Press Operator

Now Hiring Press Operator in Wellsville, PA Night Shift 7p-7a 12-hour standard rotating schedule

Pay:

$20.50/hour Job Description The Press Operator sets up, operates, and monitors extrusion press equipment to achieve optimal production output and product quality in a high-volume manufacturing environment. This role configures key machine parameters, troubleshoots quality issues on the line, supports changeovers, and follows strict safety and housekeeping standards while working closely with the production team on a 12-hour shift schedule. Responsibilities Set billet length, furnace temperature controls, ram speed, and puller programs to achieve optimum production rates and product quality. Continuously monitor metal during extrusion for quality issues such as pick-up, tear-out, and die lines, and adjust operating setup to correct or minimize defects. Report quality and production problems promptly and collaborate with forepersons and lead personnel to improve productivity and quality. Assist the lead out position with equipment setups, tear downs, and changeovers to ensure efficient transitions between production runs. Roll logs and handle materials as needed to support ongoing production. Prepare for die changeovers by having the bolster and next die ready in advance to minimize downtime. Communicate clearly with the lead out position regarding upcoming die changes, timing, and required materials and equipment. Assist with the setup of water boxes, water pans, cooling fans, and other special requirements for various alloys and product specifications. Regularly inspect all press and related equipment and immediately report any potential issues to shift leadership or lead personnel. Complete daily Press Operator preventive maintenance tasks and accurately fill out the PM checklist. Before turning the press over to maintenance or assisting with repairs, ensure power to the press and computer is safely shut off. Accurately complete all required paperwork during the shift, including production, quality, and maintenance documentation. Maintain a neat, orderly, and safe work area and assist with general housekeeping duties in the Press Department. Operate saws, band saws, and related cutting equipment as needed to support production and packaging. Perform general production, assembly, packaging, banding, and material handling tasks, including forklift operation and the use of hand tools and tape measures. Essential Skills At least 3 years of work experience operating a press or a closely related type of industrial machine. Ability to stand on feet for 12-hour shifts in a manufacturing environment. Proficiency in reading and interpreting work orders, safety instructions, and manuals. Basic math skills to perform measurements, counts, and simple calculations. Strong communication skills with the ability to read and understand instructions in English. Prior experience working in an extrusion manufacturing environment, in any material type. Hands-on experience with machine operation, including press operating and general machine operator duties. Ability to safely operate saws, including band saws, and use hand tools and tape measures. Capability to perform production, assembly, general labor, and general production tasks as required. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience in high-volume or 24/7 manufacturing operations. Familiarity with preventive maintenance practices and completion of PM checklists. Comfort working with forklifts and other material handling equipment. Attention to detail in identifying and addressing quality issues such as pick-up, tear-out, and die lines. Strong sense of safety awareness when working around heavy machinery and hot materials. Ability to maintain an organized work area and support department-wide housekeeping standards. Willingness to work night shifts and rotating schedules as part of a 24/7 operation. Why Work Here? Employees benefit from a comprehensive package that supports both their financial security and work-life balance, including dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement savings plan with a 100% match on up to 4% of contributions, and AD&D insurance. Paid time off grows with tenure, starting with vacation hours after six months and increasing quarterly over the years, plus dedicated personal time after one year of service. Holiday pay is provided at 1.5x pay, and the company invests in safety by providing required protective equipment, including safety glasses, hearing protection, and fully reimbursed safety shoes through selected providers, as well as support for prescription safety glasses. The organization emphasizes training and offers clear opportunities for growth and advancement, with workforce transitions creating new openings for motivated employees. Work Environment This role is part of a 24/7 manufacturing operation that runs full-time 12-hour shifts. Standard rotations include night shifts from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. on designated shift schedules (for example, C/D shifts for nights and A/B shifts for days). The environment is not temperature controlled, so conditions can vary with the seasons. Work takes place in an active production facility with extrusion presses, saws, band saws, cooling equipment, forklifts, and other industrial machinery, along with required use of safety glasses and hearing protection in manufacturing areas. Prescription safety glasses are available through a contracted provider, and safety shoes with appropriate protection are required and reimbursed when ordered through company-selected providers. The dress code consists of jeans or work pants, a plain shirt, and steel-toe footwear with metatarsal protection. All piercings must be studs, with no hoops or dangling jewelry, and gauged ears must use solid plugs to maintain safety around moving equipment. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Wellsville, PA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $20.50 - $20.50/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 Wellsville,PA.

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 8, 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.