Job Title: Machine OperatorJob DescriptionThe Machine Operator role focuses on learning and supporting operations within a metals manufacturing environment. You will start as a Utility employee and receive comprehensive training to operate and assist with extrusion and casting equipment, handle aluminum products, and support production activities across multiple departments. Over time, you will develop into a specialized machine operator, contributing to quality, safety, and production goals while working closely with a team in a unionized facility.Responsibilities
- Learn to operate equipment associated with the tube mill and extrusion processes, including machinery used for handling and processing aluminum products.
- Support tube mill operations by moving materials on and off machines using proper lifting techniques, hoists, and other material handling tools.
- Assist machine operators with extrusion or casting equipment, ensuring smooth production flow and adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Follow all safe job practices and comply with SOPs, safety rules, and union guidelines while working around large, complex machinery.
- Monitor product quality, perform quality checks, inspections, and basic quality control tasks to ensure all quality objectives are consistently met.
- Report and review any unusual operating conditions, equipment issues, or safety concerns with lead operators and supervisors in a timely manner.
- Work as part of a production team, communicating frequently with team members and management to meet daily production and throughput goals.
- Perform general labor and production support tasks, including packaging, press machine support, and assembly line work as needed.
- Handle materials throughout the manufacturing process, including loading, unloading, and staging materials for production.
- Participate in machine operating tasks such as setup assistance, monitoring, and basic adjustments under guidance from experienced operators.
- Complete required documentation accurately, including production logs, quality records, and any other written or electronic reporting.
- Learn and perform cross-training across multiple departments, gaining experience in machine operation, quality, packing, inspection, and general production.
- Maintain a clean and organized work area, including cleaning up grease, oil, and hydraulic fluids that accumulate as part of the metals manufacturing process.
- Operate or learn to operate forklifts and other motorized equipment as required to support material movement and production needs.
- Adhere to union rules regarding shift movement, job bidding, and flexibility requirements, regardless of membership status.
- Meet physical demands of the role, including frequent lifting, bending, pushing, pulling, stepping on and off machinery, and working around motorized equipment.
- Remain flexible to work any of the three rotating tube mill shifts and extended hours, including potential 1012 hour days and up to 6 days per week.
- Progress from a general Utility role into a permanent position in a specific department, and participate in job bidding opportunities for other departments over time.
- Actively participate in training programs and additional job training opportunities designed to increase skill level and future earning potential.
- Demonstrate a can-do attitude toward learning new tasks, accepting cross-training assignments, and contributing positively to team culture.
Essential Skills
- 12 years of experience in manufacturing, general labor, production support, or a similar industrial environment.
- Experience in production, assembly, or machine/assembly work within a manufacturing environment.
- Basic machine operating or machine operation experience, with an understanding of production processes and workflow.
- Experience with material handling tasks such as loading, moving, and staging materials in a production setting.
- Ability to use hand tools and perform general production tasks including packaging and press machine support.
- Exposure to quality control, quality assurance, inspection, and quality check activities in a manufacturing context.
- Mechanical aptitude and interest in learning to operate complex machinery and equipment.
- Ability and willingness to learn forklift operation if not already experienced.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills for documenting production, quality, and training-related information.
- Ability to work all three tube mill shifts (73, 311, 117) as part of a rotating schedule.
- Capacity to meet physical demands, including frequent lifting of 1550 lbs and occasional lifting up to 100 lbs with assistance.
- Ability to step over obstacles, climb on and off machinery, bend, push, and pull objects in excess of 15 lbs, and pull objects up to 100 lbs.
- Comfort working around large equipment, complex machinery, motorized equipment, and lubricants such as grease, oil, and hydraulic fluids.
- Willingness to work in a union environment and adhere to union terms related to shift movement and job bidding.
- Reliability in completing onboarding requirements, including all necessary testing and processes, within probationary timelines.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience in machine operation with an understanding of process flow of raw materials through the production process and production goals.
- Prior experience in a heavy or metals manufacturing environment, or similar industrial setting with large and complex equipment.
- Experience operating forklifts or other material handling equipment.
- Familiarity with extrusion, casting, or tube mill operations and related manufacturing processes.
- Comfort working in a fast-paced, team-based production environment with daily output targets.
- Strong work ethic, integrity, and a positive, can-do approach to cross-training and skill development.
- Ability to adapt to changing shifts and schedules as dictated by union job bidding processes.
- Interest in long-term career progression within a manufacturing organization, including movement into specialized roles inside the extrusion department.
- Willingness to work extended hours, including overtime and up to 6 days per week when production demands require.
- Openness to continuous learning through best-in-class orientation, ongoing training, and skills development programs.
Why Work Here?You will join a values-driven organization that places integrity, strong work ethic, and personal growth at the center of its culture. The company invests heavily in best-in-class new hire orientation and ongoing training, providing the tools and support you need to develop your talents and build a successful long-term career. You will have access to incentive bonus opportunities based on plant performance, annual pay increases, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes company-matched 401(k), excellent low-cost medical coverage, company-paid dental and vision, and vacation eligibility after 90 days. The environment emphasizes teamwork, respect, and continuous improvement, creating a workplace where people are proud of what they produce and where every new hire is encouraged to become a better person through their work experience.Work EnvironmentThis role is based in a non-climate-controlled metals manufacturing facility that is open and spacious but can be loud due to operating machinery. Summers can be hot despite air flow and cooling fans, and the facility is heated in winter. Tube mill operations run on steady but potentially long shifts: standard hours are 7:003:00, 3:0011:00, and 11:007:00, with the possibility of working 1012 hour days and up to 6 days per week. Most employees currently work around 50 hours per week. Tube mill team members have the same two days off each week as part of their assigned team schedule. The environment includes very large equipment and complex machinery, ranging from brand-new robotic systems to equipment that has been in service for decades. The manufacturing process requires the regular use of lubricants such as grease, oil, and hydraulic fluids, and cleaning these materials is a routine part of maintaining the work area; individuals uncomfortable working around or with grease and oils may not find this role suitable. The facility operates under union guidelines, which dictate shifts and job bidding, and flexibility is required for shift assignments and movement between roles. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided, and employees are expected to wear appropriate safety gear and work attire suitable for a heavy industrial, metals manufacturing environment. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of North Chesterfield, VA. Pay and BenefitsThe 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) Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of North Chesterfield, VA. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 13, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in North Chesterfield,VA.
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.