1st Shift Machine Operator

Aerotek; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

Medical benefits

401(k) plan

Job summary

Aerotek is hiring a Production Machine Operator II in Ames, IA to operate powders/departments machinery, perform assembly, labeling, quality control, and packaging. You will handle minor setup, monitor performance, and troubleshoot to keep output steady in a clean, safe facility.

Join small teams with clear procedures and ongoing hands-on skill development. Expect standard daytime hours, onsite work, and comprehensive benefits through Aerotek.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years operating production machinery.
• At least 2 years in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to operate safely and perform basic troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Operate slitter and related equipment per procedures.
• Perform assembly, labeling, quality checks and packaging.
• Complete minor equipment setup for production runs.
• Monitor performance and identify issues.
• Troubleshoot to minimize downtime.

Skills

Machine operation

Manufacturing environment

Safety-conscious

Troubleshooting

Job description

Job Title: Production Machine Operator II Powders Department

Job Description

This role operates production machinery in the powders and solutions department, performing tasks such as slitting, assembly, labeling, quality control, and packaging. The position involves minor equipment setup, routine machine operation, and basic troubleshooting to ensure safe, efficient, and accurate production in a clean manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate production machinery, including slitter and related equipment, in the powders and solutions department according to established procedures and safety standards.

• Perform general production duties such as assembly, labeling, quality control checks, and packaging of products.

• Complete minor equipment setup activities as required to prepare machines for production runs.

• Monitor machine performance during operation and identify issues or irregularities promptly.

• Perform basic troubleshooting and fix machines as needed to minimize downtime and maintain consistent output.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 2 years of machine operation experience, preferably in a powders and solutions production environment.

• At least 2 years of experience working in a manufacturing environment.

• Proven ability to operate and monitor production machinery safely and efficiently.

• Ability to perform basic mechanical troubleshooting and fix machines as needed.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience in machine operation within a production or manufacturing setting.

• Familiarity with quality control practices in a manufacturing environment.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, high-quality work.

• Reliability and consistency in attending scheduled shifts and meeting production expectations.

Why Work Here?

You join a clean, organized manufacturing environment that values teamwork, safety, and consistent processes. Working in small, supportive teams, you benefit from clear procedures, steady hours, and the opportunity to build hands-on mechanical and production skills. The environment encourages collaboration, reliability, and continuous improvement, providing a solid foundation for long-term growth in manufacturing.

Work Environment

The role is based in a clean manufacturing facility, working primarily in the powders department within small teams of 23 or 34 people. The standard schedule runs Monday through Thursday from 5:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Dress code includes jeans or other durable work pant materials, with leggings and sweatpants not permitted. Personal protective equipment is required at all times, including safety glasses, nitrile gloves, and cut-resistant gloves. Team members must provide their own steel-toe boots. The environment emphasizes safety, cleanliness, and collaboration among team members.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Ames, IA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $20.00/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 jobclassification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may besubject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefitsavailable for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & visionCritical Illness, Accident, and Hospital401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions availableLife Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)Short and long-term disabilityHealth Spending Account (HSA)Transportation benefitsEmployee Assistance ProgramTime Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Ames, IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 27, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Ames,IA.

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.