About this role
Job Title: Reclaim / Scrap Operator (entry level)Job DescriptionThe Reclaim / Scrap Operator plays a key role in the recycling process by handling scrap aluminum and material that does not meet quality standards. In this entry-level, production-focused role, you peel protective film from large aluminum sheets and feed them through separation equipment that divides the top and bottom panels from the core. You work closely with machine operators and other production teams, help maintain a clean and safe work area, and support ongoing training and cross-training efforts. This position offers a strong starting point for individuals who want to prove themselves, learn new skills, and grow into long-term opportunities within a manufacturing environment.Responsibilities
• Recycle scrap aluminum and product that does not meet quality standards by peeling protective film from sheets and processing them through separator equipment. • Assist machine operators with material handling and recycling tasks to support efficient production flow. • Keep the work area clean and organized by regularly sweeping, removing debris, and maintaining general housekeeping standards. • Draw ATH for disposal and assist with cleaning of machines as needed. • Remove and sweep debris from burners and production machines to ensure safe and efficient operation. • Follow all safety and environmental rules, procedures, and guidelines at all times. • Perform Lockout/Tagout procedures when required to ensure equipment is safely shut down before maintenance or cleaning. • Support supervisors and team members in training and cross-training initiatives to build skills across different production tasks. • Maintain a valid forklift license as issued by Mitsubishi and operate forklifts safely when required. • Use pallet jacks to push and pull material and move product within the production area. • Wear required personal protective equipment, including safety shoes, safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and any additional PPE as directed. • Work comfortably around moving equipment and large industrial machinery while maintaining situational awareness and safe practices. • Climb ladders and stairs to access equipment, platforms, or work areas as needed. • Perform frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, forward reaching, and twisting during material handling and cleaning tasks. • Perform occasional squatting, crouching, and above-shoulder reaching to complete work assignments. • Stand for extended periods during 12-hour shifts while performing production and recycling duties. • Use hand tools and light equipment that require good manual dexterity and fine motor skills. • Lift materials frequently up to 30 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds in accordance with safe lifting practices. • Adapt to moderate exposure to temperature changes and work near heated processes in a non-climate-controlled environment. • Follow all instructions from department leadership and perform other duties as assigned to support production and facility operations. Essential Skills
• Ability to work safely and comfortably around moving equipment and large industrial machinery. • Capability to stand for extended periods during 12-hour shifts (day or night) in a fast-paced production environment. • Physical ability to perform frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, forward reaching, and twisting, as well as occasional squatting, crouching, and above-shoulder reaching. • Strength to frequently lift up to 30 pounds and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds while handling materials and scrap. • Ability to climb ladders and stairs to access equipment and work areas. • Manual dexterity and fine motor skills for using hand tools and light equipment safely and effectively. • Capability to push and pull material using a pallet jack and perform general material handling tasks. • Correctable eyesight sufficient to safely operate equipment and perform detailed work. • Comfort working in a non-climate-controlled environment with exposure to heat and temperature changes. • Willingness and ability to wear required personal protective equipment, including safety shoes, safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and additional PPE as needed. • Ability to maintain a forklift license as issued by Mitsubishi and operate forklifts in accordance with safety standards. • Reliability and commitment to working scheduled 12-hour shifts, including night shift if assigned after training. • Interest in general production, material handling, packaging, and helper-type duties in a manufacturing setting. Additional Skills & Qualifications
• Interest in long-term employment, with a desire to stay, grow, and take on additional responsibilities over time. • Willingness to be cross-trained across multiple production and recycling tasks to expand skills and versatility. • Openness to learning more about general production, packing, loading, and material handling processes. • Comfort working in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment focused on safety and quality. • Ability to follow detailed instructions and standard operating procedures accurately and consistently. • Readiness to work a rotating schedule that includes day or night shifts, weekends, and extended hours as required. • Ability to complete training modules and transition to an assigned shift schedule after initial training. • Willingness to comply with dress code requirements, including wearing company-provided shirts and jackets and avoiding hoodies or drawstring clothing due to machine safety considerations. Why Work Here?This opportunity is with a global leader in aluminum and metal composite manufacturing, known for premium products that inspire innovative aesthetics and design possibilities. The organization has more than forty years of experience and a strong reputation for excellence in quality, sustainability, and customer care. Employees benefit from a culture that values safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement, as well as access to benefits, paid time off, and sick leave. You join a company where materials stand out in any setting and where your work contributes to high-profile, visually striking projects.Work EnvironmentThe Reclaim / Scrap Operator works in a non-climate-controlled production facility with regular exposure to heat and temperature changes throughout the shift, including proximity to heated processes. The role involves working around large industrial machinery and moving equipment, making strict adherence to safety procedures essential. Shifts follow a 12-hour schedule, with day shift running from 6:00 AM to 6:15 PM and night shift from 6:00 PM to 6:15 AM. The rotation typically follows a pattern of 2 days on / 2 days off, 3 days on / 2 days off, and 2 days on / 3 days off. Candidates must be able to work night shift if assigned after completing training modules. The environment is fast-paced and team-oriented, with a strong emphasis on maintaining high safety and quality standards. Personal protective equipment such as steel-toe safety shoes, safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection must be worn at all times, and additional PPE may be required depending on tasks. The company provides work shirts and jackets, and for safety reasons, hoodies and clothing with drawstrings are not permitted near machinery. Work is physically demanding, requiring frequent movement, lifting, climbing, and standing for long periods during each 12-hour shift. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chesapeake, VA. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $17.00 - $17.00/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 TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Chesapeake,VA. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Oct 9, 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.