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Machine Operator
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Aerotek
Richmond, VA (In Person)
$43,285 Salary, Full-Time
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Job Description
Job Title:
New Hire Utility - Tube Mill Operations Job Description This New Hire Utility role focuses on learning to operate and support equipment in a tube mill and extrusion environment, handling aluminum products, and ensuring safe, high-quality production. You will start as a utility employee, receive comprehensive cross-training across multiple departments, and perform machine operation, quality checks, packing, inspection, and material handling while working within a unionized manufacturing facility. Responsibilities Learn to operate equipment associated with the tube mill and extrusion processes while following safe job practices, standard operating procedures, and all quality requirements. Support tube mill operations by assisting machine operators, moving materials on and off machines, and using proper lifting techniques and hoists. Handle aluminum products throughout the production process, including loading, unloading, staging, and transferring materials between work areas. Perform machine operation tasks such as starting, stopping, monitoring, and adjusting machines, including press and extrusion equipment, under guidance from experienced operators. Assist with or conduct quality checks, visual inspections, and quality control activities to ensure all products meet established specifications and quality objectives. Complete packing, packaging, and general production duties, including preparing finished products for shipment and maintaining accurate counts and inventory records. Report and review any unusual conditions, equipment issues, or safety concerns with lead operators and supervisors in a timely and clear manner. Operate or learn to operate forklifts and other material handling equipment as required to move raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods. Use hand tools and basic measuring devices, such as tape measures, to verify dimensions, support assembly or machine setup, and ensure products meet specifications. Document production, quality, and operational information accurately using clear verbal and written communication. Meet all physical demands of the role, including frequent lifting, bending, stepping on and off machinery, and working around motorized equipment in a heavy manufacturing environment. Essential Skills 1-2 years of experience in a manufacturing, production, or material handling environment. Experience in general labor, production support, or assembly line work in a manufacturing setting. Ability and willingness to work in a union environment and comply with union-related guidelines for shift movement and job bidding. Strong verbal and written communication skills for completing documentation and communicating effectively with team members and supervisors. Mechanical aptitude and a strong interest in learning machine operation and cross-training in multiple departments. Ability and interest in learning to operate a forklift if not already experienced. Capability to meet physical demands, including frequent lifting of 15-50 lbs and occasional lifting up to 100 lbs with assistance, stepping over obstacles, climbing on and off machinery, bending, pushing, and pulling objects over 15 lbs, and pulling objects up to 100 lbs. Additional Skills & Qualifications Previous experience operating forklifts or other motorized material handling equipment. Prior experience in a heavy manufacturing environment involving grease, oil, hydraulic fluids, and lubricated machinery. Familiarity with extrusion, tube mill, or metals manufacturing processes. Experience working under union guidelines or in a unionized facility. Demonstrated strong work ethic, integrity, and a positive, "can do" approach to cross-training and new responsibilities. Interest in long-term career progression within a manufacturing environment, including bidding into different roles and departments over time. Comfort working in a non-climate-controlled environment with varying temperatures and noise levels. Ability to adapt to different teams, shifts, and departments while maintaining consistent performance. Why Work Here? You will join a company that builds its success on strong core values, integrity, and a commitment to hiring people with a solid work ethic. The organization focuses on making every new hire a better person by providing best-in-class orientation, robust training, and ongoing development opportunities. You will work in a culture that values teamwork, welcomes veterans, and recognizes that its leading role in the industry comes directly from the people who work there. Employees benefit from structured progression opportunities, annual pay increases, incentive bonuses based on plant performance, and the chance to grow into multiple roles within the extrusion department. The company offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a 401(k) with company match, excellent low-cost medical coverage, company-paid dental and vision benefits, vacation eligibility after 90 days, overtime opportunities, and provided PPE, all within an environment designed to help you develop your talents and build a successful career. Work Environment The role is based in a tube mill and extrusion manufacturing facility with large, complex machinery ranging from brand-new robotic equipment to older, heavy industrial machines. The environment is non-climate-controlled and can be loud due to operating equipment, though the facility is generally open and spacious. Summers can be hot despite airflow and cooling fans, and the plant is heated during winter. Tube mill shifts follow a steady rotation of 7:00-3:00, 3:00-11:00, and 11:00-7:00, with the expectation of long days, including potential 10-12 hour shifts and up to 6 days per week, though typical schedules average around 50 hours. Team-based scheduling provides the same two days off each week once assigned to a team. The work involves regular exposure to grease, oil, and other hydraulic fluids that are essential for lubricating machines and must be cleaned as part of the normal process of metals manufacturing. The facility operates under union guidelines, which dictate shifts and job bidding, requiring flexibility for shift movement and departmental changes. Personal protective equipment is provided, and employees work around motorized equipment, stepping on and off machinery and navigating obstacles in a heavy industrial setting. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of North Chesterfield, VA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $20.81 - $20.81/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 North Chesterfield,VA.