Insulating Machine Operator

Aerotek; Hartselle (AL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D)

Short and long-term disability

Health Spending Account (HSA)

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick)

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking an Insulating Machine Operator for a contract-to-hire role in Hartselle, AL. You will set up, operate, and troubleshoot extrusion equipment, load materials, and monitor quality during high-speed production.

You will perform basic maintenance, read work orders, and document production metrics. The role requires 3+ years of machine operator experience, ability to lift up to 50 pounds, and comfort on a 7 PM–7 AM 12-hour night shift.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• 3+ years of machine operator experience in manufacturing or industrial settings.
• Experience setting up, operating, and adjusting industrial production machines.

Responsibilities

• Set up, load, and operate industrial production machinery, including extruder and other production equipment.
• Adjust machine settings to maintain quality and output.
• Monitor equipment performance and identify malfunctions or irregularities.
• Perform basic troubleshooting to keep machines running efficiently.
• Read and follow production work orders and documentation.
• Conduct regular quality checks and measure with calipers and micrometers.
• Maintain production records and safety compliance.
• Support Lean Manufacturing and 5S initiatives.

Skills

Machine operation

Extruder & extrusion

Mechanical troubleshooting

Quality inspection

Preventive maintenance

Lean manufacturing

Reading work orders

Calipers & micrometers

Forklift operation

Safety compliance

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

PLC awareness

Data entry software

Job description

Job Title: Insulating Machine Operator

Job Description

Join a fast-paced manufacturing environment as an insulating machine operator, where you will take ownership of setting up, operating, and troubleshooting industrial production equipment. This is a hands‑on role focused on running and adjusting machinery, performing quality inspections, and maintaining production standards, rather than simple assembly work or basic button‑pushing. You will work with extrusion and other production machines to safely handle materials, monitor processes, and ensure products meet all specifications.

Responsibilities

• Set up, load, and operate industrial production machinery, including extruder and other production equipment.
• Adjust machine settings to maintain required quality, output, and production standards.
• Monitor equipment performance continuously and identify potential machine malfunctions or irregularities.
• Perform basic troubleshooting and operational adjustments to keep machines running efficiently.
• Read and follow production work orders, instructions, and documentation accurately.
• Conduct regular quality checks and inspections to ensure products meet specifications and standards.
• Measure products using tools such as calipers and micrometers and verify that all dimensions meet required specifications.
• Handle raw materials and finished goods safely, including material handling and movement around the production area.
• Perform preventative maintenance activities on production equipment to reduce downtime and extend equipment life.
• Maintain accurate production records, logs, and documentation related to machine operation and output.
• Support Lean Manufacturing practices, including 5S and continuous improvement initiatives, to improve efficiency and safety.
• Follow all manufacturing and machine safety policies, procedures, and guidelines at all times.
• Work effectively in a high-speed manufacturing and industrial production environment, including wire and cable manufacturing and plastic extrusion operations.
• Participate in process monitoring, mechanical troubleshooting, and root cause analysis to resolve production issues.
• Operate forklifts and other material handling equipment as needed, following safety protocols.
• Collaborate with team members and shift leads to meet production goals and maintain a smooth production flow.

Essential Skills

• Minimum 3+ years of experience as a machine operator in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Proven experience operating, setting up, and adjusting industrial production machines, including extruder and extrusion equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to perform mechanical troubleshooting on industrial equipment.
• Hands‑on experience with machine setup, machine changeover, and preventive maintenance tasks.
• Demonstrated ability to perform quality inspection and quality control, including SPC and use of measuring tools such as calipers and micrometers.
• Experience working in high-speed manufacturing or industrial production environments.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing principles, including 5S and continuous improvement.
• Awareness of PLC‑controlled equipment and basic understanding of process monitoring.
• Ability to read and follow production work orders and maintain production records accurately.
• Basic computer skills for data entry, documentation, and production reporting.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds overhead.
• Comfort working in environments that may include heat, cold, dust, noise, fumes, oils, and chemicals.
• Ability to work at heights occasionally.
• Strong commitment to manufacturing safety and adherence to safety policies and procedures.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience as a Machine Operator, Production Operator, Manufacturing Operator, Process Operator, Equipment Operator, Industrial Operator, Extrusion Operator, Wire Operator, Cable Operator, Converting Operator, Batching Operator, Production Technician, or Manufacturing Technician.
• Background in wire and cable manufacturing, steel manufacturing, plastics manufacturing, or plastic extrusion.
• Experience with slitter machines, shear operations, and other mechanical production equipment.
• Exposure to industrial equipment, production lines, and high-speed manufacturing processes.
• Experience with material handling and forklift operation in a production environment.
• Familiarity with root cause analysis and mechanical troubleshooting to resolve recurring issues.
• Experience supporting continuous improvement initiatives and contributing to process enhancements.
• Ability to work effectively in a production environment with rotating shifts and night operations.

Why Work Here?

You will join a production team that values safety, quality, and continuous improvement, offering the opportunity to work with advanced industrial equipment and develop strong technical skills. The environment encourages learning, mechanical problem-solving, and collaboration, giving you the chance to grow your expertise in manufacturing processes and lean practices while contributing directly to efficient and reliable production.

Work Environment

This role is based in a manufacturing and industrial production facility with conditions that may include heat, cold, dust, noise, fumes, oils, and chemicals. You will work a 2‑2‑3 rotating schedule on a 12‑hour night shift from 7 PM to 7 AM, requiring comfort with extended periods of standing and occasional work at heights. The facility operates high‑speed production lines, including wire and cable manufacturing and plastic extrusion equipment, and uses industrial machinery such as extruders, slitters, and shears. Steel‑toe boots are required as part of the safety‑focused dress code, and you will use basic computer systems and industrial tools to perform your daily tasks.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Hartselle, AL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.71 - $27.21/hr.

• 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 Type

This is a fully onsite position in Hartselle, AL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 25, 2026.

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.

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.