Machine Operator

The Machine Operator plays a key role in safely operating production and packaging equipment in a cGMP food manufacturing environment. This position sets up, monitors, and adjusts machinery to maintain consistent product quality and efficiency while supporting continuous improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives. The role requires strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively with production, maintenance, quality, and supervision to meet production goals and uphold strict food safety and sanitation standards.

• Operate production and packaging equipment in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) to meet daily production targets.
• Set up, start up, and shut down machinery, performing changeovers between products and packaging formats as required.
• Monitor equipment performance and product flow, making adjustments to settings to ensure consistent quality and optimal efficiency.
• Assist with minor troubleshooting of mechanical issues on the line to minimize downtime and keep machines running smoothly.
• Perform routine equipment cleaning and basic preventive tasks to maintain machinery in proper working condition.
• Identify and promptly report equipment issues, product defects, or safety concerns to leadership and appropriate team members.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area before, during, and after production runs, following all housekeeping standards.
• Conduct routine quality checks on product and packaging, including use of metal detectors and other quality tools, and accurately document results.
• Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), HACCP, food safety, and sanitation requirements at all times during production.
• Complete all required production, downtime, safety, and sanitation documentation clearly, accurately, and on time.
• Adhere to all company safety policies, procedures, and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements throughout the shift.
• Handle and lift boxes and ingredients weighing up to 50 pounds safely and efficiently.
• Support mixing and blending of batches as needed, ensuring proper handling of ingredients and adherence to process instructions.
• Use pallet jacks and other material-handling equipment to move materials and finished product within the production area.
• Collaborate closely with team members, maintenance, quality, and supervision to resolve issues and continuously improve processes.
• Participate in continuous improvement and lean manufacturing efforts by suggesting ideas and supporting implementation of process upgrades.
• Take ownership of assigned tasks, proactively communicate concerns, and provide updates to leadership on production status.
• Adapt to changing production needs, including schedule changes, product changes, and line assignments, while remaining dependable and punctual.
• Work effectively in both independent and team-oriented settings, contributing positively to a team of 5–6 people per line.

• Minimum of 6 months experience in production or manufacturing, preferably in a role producing a physical product.
• Hands-on machine operating experience, including setting up, monitoring, and adjusting production or packaging equipment.
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot minor mechanical problems and fix issues without always relying on maintenance.
• Experience completing changeovers and assisting with troubleshooting mechanical machinery issues to minimize downtime.
• Ability to lift and safely handle boxes and ingredients up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately and consistently.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to product quality and process accuracy.
• Basic math, reading, and documentation skills for completing production and quality records.
• Ability to perform routine quality checks, including working with metal detectors and other inspection tools.
• Willingness and ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment, supporting coworkers and collaborating across departments.
• Safety-focused mindset with strong accountability for following PPE requirements, safety policies, and procedures.
• Dependable and punctual work habits, with adaptability to changing production schedules and needs.
• Ownership mindset, taking initiative to complete tasks and proactively present concerns and updates to leadership.

• Food manufacturing experience in a cGMP environment is preferred.
• Background in GMP-focused environments such as food, chemical, or pharmaceutical manufacturing is highly valued.
• Experience with mixing and blending batches in a production setting.
• Familiarity with pallet jacks and material-handling equipment in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience performing quality checks and documenting results in accordance with established procedures.
• Comfort working within HACCP, food safety, and sanitation frameworks.
• Interest in learning more about production equipment and mastering machine operation to improve efficiency.
• Ability to thrive in a continuous improvement culture and support lean manufacturing efforts.

Employees join a growing, forward-looking organization that is actively expanding production capacity and investing in new lines and technologies. The culture emphasizes continuous improvement, with engineers onsite to enhance processes and create opportunities for learning and advancement. Team members can pursue career growth into roles such as mixers, team leads, supervisors, and positions in other departments, supported by clear pathways for upward movement. The schedule offers a rotating 12-hour structure with days off during the week, and there is potential for overtime of up to 60 hours per week for those seeking additional earnings. Permanent employees receive comprehensive benefits, including medical, vision, dental, and 401(k), along with paid holidays, holiday pay, and a monthly vending card allowance. High-performing employees may be eligible for incentive trips to Italy to learn advanced processes, providing unique professional and personal development opportunities. All necessary PPE, including steel-toed shoes, is provided, reinforcing a strong commitment to safety and employee well-being.

This role operates on a day shift schedule from approximately 6:30 a.m. to 6:50 p.m., following an AWS 2-2-3 rotating pattern that provides regular days off in the middle of the week. The facility is a cGMP environment that requires lab coats, hair nets, shoe sanitizing, and regular hand washing procedures to maintain strict food safety standards. Jewelry and facial piercings are not permitted on the production floor, and employees wear pants that cover the ankles and shirts with sleeves as part of the dress code. The company provides steel-toed shoes and all required PPE. The culture centers on continuous improvement, with engineers present in both buildings to upgrade and refine processes. Teams typically consist of 5–6 people per line, with up to seven different lines running on a single shift, offering a mix of independent work and close collaboration. Employees must be comfortable working as team players regardless of their work station, in an environment that values safety, quality, and efficiency.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Affton, MO.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $21.50/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 Affton,MO.

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.