Machine Operator

Job Title:

Machine Operator - 1st shift - 18-25/hr Job Description This role offers a structured apprenticeship to become a press operator in a highly specialized metal lithography environment. You will learn to set up and operate presses, slitters, and metal forming equipment while supporting production through accurate job setup, quality checks, and equipment maintenance. The position combines hands-on machine operation, mechanical troubleshooting, and attention to detail in a climate-controlled, unionized manufacturing facility. Responsibilities Participate in an apprenticeship program to become a skilled press operator in a specialized metal lithography operation. Learn to set up and run presses, slitters, and metal forming equipment according to production requirements. Review production schedules to confirm the correct job, plate usage, and materials before starting each run. Maintain complete job packets, including creating and marking samples for future runs and layout reference. Retrieve, store, and maintain machine settings, plates, and job packets to ensure repeatable production quality. Set up, adjust, and align equipment as required to meet job specifications and customer standards. Make running adjustments to machinery during production to maintain quality, color, and dimensional accuracy. Mix ink to match color samples and ensure consistent color throughout the production run. Observe equipment operation, identify issues, and perform minor adjustments or repairs as needed. Clean and wash equipment after operations to maintain a safe, organized, and efficient work area. Preserve and properly store printing plates after printing to ensure they are ready for future use. Lubricate, oil, and grease machinery as needed to support preventive maintenance and reliable operation. Use forklifts, hand tools, and power tools safely to support material handling and machine setup. Lift and move materials and components up to 60 lbs unassisted as part of daily production activities. Follow all safety procedures, union guidelines, and company policies while supporting team production goals. Essential Skills At least 3+ years of machine operation experience in a manufacturing, industrial, or production environment. Demonstrated industrial or manufacturing work experience (3+ years) with consistent job tenure. Ability to lift up to 60 lbs unassisted on a regular basis. Experience with machine setup and operation, including making adjustments during production. Basic troubleshooting skills to identify and resolve minor equipment or process issues. Comfort using forklifts, or willingness to learn, in a production setting. Ability to read and use a tape measure accurately for setups and quality checks. Experience working with general labor, production, or packaging tasks in an industrial environment. Familiarity with hand tools and basic power tools for mechanical tasks. Ability to follow production schedules, job instructions, and standard operating procedures. Strong mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn specialized metal forming and printing processes. Additional Skills & Qualifications Mechanical inclination, whether from previous work experience, personal projects, or hands-on hobbies. Experience troubleshooting minor issues on vehicles, household equipment, machinery, or tools. Comfort using hand and power tools, including the ability to turn a wrench and work through point A to point B mechanical issues. Experience in lithography or flexography, particularly in metal packaging or related industries, is a strong plus. Exposure to can making, metal packaging, metal forming, slitting, or similar processes is highly beneficial. Ability to read blueprints or production drawings is an advantage. Willingness to work in a union environment and progress through skill levels and pay grades. Strong aptitude for learning new equipment, processes, and technical skills in a structured apprenticeship. Why Work Here? You will join a stable, family-oriented manufacturing organization that invests in long-term employee growth through structured apprenticeships and clear progression paths. The company offers weekly pay, competitive compensation with merit-based and union-negotiated increases, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, free life insurance, paid vacation, 11 paid holidays, annual profit sharing potential, and a 401(k) plan with a generous company contribution and additional match. You will work in a climate-controlled facility with a strong safety culture and become part of a union environment that provides representation, job security, and clearly defined work rules. As the company expands and adds new facilities and headcount, you will have opportunities to grow your skills, advance into higher-level roles, and benefit from increased responsibility and pay over time. Work Environment This position is based in a climate-controlled manufacturing facility specializing in custom metal lithography for food packaging, specialty premiums, and decorative products. The organization is a family-owned company of roughly 60 employees and is currently expanding, including a recently acquired facility and plans to add 50-60 more team members over the coming years. This is a direct hire, hourly role in a union environment, with entry into the union after approximately 45 days and benefits starting around 60 days. There are multiple openings, with an initial focus on building out the first group of 10-15 hires. The standard schedule for the first group of hires is a four-day workweek, Monday through Thursday, working four 10-hour shifts from 5:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The company plans to add a second shift in the future, with anticipated hours of Monday through Thursday, 2:45 p.m. to 12:45 a.m., and shift assignments may evolve based on union and production needs. Typical weekly hours range from 40 to 48, with some overtime on Fridays as needed. Saturdays and Sundays are always voluntary, and some lines offer premium, including potential triple-time pay for certain Saturday work. The environment uses presses, slitters, metal forming equipment, forklifts, hand tools, and power tools, with an emphasis on safe machine operation and material handling. Steel-toe footwear is required as part of the dress code, and employees work on the production floor in a setting that balances industrial equipment with a clean, organized, and safety-focused atmosphere. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Bryan, OH. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $25.00/hr. 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 Bryan,OH.

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 28, 2026. About Aerotek We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry - from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies' construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow. 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.