Machine Operator

Job Description

Job Title: Machine Operator

Job Summary

The Machine Operator is responsible for overseeing and managing food processing lines, ensuring accurate recipe entry, monitoring production parameters, performing quality checks, and completing changeovers. This role requires strong attention to detail, adherence to food safety standards, and the ability to work in a warm production environment.

Key Responsibilities

Operate and monitor processing lines to ensure proper flow and product quality

Enter recipes into the computer system and verify accuracy of production numbers

Perform routine quality checks on dough and finished product

Complete changeovers, including scraping dough from bins and preparing equipment

Fill out all required production and quality paperwork accurately

Ensure compliance with food safety and quality procedures, including PRPs, OPRPs, CCPs, and FSMA requirements

Collaborate with other process operators and report to the Production SpecialistMust-Have Skills & Requirements

Ability to lift up to 50 lbs

Comfortable standing and walking for the entire shift

Minimum 1 year of experience in production or food manufacturing

Understanding of food safety and quality procedures

General computer literacy for recipe entry and documentation

Ability to work in warm environments (80–100+ degrees)Skill Details

Strong process control awareness

Ability to follow detailed procedures

Comfort performing repetitive tasks and manual laborNice-to-Have Skills

Experience with production processes

Food production experience

Quality check experience

Mechanical aptitudeAdditional Qualifications

Previous mechanical or equipment troubleshooting experience preferred

Strong attention to detail and ability to follow safety protocols

Ability to work independently and as part of a teamWork Environment

Warm production environment averaging 80–95 degrees; can exceed 100 degrees at times

Operators spend 30–40% of their shift in an air conditioned control room

Dye wash rooms are wet and require comfort working in damp conditions

Team structure: 4 Process Operators reporting to a Production Specialist

Shift: 7:00 PM – 7:00 AM, rotating scheduleDress Code & PPE

Jeans or work pants required

Steel toe boots required

No jewelry or piercings allowed

Company provides: hair net, beard net (if applicable), hard hat, lab coatEmployee Value Proposition

Join a high demand, 24/7 production environment where your role directly supports the output of a globally recognized food brand. You’ll work with a close knit team, gain experience in food processing operations, and contribute to maintaining high standards of quality and safety.Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Ames, IA.Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $23.00/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 Ames,IA.Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Feb 27, 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.Company Description

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 meet 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 in solving 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.