Winder Operator

Aerotek; Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Aerotek in Lincoln, NE seeks a Winder Operator to support high-volume fiberglass tube production. You will set up winders, program machines, and operate equipment to shape composite materials while reading blueprints and ensuring quality.

This role involves handling resins, following SOPs, and performing precise measurements with calipers and micrometers. Requires 6+ months of machine operator experience, reading a tape measure to 1/32 inch, and ability to lift up to 40 lbs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 6+ months of machine operator experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with resin-based materials.
• Ability to read a tape measure to 1/32 inch.
• Ability to convert fractions to decimals and learn fast as needed.
• Follow safety rules and standard operating procedures.

Responsibilities

• Set up winder machines and program them per job specs.
• Operate machines to shape composite materials like fiberglass tubes.
• Handle resins and fiberglass materials safely per procedures.
• Read blueprints and work instructions to position equipment.
• Adjust machine settings to meet tolerances and specs.
• Follow SOPs and safety guidelines in daily tasks.
• Perform measurements and calculations for gear boxes and production areas.
• Use calipers, tape measures, and micrometers to verify parts.
• Work in molding areas with plastics and sheet fiberglass independently.
• Clean molds/tools/parts with acetone or appropriate cleaners.
• Fill molds, run repetitive tasks, and enter data into the system.
• Cut materials with a circular saw with a partner and verify length.
• Adjust cut/bond settings to maintain dimensions and quality.
• Assist packaging and handle items up to 40 lbs for shipment.
• Operate shop equipment (saws, grinders, mills, lathes, winders).
• Perform basic part inspection with hand tools and gauges.
• Maintain a clean, safe, organized work area; team cross-training.

Skills

Machine operator

Resin handling

Tape measure reading

Calipers/micrometers

Blueprint reading

Safety procedures

Mechanical aptitude

Lifting 40 lbs

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Measuring tape

Job description

Job Title: Winder Operator

Job Description

The winder operator supports the production of large fiberglass tubes and other composite components in a high-volume industrial manufacturing environment. This role sets up and operates winding and related machinery, works with resins and fiberglass materials, and follows blueprints, specifications, and safety procedures to produce precise, high-quality parts. The position offers exposure to multiple production areas, cross-training opportunities, and the chance to develop strong machine operation and measurement skills.

Responsibilities

• Set up winder machines and program them according to job specifications and production requirements.

• Set up and operate machines to shape composite materials, including fiberglass tubes and related components.

• Work with resins and fiberglass materials, handling them safely and according to established procedures.

• Read and interpret blueprints, diagrams, and work instructions to select, position, and secure machinery and materials.

• Adjust machine settings to complete tasks accurately and within specified tolerances.

• Follow instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and pre-established guidelines to perform daily tasks safely and efficiently.

• Use math skills to perform measurements, conversions, and calculations required for gear box and other production areas.

• Operate and use calipers, tape measures, micrometers, and other measurement tools to verify dimensions and quality.

• Work in molding areas with plastics and sheet fiberglass, often independently, while maintaining quality and safety standards.

• Handle acetone and other cleaning materials safely when cleaning molds, tools, or parts.

• Fill molds in the element area, work independently on repetitive tasks, and remove dust and debris from gear components.

• Perform cutting and bonding tasks, including scanning and entering data into a computer system for approximately 20 parts per day.

• Use a circular saw with a partner to cut materials to length and verify accuracy with a tape measure.

• Adjust machine settings in the cut and bond area to maintain correct dimensions and quality.

• Support packaging activities, including handling items weighing up to 40 lbs and preparing finished parts for shipment.

• Operate a variety of shop and production equipment, including saws, grinders, mills, lathes, winders, and other power tools as needed.

• Perform basic inspection of parts using hand tools and measurement equipment to ensure they meet specifications.

• Maintain a clean and organized work area, following safety rules and housekeeping standards.

• Collaborate with team members across different production areas and participate in cross-training as assigned.

• Stand for extended periods (8+ hours per day) and perform repetitive tasks while maintaining attention to detail and safety.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or GED.
• Minimum 6+ months of machine operator experience in a manufacturing or similar environment.
• Experience operating equipment with resin or working directly with resin-based materials.
• Ability to read a tape measure accurately down to 1/32 of an inch.
• Ability to convert fractions to decimals, or willingness and ability to learn this skill.
• Knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures in manufacturing, including following safety rules and standard operating procedures.
• Capability to stand for 8 or more hours per day and handle physical aspects of the job, including lifting up to 40 lbs.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and comfort working with machines and hand tools.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions, work from blueprints and diagrams, and complete tasks according to specifications.
• Reliability and consistency in attendance, safety practices, and quality of work.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• 6+ months of experience using calipers, micrometers, or other precision measurement tools.
• GNT certificate or similar technical certification.
• 6+ months of experience working with composites, such as fiberglass or similar materials.
• 6+ months of molding experience, particularly with plastics or composite molding processes.
• 6+ months of experience performing machine setup, including configuring and adjusting production equipment.
• 6+ months of experience working with mills, lathes, or winding equipment.
• Experience in environments such as general dynamics, hexagon, or agility-type manufacturing settings (or comparable industrial experience).
• Experience with plastics production or molding processes.
• Comfort working independently in certain production areas while maintaining productivity and quality.
• Experience with basic computer use to scan and enter production data.
• Familiarity with saw operation, including circular saws, and safe use of power tools.
• Experience in machine shop operations, including grinding, saw cutting, and basic inspection tasks.

Why Work Here?

The organization combines the stability and resources of a large, global manufacturer with the close-knit feel of a family-run operation. Team members work in a supportive environment where people know and care about one another, and each individual is valued rather than treated as just a number. The culture emphasizes collaboration, flexibility, and mutual respect, with leadership fostering a workplace where every role matters. Employees benefit from cross-training across multiple production areas, creating strong opportunities to grow skills and broaden experience. As team members learn new areas, they can earn meaningful pay increases tied directly to their development, providing a clear pathway for advancement and long‑term career growth.

Work Environment

The role is based in a large industrial manufacturing facility focused on producing fiberglass tubes and related components. The workspace features wide, open areas where individuals generally have a large work area to themselves. The environment includes active machinery and saws, so hearing protection is required, and the climate may be influenced by production processes. Some tasks involve working with fiberglass, resins, and acetone for cleaning, which can result in dust and materials that may dirty clothing if contacted. Employees use a variety of equipment and tools, including winding machines, molding equipment, mills, lathes, circular saws, grinders, hand tools, and precision measurement tools such as calipers and tape measures. The standard schedule is a first shift from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with overtime available and often an option, including an overtime premium. The production team consists of approximately 16 people, providing a balance between a substantial operation and a close team environment. The dress code includes steel‑toe footwear, jeans, and a T‑shirt, along with required safety glasses and hearing protection while on the production floor.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lincoln, NE.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $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 job classification 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 & 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 Lincoln,NE.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 24, 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 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.