Machine Operator And Material Handler @ Aerotek

Job Title: Machine Operator and Material HandlerJob DescriptionThe Machine Operator and Material Handler role focuses on the safe, efficient operation of large plastics-processing equipment, including granulators, shredders, color systems, wet sorter systems, and extruders. You handle materials throughout the production process, maintain accurate documentation, and ensure a consistently high-quality product while supporting smooth, continuous operations in a busy manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, monitor, troubleshoot, shut down, and perform general cleaning and basic maintenance on production systems and machines such as granulators, shredders, color systems, wet sorter systems, and extruders.
• Understand, follow, and apply information from the Run Instruction Sheet (RIS) to ensure proper machine operation and product quality.
• Take regular and accurate product samples and systematically probe boxes as directed by the RIS, reporting any discrepancies or quality issues to lab personnel and supervisors.
• Thoroughly clean boxes, lids, and skids before use, assess packaging condition, and remove or dispose of any substandard materials prior to reuse.
• Complete the Run Number Time Log at the end of each shift and ensure all production documentation is accurate and up to date.
• Update the RIS as needed based on run conditions and communicate changes and relevant information to supervisors in a timely manner.
• Keep the work area clean, organized, and free of hazards throughout the shift, supporting a safe and efficient production environment.
• Maintain and properly complete logs for production ledgers including inbound, outbound, rejects, and run data, as well as quality control records.
• Complete Work in Process (WIP) and Ready for Sale (RFS) tags to accurately track material status and inventory.
• Compute weights using correct gross, tare, and net figures, and record these measurements accurately in designated logs and forms.
• Weigh material in boxes and hoppers, ensuring all weights are correctly documented for production and quality tracking.
• Become a certified operator on both a sit-down forklift and aerial lift as needed, and operate this equipment safely to support production and material flow.
• Load and unload materials, move product within the facility, and place materials into inventory locations using forklifts or pallet jacks.
• Assist with training new associates by demonstrating proper machine operation, safety practices, documentation procedures, and material handling techniques.
• Compute pounds per hour processed during a run to monitor productivity and support performance tracking.
• Calculate percentages to document various run conditions and productivity standards, using basic math skills to support data-driven decisions.
• Prepare boxes for material by placing labels in correct locations and removing any extra or incorrect labels to maintain clear identification.
• Participate in shift meetings and training sessions to stay informed about production goals, process changes, and safety updates.
• Climb stairs and use aerial lifts as required to access upper parts of systems, clear jams, and troubleshoot equipment at height.
• Follow all plant safety rules, including the use of required personal protective equipment (PPE), and adhere strictly to policies regarding clothing, jewelry, and electronic devices on the production floor.

Essential Skills

• Experience working in a manufacturing environment around machines is preferred, but highly motivated candidates without direct machine experience will be considered.
• Demonstrated ability to perform basic mathematical computations, including adding, subtracting, computing weights, and calculating percentages for production and quality documentation.
• Strong, legible handwriting to ensure that paper-based records, logs, and notes are easily understood by other operators and supervisors.
• Experience troubleshooting in a manufacturing environment, with the ability to identify issues, think critically, and solve problems even without advanced mechanical or electrical skills.
• Sit-down forklift experience and the ability to operate a forklift safely in a busy production environment.
• Ability to stand for the duration of the shift aside from scheduled breaks, supporting continuous machine operation and material handling.
• Ability to lift up to 65 pounds on an occasional basis as part of material handling and production tasks.
• Comfort working at heights and willingness to use an aerial lift up to approximately 25 feet while wearing a safety harness to access and service equipment.
• Ownership of steel-toed or composite-toed shoes or boots suitable for use in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability and willingness to work mandated Saturdays on rare occasions when business needs require additional production coverage.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Mechanical aptitude and interest in machine operation, with the ability to learn how complex systems function and respond to basic equipment issues.
• Background in plastics manufacturing, injection molding, extrusion, or similar production environments is beneficial.
• Experience with machine operating, general production, and quality checks in a manufacturing or industrial setting.
• Comfort performing general labor and material handling tasks, including loading, unloading, and staging materials.
• Ability to compute production metrics such as pounds per hour processed and percentages related to run conditions and productivity standards.
• Willingness to become certified on aerial lifts and additional material handling equipment as required.
• Strong attention to detail for accurate recordkeeping, labeling, and adherence to run instructions and quality standards.
• Reliable attendance and flexibility to work any of the available shifts as needed by the operation.

Why Work Here? You join a growing facility that is expanding operations and adding shifts, creating clear opportunities for advancement into leadership roles over time. The parent company offers a comprehensive benefits package that typically includes medical, prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, life and AD&D insurance, disability coverage, an employee assistance program, voluntary benefits, and other valuable extras. You work in an environment that values training, safety, and continuous improvement, where strong performance and initiative can lead to increased responsibility and long-term career growth.

Work EnvironmentThis role is based in a traditional manufacturing facility focused on plastics processing and recycling, with large systems that receive, separate, and process materials. The equipment includes very large machines, some reaching two stories in height, and you may need to climb stairs or use an aerial lift to access upper sections for troubleshooting and clearing jams. The plant environment includes some dust and noise, so hearing and eye protection is required at all times in production areas.

Temperature conditions vary: certain areas can become hot in the summer near machines, while the facility is comfortable and cooler during the winter. Multiple shifts are available, including a first shift from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, a second shift from 3:30 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. Monday through Friday, and a third shift from 11:30 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. Sunday night through Thursday night. Dock work may involve spending more time along the outer wall of the facility, loading and unloading trucks as a primary duty.

The dress code emphasizes safety: clothing must not be overly baggy or restrictive, and large holes, rips, or tears are not permitted. Tank tops, low-cut, or midriff shirts are not allowed, though sleeveless shirts are acceptable. Steel-toed or composite-toed shoes or boots are required. Jewelry and any items that dangle from the neck, wrists, or hands are prohibited, and long hair touching the shoulders must be secured to prevent it from dangling. Hooded sweatshirts or jackets with loose drawstrings are not allowed.

Shorts are not permitted; pants must fit properly at the waist without undergarments showing, and sagging pants are not acceptable. Good personal hygiene is expected. For safety reasons, cell phones and smart watches are not allowed on the production floor or on forklifts at any time and must be kept in lockers or vehicles rather than in pockets while working.

Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Indianapolis, IN.

Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $20.00 - $21.00/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 11, 2026.

Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Indianapolis,IN.

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.