Production Operator

Aerotek; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Aerotek is hiring a Production Machine Operator in Ames, IA. The role focuses on manufacturing high-quality products by following work orders, setting up and calibrating machinery, and handling packaging, kitting, and assembly tasks in a structured, safety-conscious environment.

Candidates should have 2+ years in production, mechanical experience, and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs. You will maintain records, troubleshoot minor issues, and follow standard operating procedures to ensure quality

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of production experience in a manufacturing environment.
• A minimum of 6 months of mechanical experience or equivalent is required.
• Six months of production experience is preferred.
• Experience with packaging, general labor, and machine operation or machine operating.
• Proven mechanical ability or aptitude, including the ability to troubleshoot minor issues.
• Ability to frequently lift, carry, push, or pull up to 20 lbs and occasionally up to 50 lbs.
• Manual dexterity and good hand-eye coordination for detailed and repetitive tasks.
• Basic reading, writing, and math skills to interpret work orders, instructions, and production data.
• Ability to resolve minor problems and recognize normal and unusual operating conditions.
• Ability to learn instrument or circuit board assembly, machine operations (including setup and changeover), and kitting tasks.
• Good oral and written communication skills to interact effectively with supervisors and coworkers.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing processes is helpful.

Responsibilities

• Manufacture quality production according to work orders or build signals, ensuring products meet established specifications and standards.
• Perform general production duties including picking, packing, kitting, and assembling components or products as assigned.
• Set up machines and equipment as needed, including preparing machines to start the production cycle and performing required calibration.
• Monitor machines during operation, properly adjust machine settings, and respond promptly to any irregularities or issues.
• Operate manual and/or power equipment in areas where it is required, following all safety procedures.
• Maintain accurate records and activity logs related to production, machine settings, and work performed.
• Identify and resolve minor mechanical or production problems, recognizing normal and unusual situations and escalating issues when necessary.
• Learn and perform instrument or circuit board assembly (where applicable), machine operations including setup and changeover, and kitting tasks.
• Follow written and verbal instructions, standard operating procedures, and safety guidelines at all times.
• Contribute to a clean, organized, and safe work area by following housekeeping and safety practices.

Job description

Job Title: Production Machine Operator

Job Description

This role is responsible for manufacturing high-quality products in a production environment by following work orders or build signals, operating and setting up machinery, and performing general material handling tasks. The position involves hands-on work with packaging, kitting, and assembly while maintaining accurate documentation and adhering to safety and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Manufacture quality production according to work orders or build signals, ensuring products meet established specifications and standards.

• Perform general production duties including picking, packing, kitting, and assembling components or products as assigned.

• Set up machines and equipment as needed, including preparing machines to start the production cycle and performing required calibration.

• Monitor machines during operation, properly adjust machine settings, and respond promptly to any irregularities or issues.

• Operate manual and/or power equipment in areas where it is required, following all safety procedures.

• Maintain accurate records and activity logs related to production, machine settings, and work performed.

• Identify and resolve minor mechanical or production problems, recognizing normal and unusual situations and escalating issues when necessary.

• Learn and perform instrument or circuit board assembly (where applicable), machine operations including setup and changeover, and kitting tasks.

• Follow written and verbal instructions, standard operating procedures, and safety guidelines at all times.

• Contribute to a clean, organized, and safe work area by following housekeeping and safety practices.

Essential Skills

• At least 2 years of production experience in a manufacturing environment.

• A minimum of 6 months of mechanical experience or equivalent is required.

• Six months of production experience is preferred.

• Experience with packaging, general labor, and machine operation or machine operating.

• Proven mechanical ability or aptitude, including the ability to troubleshoot minor issues.

• Ability to frequently lift, carry, push, or pull up to 20 lbs and occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 lbs.

• Possess manual dexterity and good hand-eye coordination for detailed and repetitive tasks.

• Basic reading, writing, and math skills to interpret work orders, instructions, and production data.

• Ability to resolve minor problems and recognize normal and unusual operating conditions.

• Ability to learn instrument or circuit board assembly, machine operations (including setup and changeover), and kitting tasks.

• Good oral and written communication skills to interact effectively with supervisors and coworkers.

• Working knowledge of manufacturing processes is helpful.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Prior experience in a production or manufacturing environment is preferred.

• Mechanical experience or equivalent training beyond the minimum requirement is beneficial.

• Experience working with manual and power equipment in an industrial setting.

• Strong attention to detail and high level of accuracy in performing tasks.

• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently.

• Comfort working around machinery, tools, and production equipment.

• Willingness to learn new processes, equipment, and assembly techniques as needed.

Why Work Here?

The organization offers clear opportunities for advancement, with a track record of individuals progressing from entry-level roles to leadership positions. You will work in a facility that provides convenient onsite amenities, including a cafeteria, and regular food events such as weekly visits from Pizza Ranch. The culture emphasizes growth, recognition of hard work, and a supportive environment where you can build a long-term career.

Work Environment

This position is based in a manufacturing facility where you may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, chemicals, oils, extreme temperatures, and restricted workspaces. The noise level is occasionally loud. Work is typically performed individually, allowing you to focus on your tasks and responsibilities. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Employees must wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which may include eye protection, hearing protection, steel toe shoes, and gloves; eye, hearing protection, and gloves are provided. Contact lenses are not allowed in production areas, and adherence to all safety and PPE requirements is mandatory.

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 $20.00 - $20.00/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)

Job Type & Location

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

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 20, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Ames,IA.

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.