Machine Operator

Job Title:

Machine Operator - Grinding and Pack Off Job Description This role operates production equipment in either the grinding department or the pack off department within a refrigerated food manufacturing facility. You will load raw materials, run and monitor machines, perform basic troubleshooting, and complete routine cleaning and sanitizing of equipment to support safe, efficient production. Responsibilities Operate grinding department equipment by loading raw materials into grinding machines, handling loads that can weigh up to 75 pounds on a consistent basis. Monitor grinding machines during operation to ensure proper performance, product quality, and adherence to safety and production standards. Perform basic troubleshooting on grinding equipment, identifying and addressing minor issues to minimize downtime. Disassemble grinding machines for thorough cleaning and sanitizing, then reassemble the machines correctly and safely. Operate Formax and other packaging machines in the pack off department to package finished product according to specifications. Monitor packaging equipment to maintain consistent output, correct labeling, and proper sealing and weights. Perform basic troubleshooting on Formax and packaging machines to resolve simple mechanical or operational issues. Use hand and power tools safely and effectively to support machine operation, cleaning, adjustments, and minor maintenance tasks. Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and all food safety, sanitation, and quality procedures while working on the production floor. Maintain a clean and organized work area, including proper handling of tools, materials, and cleaning supplies. Communicate machine issues, safety concerns, and production updates to supervisors and teammates in a timely manner. Work overtime as needed, including occasional Saturdays and extended daily hours, to meet production demands. Essential Skills At least 1 year of machine operating experience in a production or manufacturing environment. At least 1 year of experience working with hand and power tools. Ability to consistently lift and move up to 75 pounds during the shift. Ability to perform basic mechanical troubleshooting on production equipment. Capability to disassemble, clean, sanitize, and reassemble production machinery by following established procedures. Comfort working in a refrigerated environment at approximately 30-40 degrees. Willingness and ability to work 50+ hours per week, including overtime beyond 8 hours per shift as needed. Ability to follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and adhere to food safety and sanitation standards. Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety and product quality. Additional Skills & Qualifications Previous experience in food production or meat processing is a plus. Familiarity with Formax or similar packaging machinery is beneficial. Experience in a unionized work environment is helpful but not required. Ability to work effectively as part of a production team in a fast-paced setting. Strong communication skills to report issues and collaborate with coworkers. Why Work Here? This opportunity offers a structured path for growth, stability, and predictable increases in compensation. After 60 days of employment, you become part of a union and gain access to associated benefits. At 6 months, you become eligible to advance to an Operator 2 level with an increase in pay, and at 1 year you may progress to a Level 3 role with an additional raise. In addition, all employees receive a 2.5% annual pay increase each January 1, providing consistent recognition of your ongoing contribution and experience. Work Environment This position is on 2nd shift, working Monday through Friday from approximately 3:45 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., with occasional Saturdays as production requires. Any hours worked over 8 in a single shift are paid as overtime, and team members typically work 50 or more hours per week. The role is based in a GMP-regulated food production environment where sausage patties and similar products are manufactured using grinding and packaging equipment. The entire production floor is refrigerated, generally maintained between 30 and 40 degrees, so you should be comfortable working in a cold environment throughout your shift. Personal protective equipment is provided and required, including an overcoat, gloves, hardhat, ear plugs, safety glasses, and knee-high non-slip rubber boots. Work is hands-on and physically demanding, involving frequent lifting, standing, and movement around machinery in a busy production plant. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Pleasant Prairie, WI. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $19.00/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 Pleasant Prairie,WI.

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 25, 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.