Machine Operator

Aerotek; Decatur (AL); On-site; USD 23,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Plan

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

HSA

Transport benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Paid time off

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking a Machine Operator for our Decatur, AL site. This contract-to-hire role involves operating plastic processing machinery in a hot, hands-on manufacturing environment with limited supervision.

You will set up machines, monitor production flow, perform quality checks, and participate in safety procedures including LOTO, while supporting continuous improvement and training initiatives.

Qualifications

• Experience operating plastic processing machinery and monitoring extrusion processes.
• Ability to perform basic preventative maintenance and machine changes.
• Willingness to work in hot, physically active environment with limited supervision.

Responsibilities

• Operate plastic processing machinery to support recycling and manufacturing.
• Ensure scrap plastic is processed efficiently and accurately.
• Monitor material flow between departments for continuous production.
• Perform minor machine adjustments and set up for production runs.
• Conduct regular quality checks on processed materials.
• Document production data and troubleshoot issues independently.
• Follow lockout/tagout and PPE protocols.

Skills

Machine operation

Equipment monitoring

Quality inspection

Safety compliance

Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)

Forklift operation

Troubleshooting

Material handling

Tools

Grinders

Shredders

Pelletizers

Conveyors

Forklifts

Job description

Job Title: Machine Operator

Job Description

This role focuses on operating and monitoring plastic processing machinery and equipment to support plastic recycling and manufacturing operations. The Machine Operator ensures scrap plastic is processed efficiently, maintains smooth material flow across departments, and performs basic troubleshooting and equipment adjustments. The position is hands-on and physically active, requiring continuous movement throughout a hot manufacturing environment and the ability to stay productive with limited supervision.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor plastic processing machinery and equipment to support plastic recycling and manufacturing processes.
• Ensure scrap plastic is processed efficiently, accurately, and in accordance with production requirements.
• Monitor material flow between departments to maintain continuous and smooth production.
• Perform minor machine adjustments and basic preventative maintenance to keep equipment running effectively.
• Set up machines and perform change-outs as needed for different production runs.
• Conduct regular quality checks on processed materials to ensure they meet required standards.
• Monitor the production process and document production data, issues, and adjustments accurately.
• Troubleshoot equipment and process issues independently, using mechanical aptitude to identify and resolve problems.
• Follow all machine safety protocols, including lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures when necessary.
• Operate related equipment such as grinders, shredders, pelletizers, conveyors, and forklifts as required for the process.
• Handle resin and other plastics materials safely and efficiently throughout the production cycle.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to improve processes and equipment performance.
• Adhere to all safety procedures and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements at all times.
• Work effectively in a hot, somewhat dirty manufacturing environment, remaining on your feet and moving between departments throughout the shift.
• Participate fully in an intensive training process to learn equipment operation, safety practices, and production standards.

Why Work Here?

The organization offers significant opportunities for growth and advancement, along with frequent overtime for those seeking additional earnings. Employees receive support for required safety footwear through a steel toe ticket, and benefits are available with a cost-sharing arrangement. The environment encourages hands-on learning, intensive training, and continuous skill development, providing a solid platform for building a long-term career in manufacturing and recycling.

Work Environment

This role is based in a busy manufacturing environment focused on plastic recycling and extrusion. You work on and around extruders, slitter machines, grinders, shredders, pelletizers, conveyor systems, and forklifts. The facility is hot and can be somewhat dirty due to the nature of plastic scrap processing, and you spend most of your shift on your feet, walking between departments and working directly with machinery. Safety is a priority, with strict adherence to machine safety protocols, lockout/tagout procedures, and PPE requirements. Steel-toe boots are required, and the position follows a rotating continental schedule that supports continuous production.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.50 - $20.50/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 & 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 Decatur,AL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 14, 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.