Machine Operator

Aerotek; Virginia; On-site; USD 22,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking a Machine Operator for a high-volume soy sauce production facility in Henrico, VA. The role involves operating filling and press equipment, monitoring systems, and performing in-process quality checks in a hot, humid environment. The position requires physical stamina, comfort with heights, and strong mechanical aptitude.

You will handle multi-step production processes, read gauges, and document production data. The role is contract-to-hire with competitive pay and onsite work.

Qualifications

• 12 years of machine operation experience in a process/manufacturing environment.
• Experience in production, packaging, or general manufacturing operations.
• Mechanical aptitude and familiarity with manual machinery and CNC machines.

Responsibilities

• Operate production equipment in the filling area with large tanks and bottling lines.
• In the press department, press soy sauce from soybeans and manage silos and lift systems.
• Remain on your feet for most of the shift and monitor equipment performance.
• Perform in-process quality checks and inspections when machines are stopped.
• Monitor and adjust temperature, pressure, speed, heat, and humidity as needed and perform quality checks.

Skills

Machine operation

Mechanical aptitude

Read gauges & instructions

Math for process calculations

Quality control in production

Height and stair tolerance

Job description

Job Title: Machine Operator

Machine Operator works in a high-volume soy sauce production facility, either in the filling area with large tanks and mixtures that are down-packed into smaller containers, or in the press department where soy sauce is pressed out of soybeans. This role involves continuous monitoring and adjustment of equipment, performing in-process quality checks, and managing multi-step production processes in a hot, humid, and fast-paced environment. The position is highly active, requires comfort with heights and elevated metal surfaces, and demands strong mechanical aptitude and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Operate production equipment in the filling area, working with large soy sauce tanks, mixtures, and bottling lines to down-pack product into smaller containers.
• Work in the press department to press soy sauce out of soybeans, managing silos, vessels, and lift systems throughout various stages of the production process.
• Remain on your feet for most of the shift, consistently monitoring equipment performance and handling tasks associated with large-vat soy sauce production.
• Perform your own quality control procedures while machines are running and conduct inspections when machines are stopped to ensure product integrity.
• Monitor and adjust key process parameters such as temperature, pressure, speed, heat, and humidity, performing quality checks at intervals ranging from every few minutes to hourly depending on the department.
• Make manual adjustments to equipment as needed to maintain optimal process flow and product quality.
• Conduct basic math calculations, read and interpret gauges, documents, and process information, and record required production and quality data accurately.
• Perform substantial walking throughout the facility, including frequent climbing of stairs to second-level platforms where much of the process is managed.
• Work comfortably on elevated, metal grated surfaces and manage processes that rely on elevator systems to move soybeans between levels.
• Maintain autonomy in transfer roles, managing multi-step processes independently while coordinating with other areas that require more manpower and

Essential Skills

• 12 years of machine operation experience in a process or manufacturing environment.
• Previous experience in production, packaging, or general manufacturing operations.
• Mechanical aptitude and familiarity with manual machinery, CNC machines, and machine operation tasks.
• Ability to perform basic mathematics for process calculations and quality checks.
• Experience with manufacturing inspection, process control, and process flow in a production setting.
• Comfort working in a hot, humid, and muggy environment all year, including very hot summers.
• Ability to read gauges, documents, and process instructions and apply them accurately during operations.
• Capability to perform frequent walking, stair climbing, and work on elevated metal grated surfaces without fear of heights.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in food production or food manufacturing is ideal, with 12 years preferred.
• Familiarity with batching, mixing, and batch mixer operations in a manufacturing setting.
• Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and inventory management procedures.
• Exposure to general production, general labor, and manufacturing environments.
• Experience with calibration and maintaining process equipment within specified parameters.
• Ability to understand and work within multi-step operating processes involving silos, vessels, and lift systems.
• Comfort working in a facility with strong smells due to soy sauce fermentation and damp conditions.
• Understanding of sanitation requirements in production environments, including cleaning equipment and floors thoroughly.
• Aptitude to learn complex, multi-step processes and adapt to non-standard operating roles that are not stationary at a single machine.

Why Work Here?

Employees join a stable, long-standing production operation that offers clear advancement opportunities, including a dedicated Operator II role with increased responsibilities and higher pay once an area is mastered. Team members receive competitive pay from the start, aligned with permanent staff, and gain access to a comprehensive benefits package with affordable medical premiums and structured company bonus programs tied to performance and production goals. The organization provides 10 paid holidays annually, including multiple days off around major winter holidays, plus a floating holiday, sick days, and vacation days in the first year. Cost-of-living adjustments frequently occur and have been provided consistently for decades, reflecting a commitment to supporting employees over the long term. The culture emphasizes teamwork, shared accountability, and a strong work ethic, offering a dynamic environment for individuals who enjoy hands‑on, process‑driven work and the opportunity to grow their skills.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Henrico, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $17.00 - $17.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Henrico,VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 23, 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.