Machine Operator

Aerotek; Livermore (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

On-site parking

Job summary

Aerotek in Livermore, CA is seeking a Machine Operator to set up, operate, and maintain GMP-regulated production equipment in a pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, or food context. You will follow batch records, perform routine maintenance, and ensure output meets quality standards and safety requirements.

The role emphasizes hands-on equipment handling, sanitation, documentation, and adherence to SOPs. Candidates should have a high school diploma and extensive experience in GMP environments; strong

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• 12 years of machine operation experience in GMP-regulated environments or equivalent.
• Knowledge of GMP/cGMP and quality control principles.
• Knowledge of production processes, batch documentation, and efficiency techniques.
• Ability to read and interpret SOPs and technical instructions.
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform repeated motions.

Responsibilities

• Set up, change over, operate, sanitize, and perform routine maintenance on production machinery.
• Clean machines and work areas to maintain sanitary conditions.
• Report sanitation issues and coordinate with Quality Control for verification.
• Review work orders and batch records before starting production.
• Measure, weigh, and mix raw materials for production.
• Adjust machine parameters to meet product specs and output targets.
• Inspect finished product and discard defects.
• Record production data including batch quantities and yields.
• Transfer product to drying/storage areas and ensure proper labeling.

Skills

High mechanical aptitude

GMP knowledge

Ability to follow SOPs

Batch documentation proficiency

Reading work orders and batch records

Problem solving

Teamwork

Safety compliance

Physical stamina

Forklift operation (if required)

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

Job Title: Machine Operator

Job Description

The Machine Operator sets up, operates, and maintains production machinery in a GMP-regulated manufacturing environment. This role supports the manufacturing of products in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, or food and beverage operations, ensuring all output consistently meets quality specifications, safety standards, and regulatory requirements. The position involves hands-on work with production equipment, adherence to detailed batch documentation, and active participation in continuous improvement of processes and quality control.

Responsibilities

• Set up, change over, operate, sanitize, and perform routine maintenance on production machinery such as tablet presses, encapsulators, mixers, coating pans, food processing lines, or similar equipment.

• Clean machines, related equipment, and work areas using water, solvents, and approved cleaning agents after each batch and at the end of each shift, ensuring all areas remain sanitary at all times.

• Report any sanitation issues to the supervisor and coordinate with Quality Control for post-cleaning verification, including activities such as swab testing, and complete all required cleaning logs.

• Review work orders, batch records, and Master Manufacturing Records (MMRs) to determine production specifications, materials, and processing information before starting production.

• Measure, weigh, and mix raw materials or ingredients as needed, and load specified mixtures into machine hoppers or feed sections prior to operation.

• Adjust machine components to regulate speed, pressure, temperature, and material flow to meet product specifications and maintain consistent output.

• Select and verify tooling, dies, molds, or machine parts to match product sizes and formats specified on production documents.

• Perform test runs to confirm equipment is set up correctly before full production begins, making necessary adjustments to ensure optimal performance.

• Examine, measure, weigh, or test in-process samples throughout the production run to ensure conformance to specifications and quality standards.

• Observe machine operations continuously to ensure quality, conformity, and consistency of the finished product, intervening promptly when issues arise.

• Sort, grade, weigh, and inspect finished product; verify and adjust weights or measurements to meet specifications and remove and segregate any defective product.

• Stop or reset machines when malfunctions occur, clear jams, troubleshoot issues, and promptly report malfunctions to a supervisor.

• Clean, lubricate, and make minor adjustments or repairs to machinery and equipment as needed to maintain smooth and efficient operation.

• Record and maintain accurate production data including batch quantities, meter readings, weights, dimensions, yields, and reject counts.

• Transfer completed product from machines to drying, storage, or staging areas using handcarts, pallet jacks, or storage containers, ensuring all product is properly covered and labeled at all times.

• Conduct ongoing assessments of quality control procedures and operational processes and suggest improvements where applicable to enhance efficiency and product quality.

• Meet or exceed daily production goals and guidelines for each product while maintaining a clean, organized, and safe work environment in compliance with all GMP, safety, and regulatory standards.

• Perform other duties as assigned by a manager or supervisor to support overall production operations.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or GED required.

• 12 years of machine operation experience in a GMP-regulated environment, such as pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, food and beverage, or similar manufacturing settings, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Demonstrated understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP/cGMP) and quality control principles.

• Knowledge of production processes, batch documentation, and techniques for maximizing manufacturing efficiency.

• Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, setup, repair, and maintenance.

• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot and resolve minor equipment issues.

• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills.

• Ability to read and interpret work orders, batch records, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and technical instructions.

• Ability to understand and follow all written and verbal safety requirements and procedures.

• Ability to coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

• Ability to calculate figures and amounts accurately related to weights, measurements, and production data.

• Ability to speak, read, write, and understand the primary language used in the workplace.

• Physical ability to walk, kneel, squat, bend, stand, and climb stairs for extended periods.

• Physical ability to reach, twist, lift, and carry up to 50 pounds safely and repeatedly.

• Manual dexterity to grab, grasp, and use fingers and hands to push buttons, operate controls, and set up machinery.

• Ability to operate hand trucks, pallet jacks, and forklifts when required.

Why Work Here?

Join a team that values safety, quality, and continuous improvement in a regulated manufacturing environment. You will work in a setting that emphasizes structured processes, clear documentation, and strong support for learning and developing technical skills. The organization promotes collaboration, encourages problem-solving and initiative, and provides opportunities to grow your mechanical and production expertise while contributing to the reliable manufacture of products that meet strict quality and regulatory standards.

Work Environment

Work is performed in a manufacturing and warehouse environment where temperatures may vary from cool to hot and noise levels can range from moderate to high. The role involves frequent walking, standing, bending, and lifting, as well as operating material-handling equipment such as hand trucks, pallet jacks, and forklifts when required. You will work around production machinery, small particles, powders, odors, allergens, and cleaning agents in a GMP-regulated facility. Appropriate personal protective equipment and safety gear are required at all times, which may include gloves, face masks, hairnets, uniforms, safety glasses, and other protective equipment in accordance with safety and quality standards.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Livermore, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $32.00/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 Livermore, CA.

Application Deadline

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

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Livermore,CA.

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.