Machine Operator

Aerotek

Richmond, VA, USA

Published: 6/14/2022

Manufacturing

Full Time

Job Description

Job Title: New Hire Utility – Machine Operator

Job Description

This role starts as a Utility employee supporting tube mill operations in a metals manufacturing environment. You learn to operate and assist with extrusion and casting equipment, move and handle aluminum products, and support production activities across multiple departments. Over time, you develop skills in machine operation, quality inspection, packaging, and material handling, with the opportunity to transition into a permanent role in a specific department and progress through multiple positions.

Responsibilities

Learn to operate equipment associated with the extrusion process and tube mill, including machines used to handle and process aluminum products.
Support tube mill operations on designated shifts that differ from the extrusion department schedule.
Operate, or assist operators with, extrusion and casting equipment while following safe job practices, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and quality requirements.
Move materials on and off machines using proper lifting techniques, hoists, and other material handling tools and equipment.
Perform machine operating tasks, including starting, stopping, monitoring, and adjusting equipment as directed.
Carry out quality-related activities such as inspecting products, performing quality checks, and documenting results to ensure all quality objectives are met.
Package finished products according to specifications and prepare materials for shipment or further processing.
Conduct visual and physical inspection of materials and products to identify defects or unusual conditions and report these promptly to the lead operator or supervisors.
Participate in general production work, including assembly, loading, press machine operation, and production support tasks as assigned.
Use hand tools and other basic tools safely and effectively during routine production and maintenance-related activities.
Work as part of a team, interacting regularly with team members and management to meet daily production and safety goals.
Engage in continuous cross-training across multiple departments to learn different processes and roles within the facility.
Follow union-related guidelines regarding shift movement, job bidding, and flexibility, whether or not you are a union member.
Maintain a clean and safe work area, including cleaning up grease, oil, and other hydraulic fluids that are part of the metals manufacturing process.
Handle frequent lifting of 15–50 lbs and occasional assisted lifting of up to 100 lbs, as well as bending, pushing, pulling, stepping over obstacles, and working on and off machinery.
Work safely in proximity to large, complex machinery, including both older equipment and newer robotic systems.
Complete all onboarding requirements, including applicable screenings and documentation, within the probationary period to remain eligible for permanent placement.
Support overtime and extended workdays as needed to meet production demands, including working up to 10–12 hours per day and up to 6 days per week when required.
Demonstrate a “can do” attitude toward learning new tasks, participating in cross-training, and adapting to changing production needs.

Essential Skills

1–2 years of experience in manufacturing, general labor, production support, or a similar industrial environment.
Experience in production, assembly, or machine/assembly line work in a manufacturing environment.
Ability to use hand tools safely and effectively in a production setting.
Basic machine operating or machine operation experience, including operating press machines or similar equipment.
Experience with inspection, quality control, quality check, or quality assurance activities in a manufacturing environment.
Ability to understand the process flow of raw materials through the production process and how production goals are achieved.
Mechanical aptitude and interest in learning more complex machine operation and manufacturing processes.
Ability and willingness to learn to operate a forklift if you do not already have that experience.
Strong verbal and written communication skills for documenting work, quality checks, and production information.
Ability to work all three tube mill shifts (7:00–3:00, 3:00–11:00, and 11:00–7:00) as the tube mill rotates.
Physical ability to frequently lift 15–50 lbs and occasionally lift up to 100 lbs with assistance.
Ability to step over obstacles, climb on and off machinery, and work around motorized equipment safely.
Capability to bend, push, and pull objects in excess of 15 lbs and pull objects up to 100 lbs.
Willingness to work in a union environment and adhere to union-related guidelines for shift movement, job bidding, and flexibility.
Reliability in completing onboarding requirements and meeting probationary period expectations.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

Previous experience in a heavy or metals manufacturing environment is beneficial.
Experience with forklift operation is preferred but not required, as training can be provided.
Comfort working around grease, oil, and hydraulic fluids that are essential to metals manufacturing processes.
Experience working with large industrial equipment, including robotic systems and older machinery, is an advantage.
Demonstrated integrity, strong work ethic, and commitment to safety and quality.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented production environment.
Willingness to participate in ongoing training and cross-training to develop skills across multiple departments.
Interest in long-term career progression within a manufacturing setting, including bidding on different roles as opportunities arise.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

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)

Workplace Type

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

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 18, 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.

\nCompany 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.