Packaging Assistant

Aerotek; Ankeny (IA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Tuition reimbursement

Free pasta

Annual bonuses

Onsite fitness center

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking a Packaging Operator to monitor and operate an automated packaging line for pasta products. The role emphasizes quality checks, safe handling, and maintaining a clean work area on a rotating 2-on/2-off schedule.

The candidate will inspect packaging, verify barcodes, and assist with line cleanup while collaborating with production and quality teams to ensure smooth operations and adherence to safety guidelines.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• 1+ years in production or food manufacturing preferred.
• General computer knowledge preferred.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Able to stand for the entire shift.

Responsibilities

• Operate automated packaging line for pasta production.
• Inspect packaging quality and presentation.
• Verify barcodes for proper labeling and traceability.
• Clean up and maintain an orderly work area.
• Break down cartons and prepare for recycling.
• Transport materials to the compactor safely.
• Ensure totes are in place and organized.
• Relieve other operators during breaks.
• Follow quality, safety, and production guidelines.
• Collaborate with production and quality teams to address issues.

Skills

Attention to detail

Barcode verification

Safety compliance

Flexibility

Computer literacy

Lifting up to 50 lbs

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Packaging machinery

Barcode readers

Job description

Job Title: Packaging Operator

Job Description

The Packaging Operator works on an automated packaging line to ensure that pasta products are packaged accurately, safely, and to high quality standards. This role focuses on monitoring the packaging process, checking product quality, supporting line operations, and maintaining a clean and organized work area.

Responsibilities

• Operate and work on an automated packaging line to support continuous and efficient production of pasta products.

• Pull products off the line and carefully inspect the quality of the packaging, including boxes and overall presentation.

• Verify the accuracy and readability of barcodes on packaged products to ensure proper labeling and traceability.

• Assist other operators with cleanup activities, including removing debris and maintaining a clean work area.

• Break down cartons and cases and prepare them for recycling in accordance with plant procedures.

• Transport cartons and cardboard materials to the compactor for recycling in a safe and efficient manner.

• Ensure all area totes are in place, used correctly, and maintained in an orderly fashion throughout the shift.

• Relieve other packaging operators during break times to maintain continuous line operation.

• Follow quality, safety, and production guidelines while performing all tasks on the packaging line.

• Work collaboratively with production and quality teams to address issues and support smooth manufacturing operations.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or GED.

• 1+ years of previous work experience in production or food manufacturing is preferred but not required.

• General working knowledge of computers is preferred.

• Some mechanical aptitude and general computer knowledge are preferred.

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds safely and repeatedly as needed.

• Comfortable standing on feet for the entire shift.

• Ability to work safely on an automated packaging line in a manufacturing environment.

• Attention to detail for inspecting packaging quality and verifying barcodes.

• Basic ability to follow written and verbal instructions and standard operating procedures.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in packaging, general production, or manufacturing environments.

• Comfortable with work in food manufacturing or food production processes.

• Experience working on packaging lines or production lines.

• General labor and assembly experience in a plant or factory setting.

• Strong work ethic and reliability in a shift-based production environment.

• Willingness to learn new equipment, processes, and quality standards.

Why Work Here?

Employees benefit from a stable work environment with a strong track record of job security, including no layoffs since 1998. The organization offers a comprehensive 401(k) program with a 6% match, tuition reimbursement, and wellness-focused benefits such as fitness membership and wellness app reimbursement, club membership reimbursement, and an onsite fitness center. Team members enjoy unique perks like free pasta, annual employee bonuses based on plant and individual performance, and an employee referral bonus program. Flexible scheduling supports work-life balance and provides added flexibility for personal and family needs.

Work Environment

This role is based in a production and packaging facility working on an automated packaging line. The shift schedule runs from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on a rotating pattern of 2 days on, 2 days off, 3 days on, 2 days off. The position requires standing for the entire shift, lifting up to 50 pounds, and working around machinery, packaging equipment, and recycling compactors. The environment is fast-paced and focused on food manufacturing quality and safety, with a strong emphasis on cleanliness, organization, and adherence to production and safety procedures.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Ankeny, IA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $19.00/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 Ankeny,IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 10, 2026.

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 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.