Machine Operator - 3rd Shift

Aerotek; Waukegan (IL); On-site; USD 29,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Time Off / PTO

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking a Packaging Operator for the 3rd shift in Waukegan, IL. The role focuses on inspecting, labeling, and packaging products in a clean-room GMP environment using automated equipment. It is a contract-to-hire position with mandatory overtime and weekend work based on production needs.

The successful candidate will operate packaging lines, support line setup, maintain tooling, and document activities per GMP. Zero to minor downtime with safety compliance.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Ability to perform repeatable tasks daily with accuracy.
• Ability to read and speak English to understand procedures and safety instructions.
• Flexibility for weekend shifts and overtime.
• Comfort in a team setting and standing for long periods.
• Ability to follow GMP procedures and maintain clean-room standards.
• Experience with packaging equipment and basic diagnostics.
• Documentation of production activities per GMP.
• Background in regulated manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, label, and package products per GMP.
• Operate automated packaging lines and monitor runs.
• Set up lines and tooling for primary/secondary packaging.
• Maintain change parts and tooling, keep organized.
• Monitor lines for performance and resolve minor issues.
• Complete housekeeping and line clearance on finishing lines.
• Conduct in-process checks and sample pulls.
• Identify defects and escalate quality issues.
• Troubleshoot minor equipment and adjust for efficiency.
• Use packaging equipment software and vision systems.
• Follow detailed procedures and blueprints to ensure compliance.
• Load/unload materials and assist warehouse as needed.
• Maintain 5S practices and safety standards.

Skills

Repeatable tasks

Attention to detail

English proficiency

Weekend availability

Team oriented

Standing for long

Follow procedures

Mechanical aptitude

GMP clean-room

GMP attire

Production experience

Documentation skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Job Title: Packaging Operator 3rd Shift- $23.06/hr

Job Description

The Packaging Operator on 3rd shift inspects, labels, and packages raw and finished products in a clean-room environment while following Good Manufacturing Practices. This role focuses on operating and supporting automated packaging equipment, maintaining quality standards, and documenting activities accurately. It is a contract-to-hire opportunity on a non-rotating night shift with mandatory overtime and weekend work based on production needs.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, label, and package raw and finished products in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices and internal procedures.

• Operate automated production and packaging lines effectively, including starting, stopping, and monitoring equipment during runs.

• Support the setup of production lines and equipment in primary and secondary packaging areas, including change parts and tooling.

• Maintain change parts and tooling in base condition and ensure they are organized and available for production needs.

• Monitor assigned production lines for performance and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), identifying and resolving routine operational issues.

• Perform housekeeping cleans and line clearance activities on finishing lines to maintain a clean and organized work area.

• Carry out quality-related tasks throughout the production run, including challenges, parameter checks, pulling samples, in-process checks, and bulk/commodity accountability.

• Identify product defects and elevate quality issues promptly to the appropriate personnel.

• Troubleshoot minor equipment-related issues and perform minor adjustments to improve equipment efficiency and reduce downtime.

• Use operating systems or programs associated with the packaging equipment as part of daily production activities.

• Apply basic knowledge of vision systems used on the lines to support accurate labeling and packaging.

• Sustain 5S practices for parts, tooling, and work areas across the production floor.

• Follow detailed procedures, work instructions, and high-regulation guidelines similar to recipes or blueprints to ensure compliance and consistency.

• Document production activities accurately and legibly as required by GMP and site procedures.

• Load and unload materials, components, and finished products on the production lines and within the warehouse area as needed.

• Work in a fast-paced production environment while performing repeatable tasks with consistent quality and attention to detail.

• Communicate safety, quality, technical, and operating issues in a timely manner to appropriate groups and share learning experiences with peers and leadership.

• Work overtime and weekend shifts when required by workload, including mandatory overtime periods.

• Collaborate closely with other employees in a clean-room warehouse environment, maintaining professional and cooperative working relationships.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or GED.

• Ability to perform repeatable tasks daily with consistent accuracy and attention to detail.

• Ability to read and speak English to understand procedures, documentation, and safety instructions.

• Willingness to work weekend shifts when required by production needs.

• Comfort working in close proximity with other employees in a team-oriented environment.

• Ability to stand for extended periods in a fast-paced production setting.

• Ability to follow procedures and guidelines similar to recipes, blueprints, or other highly regulated instructions.

• Basic mechanical aptitude and comfort working with production or packaging equipment.

• Ability to operate in a clean-room environment while adhering to GMP guidelines.

• Willingness to wear GMP attire as required by the facility.

• General production, packaging, assembly, and warehouse experience in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to document work accurately and maintain records in line with Good Manufacturing Practices.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience operating packaging equipment or similar technical equipment in a manufacturing environment, preferably in pharmaceutical or medical device settings.

• Experience working under safety, quality, and GMP guidelines.

• Background in maintenance or technical roles involving equipment troubleshooting, performing setups, and cleaning equipment.

• Experience using operating systems or programs integrated with production or packaging equipment.

• Clean-room experience in manufacturing or packaging.

• Pick and pack experience in a warehouse or production environment.

• Previous operating experience on automated production lines.

• Experience in medical device manufacturing or similar highly regulated industries.

• Demonstrated strong performance history and high aptitude for learning new processes and equipment quickly.

Why Work Here?

Employees benefit from competitive pay rates, non-rotating shifts that provide stable scheduling, and the opportunity to grow with the organization through contract-to-hire pathways. The environment values strong performance, quick learners, and individuals who want to develop technical skills with advanced production equipment. Team members work in a structured, well-regulated setting that emphasizes safety, quality, and long-term career potential.

Work Environment

The role is based in a clean-room warehouse environment that operates on a 3rd shift schedule from Sunday night through Thursday night. Employees stand for extended periods and work in a fast-paced production setting in close proximity to other team members. The facility follows Good Manufacturing Practices, and GMP attire is required. Work centers use automated packaging and production equipment, associated operating systems, and vision systems. Overtime and weekend work can be mandatory depending on workload, with current operations requiring mandatory overtime that may return to voluntary overtime in the future.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Waukegan, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.96 - $23.06/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 Waukegan, IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 16, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Waukegan,IL.

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.