Machinist @ Aerotek

🔧 Conventional Machinist - 1st Shift 🔧

📍 Now Hiring: Conventional Machinist

🕒 1st Shift

💲 Pay: $21 - $24/hr DOE

Job DescriptionThis role supports the molding department by performing the initial stages of the molding process, including cleaning, inspecting, and cutting products. You will operate multiple machines, assist mold operators, and ensure parts meet quality standards through careful visual inspection. This is a hands-on, entry-level opportunity for mechanically inclined individuals who enjoy working with tools, machinery, and repetitive production tasks in a cleanroom environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate two primary machines: one that cleans and sanitizes products and a cutting machine that trims products to specification.
• Perform repetitive tasks of loading and unloading machines with products, ensuring consistent workflow and adherence to production schedules.
• Monitor machines during 20-minute operating intervals to confirm they are running properly and address basic issues as they arise.
• Use a microscope to perform visual inspection of parts after they come out of the machines, verifying quality and identifying defects.
• Operate punch press and cutting equipment to remove excess mold material and achieve precise part trimming.
• Work in a cleanroom environment and follow proper gowning procedures, including wearing a lab coat, gloves, mask, safety glasses, and hair net.
• Perform basic machine setup, including preparing equipment and materials for production runs.
• Conduct basic troubleshooting of equipment to resolve minor operational issues and maintain productivity.
• Perform basic preventative maintenance on machines to support reliable operation and reduce downtime.
• Follow written and verbal instructions accurately and maintain clear communication with team members.
• Adhere to safety, cleanliness, and quality standards throughout all stages of the molding and inspection process.

Essential Skills

• Previous machine operating experience in a production or manufacturing environment.
• Mechanical aptitude, including experience using hand tools and power tools.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks while maintaining attention to detail and consistent quality.
• Capability to use microscopes for visual inspection of small parts (experience preferred).
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to read, write, and speak English clearly.
• Comfort working in a cleanroom environment and following strict gowning and cleanliness procedures.
• Basic troubleshooting skills for addressing minor equipment issues.
• Ability to perform basic machine setup and preventative maintenance tasks.
• Eligibility to work under ITAR-related requirements.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Assembly experience is a plus and demonstrates mechanical inclination and familiarity with production processes.
• Experience with inspection processes, including visual inspection of parts and identifying defects, is beneficial.
• Comfort using hand and power tools for routine tasks and minor equipment adjustments.
• Ability to follow detailed work instructions and standard operating procedures.
• Reliability in adhering to production schedules, including occasional extended hours or weekend work.
• Willingness to learn additional equipment and processes within the molding department over time.

Why Work Here? You join a production environment that values reliability, quality, and teamwork, offering the chance to develop and strengthen your mechanical and manufacturing skills. The role provides consistent full-time hours with opportunities for overtime, allowing you to grow your experience with machines, inspection tools, and cleanroom procedures. You work in a structured setting with clear expectations and procedures, where attention to detail and safety are recognized and appreciated.

Work EnvironmentThis position is based in a molding department cleanroom, where you follow strict gowning procedures including lab coat, gloves, mask, safety glasses, and hair net. You work around production machinery such as cleaning/sanitizing equipment, cutting machines, punch presses, and microscopes for inspection. The schedule is Monday through Friday on first shift (approximately 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.), with the potential for Saturday work as needed, including screening for availability at least two Saturdays per month.

At times, shifts may extend before or after standard hours, with the total work time occasionally reaching up to 12 hours in a day, depending on production demands. The environment emphasizes cleanliness, safety, and consistent adherence to procedures.

Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Valley Center, CA.

Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $21.00 - $24.00/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)

Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 6, 2026.

Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Valley Center,CA.

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.