Packaging Operator

Aerotek; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

401(k) match 6%

Tuition reimbursement

Fitness membership reimbursement

Onsite fitness center

Free pasta

Annual bonus

Employee referral bonuses

Flexible scheduling

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking a Packaging Operator for its Ames, IA facility. You will work on an automated packaging line, inspecting pasta products for quality and proper packaging, while maintaining a clean, safe work area and coordinating with fellow operators.

The role supports continuous production, requires standing for long periods, and includes lifting up to 50 lbs. It is a contract-to-hire position with a rotating 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. shift pattern.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Lift up to 50 lbs repeatedly.
• Stand for the full shift in a production environment.
• Experience on a fast-paced production line is preferred.
• Detail-oriented for packaging quality and barcode checks.
• Willingness to assist with cleanup, recycling, and line tasks.

Responsibilities

• Operate on an automated packaging line to support production.
• Inspect products for quality and packaging integrity.
• Check boxing, labeling, and appearance to meet standards.
• Verify readability of barcodes on packaged items.
• Assist with line changeovers and cleanup on the packaging line.
• Break down cartons for recycling and dispose materials.
• Transport cartons to the compactor safely and efficiently.
• Ensure totes are labeled and used correctly.
• Relieve teammates during breaks to maintain line efficiency.
• Follow safety, quality, and sanitation procedures on the floor.
• Report packaging or equipment issues promptly.

Skills

High school diploma or GED

Lift up to 50 lbs

Stand for entire shift

Production line experience

Attention to detail

General labor tasks

Job description

Job Title: Packaging Operator Job Description

The Packaging Operator works on an automated packaging line to ensure that all pasta products are packed accurately, safely, and to high quality standards. This role focuses on inspecting packaged products, supporting smooth line operation, and maintaining a clean and organized work area while collaborating closely with other operators and production staff.

Responsibilities

• Operate and work on an automated packaging line to support continuous and efficient production.
• Pull products off the line and inspect them to ensure the quality of the pasta and the integrity of the packaging.
• Check packaging for correct boxing, labeling, and overall appearance to meet quality standards.
• Verify the accuracy and readability of barcodes on all packaged products.
• Assist other packaging operators with cleanup and line changeover activities as needed.
• Break down cartons and cases and prepare materials for recycling and disposal.
• Transport cartons and cardboard to the compactor for recycling in a safe and efficient manner.
• Ensure all area totes are in place, properly labeled, and used correctly throughout the shift.
• Relieve other packaging operators during breaks to maintain continuous operation of the line.
• Follow all safety, quality, and sanitation procedures while working on the production floor.
• Communicate any issues with packaging quality, equipment, or materials to the appropriate personnel promptly.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or GED.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs safely and repeatedly as needed during the shift.
• Ability to stand and remain on your feet for the entire shift.
• Basic ability to work on a production or manufacturing line in a fast-paced environment.
• Attention to detail to accurately inspect packaging quality and verify barcodes.
• Willingness to assist with cleanup, recycling, and general labor tasks on the packaging line.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• 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.
• Experience with packaging, general production, or assembly line work is an asset.
• Familiarity with quality standards and basic manufacturing processes is beneficial.

Why Work Here?

You join a stable organization with a strong track record of consistent operations and no layoffs since 1998. The company offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a 6% 401(k) match with dollar-for-dollar contributions up to 6%, tuition reimbursement to support your education and career growth, and reimbursement for fitness memberships, wellness apps, and club memberships to encourage a healthy lifestyle. You have access to an onsite fitness center, enjoy free pasta, and may earn an annual bonus based on plant and individual performance, along with employee referral bonuses. Flexible scheduling supports work-life balance and offers the opportunity to build a long-term, rewarding career in a supportive environment.

Work Environment

This role is based in a production and manufacturing facility focused on food packaging. You work on and around automated packaging lines and production equipment in a fast-paced environment. The standard shift runs from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on a rotating 1B schedule (2 days on, 2 days off, 3 days on, 2 days off), providing regular extended periods of time off. The position requires standing for the entire shift, frequent movement around the production floor, and regular lifting of up to 50 lbs. You work in a team-oriented setting where safety, cleanliness, and adherence to quality and food safety standards are priorities.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Ames, 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 be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available 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 Ames,IA.

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.