, strong work ethic, and a shared commitment to producing high-quality products. The company invests heavily in people through best-in-class new hire orientation and ongoing training, giving you clear pathways to increase your skills and base pay over time. You will benefit from a structured career progression within the extrusion department, annual pay increases, incentive bonuses based on plant performance, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes a 401(k) match, excellent low-cost medical coverage, and company-paid dental and vision. The culture focuses on helping every new hire grow personally and professionally, providing the tools, support, and environment needed to develop your talents and build a long-term career.

Work Environment

This role is based in a non-climate-controlled metals manufacturing facility that can be loud due to machinery and very hot at times, especially in the summer. The plant is open and spacious in many areas but includes large, complex equipment ranging from brand-new robotic systems to machines that are several decades old. You will work with and around grease, oil, and hydraulic fluids, and will be expected to clean up lubricants as part of normal operations. The extrusion department typically runs 8-hour shifts, but you may work 10-hour days and should be prepared for schedules that can range from 40 to 60 hours per week depending on production needs. There are three shifts (7:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m., and 11:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.), with current openings on 2nd and 3rd shifts, and flexibility is required as shifts and jobs are bid according to union rules. Weekend work is common, and you may work up to six days per week, often with only one weekend off per month, though actual schedules can fluctuate. Personal protective equipment is provided, and you will work in a heavy industrial environment with large, motorized equipment, requiring adherence to safety procedures and appropriate industrial work attire.

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

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $23.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in North Chesterfield,VA.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 28, 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.