Machine Operator

Job Title: Machine Operator (Helper Operator)

Job Description

This role supports production operations in a busy cable manufacturing facility by assisting with the operation of roll wrapping machines, a critical step in the electrical wire and cable production process. The Machine Operator (Helper Operator) loads large spools of cable, monitors and adjusts high-speed equipment, performs quality checks, and helps ensure that products are properly wrapped and prepared for shipment. Success in this position requires prior manufacturing experience, strong attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate and support roll wrapping machines as part of the cable production process.
• Load large spools of cable onto machinery and ensure proper setup and alignment for production runs.
• Monitor machine performance and adjust settings as needed to maintain product quality and production efficiency.
• Follow daily production schedules and work to meet established output goals.
• Perform regular quality checks to confirm that finished products meet specifications for coating, color, thickness, and packaging.
• Assist with general production duties, including handling materials, supporting other machine operations, and completing assigned tasks on the production floor.
• Use hand and power tools safely and effectively when setting up, adjusting, or maintaining equipment.
• Handle large spools and perform repetitive tasks while maintaining accuracy and consistency.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in accordance with facility standards.
• Follow all safety procedures and guidelines while working around high-speed equipment and moving machinery.
• Communicate clearly with team members and supervisors about production status, issues, and improvements.
• Support basic troubleshooting of machine issues using mechanical aptitude to identify and resolve minor problems.

Essential Skills

• Previous production experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Experience in manufacturing or industrial production, with exposure to machine operation or general production work.
• Demonstrated ability to operate or assist with machine operation in a fast-paced setting.
• Strong attention to detail and a consistent commitment to product quality.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, production schedules, and standard operating procedures.
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot basic machine issues.
• Comfort working with high-speed equipment such as wire formers and slitting-type machinery.
• Ability to use hand and power tools safely and effectively.
• Capability to lift up to 50 pounds as needed during the course of a shift.
• Comfortable working on your feet for extended periods of time.
• Ability to handle large spools and perform repetitive tasks while maintaining focus and accuracy.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in machine operating, roll wrapping, or similar production equipment is preferred.
• General manufacturing experience, including cleanroom or general labor environments, is beneficial.
• Familiarity with cable, wire, or extrusion processes is a plus.
• Strong work ethic and reliability, with a focus on meeting production goals.
• Willingness to learn new equipment and processes and grow within a production environment.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team on a busy production floor.

Why Work Here?

This opportunity offers a clear path from contract to hire, providing long-term stability in a well-established manufacturing operation. Team members benefit from comprehensive health and dental coverage, along with a 401(k) plan that includes company matching. The organization supports career growth, offering opportunities to move into leadership roles and advance over time. With set pay scales and an average long-term tenure of more than 15 years, the workplace fosters loyalty, professional development, and a strong sense of continuity for employees looking to build a lasting career in manufacturing.

Work Environment

This position is based in a high-speed cable manufacturing facility that produces and coats electrical wires and cables from start to finish. Wire arrives on large spools and is fed into machines running at speeds of approximately 1,200–1,500 feet per minute, passing through an extrusion process where it is coated with various materials, colors, and thicknesses to meet customer specifications. The roll wrapping stage ensures the finished product is properly packaged and prepared for shipment. Work is performed on either 2nd shift (3:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m., Monday–Friday) or 3rd shift (11:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m., Monday–Friday), with extended periods spent standing and handling large spools and materials. The environment is production-focused, safety-conscious, and fast-paced, with regular use of hand and power tools and close interaction with high-speed machinery.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Bensenville, IL.

The pay range for this position is $17.50 - $19.25/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 Bensenville,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 25, 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.