Machine Operator

Aerotek; Vista (CA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

Medical, dental & vision

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking a Machine Operator in Vista, CA to safely operate packaging equipment in a cold, fast-paced food production setting. You will set up, run, and clean machinery per SOPs while upholding HACCP and GMP standards.

The role requires basic mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and the ability to work six days a week, including Saturdays, with occasional Sunday shifts. On-site, temp-to-hire position.

Qualifications

• The role requires at least 6 months of production or packaging experience in a manufacturing or food environment.
• Ability to safely operate, monitor, and adjust packaging machinery.
• Able to follow SOPs, HACCP and GMPs and maintain clean, organized workstations.

Responsibilities

• Operate packing machines and ensure products meet quality standards and specifications.
• Assist with machine setup, configuration, and changeovers per production needs.
• Verify correct packaging materials and consumables are loaded for each product.
• Maintain and set up carts and hopper levels to support continuous production.
• Report any material defects, machine issues, or safety concerns promptly.
• Keep work area and equipment clean; sanitize and reset equipment for product changes.
• Support downtime troubleshooting to minimize production interruptions.
• Follow safety guidelines and wear required protective gear at all times.
• Flexibly work across the production floor and assist with related tasks as needed.
• Communicate food allergy considerations and comply with food safety rules.

Skills

Production experience

Machinery operation

Mechanical aptitude

Attention to detail

SOPs/HACCP/GMPs

Cold environment

6 days/week

Stand/walk

Reliability

Team player

Job description

Job Title: Machine Operator

Job Description

The Machine Operator plays a key role in safely operating packaging equipment, maintaining product quality, and supporting efficient food production in a cold, fast-paced environment. This position is responsible for setting up, running, and cleaning machinery according to specifications and standard operating procedures while following strict food safety and quality guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Operate assigned packaging machines and ensure packaged products meet quality standards and conform to specifications.
• Help assemble and configure machines according to current production requirements and product specifications.
• Verify that the correct consumables and packaging materials are loaded for the product being run.
• Maintain covering carts and hopper levels as necessary to support continuous production.
• Check and confirm that all packaging materials are correct, properly labeled, and suitable for the product.
• Prepare unused materials for storage at the end of a production run, including placing accurate counts on cases.
• Detect and promptly report defective materials, machine malfunctions, or questionable conditions to the machine operator and maintenance department as needed.
• Maintain necessary machine supplies and keep the work area, equipment, and surrounding environment clean and orderly.
• Properly wash, sanitize, and reset equipment during product changes in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Understand, identify, and help troubleshoot downtime issues to minimize production interruptions.
• Display a positive attitude toward colleagues, equipment, and company policies, contributing to a cooperative team environment.
• Follow all company safety guidelines, HACCP requirements, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) at all times.
• Work flexibly across the production floor when needed, including performing prep or other related tasks as assigned.
• Communicate any potential food allergies and observe all food safety rules relevant to working with food products.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 6 months of production or packaging experience, specifically in a manufacturing or food production environment.
• Ability to operate, monitor, and adjust packaging machinery safely and efficiently.
• Basic mechanical aptitude to assist with machine assembly, configuration, and minor troubleshooting.
• Strong attention to detail to ensure correct consumables, materials, and product specifications are followed.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, including standard operating procedures, HACCP requirements, and Good Manufacturing Practices.
• Comfort working in a cold environment at approximately 40 degrees Fahrenheit for the duration of the shift.
• Ability to work 6 days per week, including every Saturday, with flexibility for occasional Sunday work when needed.
• Capability to stand, walk, and work on wet, slippery floors for extended periods.
• Reliability and punctuality to support consistent production schedules.
• Positive attitude and willingness to work as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in food production or food packaging environments.
• Familiarity with basic food safety practices, HACCP principles, and GMPs.
• Comfort with rotating across different workstations on the production floor as operational needs change.
• Ability to adapt to changing production demands and product changeovers.
• Strong communication skills to report issues and share observations from facility tours and daily operations.
• Willingness to wear required protective clothing and equipment, including hair nets, gowns, gloves, and boots.
• Awareness of personal food allergies and ability to work safely around food products.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $23.00/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 & 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 VISTA,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 21, 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.