**Job Description** The Machine Operator is responsible for the safe and productive operation of machines, which may include Granulator, Shredder, Color System, Wet Sorter System, and/or Extruder. This position also involves material handling and ensuring the maintenance of a high-quality product. **Responsibilities** + Understand, follow, and apply information from the Run Instruction Sheet (RIS). Set up, run, shut down, troubleshoot, clean, and perform general maintenance of machines. + Take regular samples, systematically probe boxes as directed by RIS, and report inequities to lab personnel and supervisors. + Thoroughly clean boxes, lids, and skids before use and dispose of substandard material prior to reuse. + Complete the Run Number Time Log at the end of each shift. + Update RIS as needed and communicate changes to the supervisor in a timely manner. + Maintain cleanliness and organization in the work area throughout the shift. + Maintain and complete logs for production ledgers, including inbound, outbound, rejects, and run quality control. + Complete Work in Process (WIP) or Ready for Sale (RFS) tags. + Compute weights using correct gross, tare, and net figures, and record them appropriately. + Become certified to operate a forklift and aerial lift as needed. + Assist with training new associates. + Load and unload materials and place them into inventory locations using a forklift or pallet jack. + Compute pounds per hour processed during the run and document various run conditions and productivity standards. + Prepare boxes for material by correctly placing or removing labels. + Participate in shift meetings and training sessions. **Essential Skills** + Manufacturing experience in a machine-operating environment is preferred. + Basic math skills with the ability to perform mathematical computations including addition, subtraction, and percentage calculations. + Good handwriting for maintaining clear records. + Experience troubleshooting in a manufacturing setting. + Sit-down forklift experience is required. + Ability to stand for the duration of the shift outside of breaks. + Capacity to lift up to 65 lbs occasionally. + Comfort with heights, including working on an aerial lift (up to 25 feet with a harness). + Steel-toed or composite-toed shoes are mandatory. + Willingness to work mandated Saturdays occasionally if required. **Additional Skills & Qualifications** + Experience in a plastics manufacturing environment. + Familiarity with injection molding and extrusion machines. + Capability to compute weights and document productivity standards. **Why Work Here?** Join a rapidly growing facility that offers a range of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and flexible spending accounts. Enjoy opportunities for advancement to leadership roles and the potential for increased earning in the future. Benefit from additional voluntary options such as stock options and a 401k plan. **Work Environment** This position operates in a traditional manufacturing environment with large, multi-story machines. The facility requires hearing and eye protection due to dust and noise. Employees must be comfortable climbing stairs or using an aerial lift for troubleshooting tasks. The temperature varies with the season, becoming hot in the summer near some machines and cool during winter. Dock workers focus primarily on loading and unloading trucks. Dress code includes avoiding baggy clothing, wearing steel or composite-toed shoes, and securing long hair. Personal hygiene is important, and the use of cell phones and smartwatches is prohibited on the production floor. **Job Type & Location** This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Indianapolis, Indiana. **Pay and Benefits** The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $22.00/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 Indianapolis,IN. **Application Deadline** This position is anticipated to close on Aug 22, 2025. **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.