Food Operator

Job Title: Food Operator

Job Description

The Food Operator plays a key role in a refrigerated food and beverage production facility that produces hummus and salsa. This position focuses on operating filler machines that dispense product into plastic containers while following strict food safety, quality, and sanitation standards. The role requires comfort working in cold environments, wearing full personal protective equipment, and managing multiple machine-related tasks on 2nd shift.

Responsibilities

• Operate and oversee filler machines that fill plastic containers with food products such as hummus and salsa.
• Learn and follow the complete production process for making products in the food areas.
• Follow all SQF and GMP policies and procedures to maintain high food safety and quality standards.
• Report any food safety or quality concerns to quality personnel or management immediately.
• Keep supplies neat, organized, and properly protected throughout the shift.
• Perform wash-down and cleaning of machines according to the changeover flow chart and sanitation procedures.
• Monitor fill levels and perform periodic weight checks on containers, adjusting weights as needed to meet specifications.
• Ensure the correct cups and packaging materials are used according to customer requirements.
• Maintain a sanitation bucket and cleaning materials available at all times while operating equipment.
• Troubleshoot basic machine issues such as adjusting seals, replenishing cups, and adding lids as needed.
• Use scales to verify product weights and make adjustments based on adding or subtracting product.
• Navigate and use computer interfaces related to machine operation, production tracking, or quality checks.
• Work assigned 2nd shift hours (12:00 pm – 8:30 pm or 2:30 pm – 11:00 pm) and support production needs as scheduled.

Essential Skills

• Experience tending to a machine and performing various tasks at once in a production or industrial environment.
• Basic troubleshooting skills, including adjusting machine seals, adding cups, and adding lids during operation.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds safely and repeatedly during the shift.
• Comfort using a computer, including navigating applications and basic computer operation.
• Experience using a scale and understanding weights, including adding and subtracting to achieve correct product weight.
• Ability to work reliably on scheduled shifts with consistent attendance and dependable transportation.
• Capability to work in a cold, refrigerated environment while wearing full PPE such as lab coat, hair net, beard net, rubber gloves, and other required protective gear.
• Attention to detail and commitment to following food safety, SQF, and GMP procedures.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• In food and beverage production is helpful but not required.
• Experience in other industrial settings, such as automotive or manufacturing, is beneficial.
• Familiarity with industrial equipment such as filling machines and mixers.
• Exposure to equipment that runs on pneumatics and hydraulics, including working with valves and hoses.
• Comfort working with inspection tasks and quality checks during machine operation.
• Ability to perform basic mechanical tasks related to machine operation and minor adjustments.

Why Work Here?

Employees benefit from a comprehensive benefits package that starts on the first day of the month following the date of hire, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as short-term and long-term disability options. The organization supports financial well-being through HSA and FSA offerings and provides paid time off eligibility, with at least one week of PTO during the first year. Team members join a structured, safety-focused environment where training, clear procedures, and reliable schedules help support stability and work-life balance.

Work Environment

The role is based in a food and beverage production facility where hummus and salsa are manufactured in refrigerated areas, resulting in a consistently cold working environment. Team members fully suit up in appropriate personal protective equipment, including lab coat, hair net, beard net, rubber gloves, and other required gear when working in food areas. Shifts operate Monday through Friday with mandatory Saturdays and potential Sunday work as production demands. Available shifts include 6:00 am – 2:30 pm, 2:30 pm – 11:00 pm, and 10:30 pm – 6:00 am, with this position focused on 2nd shift hours. The environment emphasizes cleanliness, organization, and adherence to food safety standards while working with industrial machinery and scales.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Ferndale, MI.

The pay range for this position is $16.25 - $16.25/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 Ferndale,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 11, 2026.

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.

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.