Production Associate

Job Title: Production Associate – 1st Shift

Job Description

This role supports the production of advanced CNG fuel storage systems and tanks for trucks and large commercial vehicles. As a Production Associate on 1st shift, you work across multiple manufacturing stations to assemble, label, and prepare fuel tanks and related components, ensuring they meet strict quality and safety standards. You use a variety of tools, machines, and visual work instructions to perform mechanical assembly tasks, support specialized processes such as filament winding and rotomolding, and help maintain a clean, organized, and efficient production environment.

Responsibilities

• Interpret and follow detailed work instructions, procedures, and visual instruction sheets to complete production tasks accurately.
• Operate assembly tools, fixtures, and specialized equipment to perform mechanical assembly work on fuel storage tanks and related components.
• Assist with filament winding operations, including resin application, resin squeezing, tool cleaning, tool maintenance, and setting up floor mats.
• Support rotomolding processes by preparing materials, loading raw materials such as resin and paxon, and performing boss recovery tasks.
• Perform tank labeling and foam dome installation with precision to meet quality and safety requirements.
• Assemble and package products to meet or exceed established quality standards and delivery timelines.
• Lift and move raw materials, finished products, and packed items as needed throughout the production process.
• Clean and lubricate equipment to support reliable operation and reduce downtime.
• Dispose of scrap resin, fiber, cardboard, and other production waste in accordance with housekeeping and safety standards.
• Maintain a high level of housekeeping and 5S standards, keeping work areas clean, organized, and free of hazards.
• Work across multiple stations, including Rotomold Operator, filament winding, Trailer Assembler, Tube Bending, and Adapter/Volumetric/EOL Domes/Labels, as training and production needs require.
• As a Rotomold Operator, use injection molding machines to form tanks and support subsequent winding operations to wrap tanks with resin and protective layers.
• Support winding operations that require troubleshooting and working with composite materials such as carbon fiber, following training and safety guidelines.
• As a Trailer Assembler, prepare tanks for installation in trucks, perform pressure tests, and ensure systems are ready for use.
• Perform tube bending tasks to install and shape metal tubing and safety equipment around the tanks.
• Work on Adapter, Volumetric, EOL Domes/Labels stations to measure tanks, verify correct pressurization, and conduct tests such as lowering tanks into water to check for bubbles.
• Follow all safety procedures when working with pressures, resins, epoxies, composites, and mechanical equipment.
• Work mandatory overtime as required, which may include extended daily hours and Saturdays, to meet production demands.
• Consistently lift up to 50 pounds as part of daily production activities.

Essential Skills

• Preferably 1.5+ years of machine operating or production/manufacturing experience in a similar environment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and comfort working with mechanical assemblies and production equipment.
• Experience and proficiency with hand tools and power tools, with the ability to name and use common tools found in a toolbox.
• Ability to use assembly tools, fixtures, and specialized equipment safely and effectively.
• Capability to read and follow visual instruction sheets, routers, or blueprints to perform assembly tasks (experience is a plus).
• Ability to work with materials such as resin, epoxy, composite materials, Kevlar, pre-preg, fiberglass, and carbon fiber (experience with these is highly valued).
• Experience in general production, assembly, machine operating, or construction environments.
• Ability to consistently lift up to 50 pounds and perform physically demanding tasks throughout the shift.
• Willingness to work 50–60 hour work weeks, including mandatory overtime and occasional 12-hour days and Saturdays, when needed.
• Comfort working with pressure testing processes and measuring equipment (experience with pressures is a plus but not required).

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience using a torque wrench is a plus.
• Experience with visual instruction sheets, routers, or blueprints is beneficial but not mandatory.
• Experience working with composites such as resin, epoxy, Kevlar, fiberglass, carbon fiber, and pre-preg materials is an advantage.
• Prior exposure to filament winding, rotomolding, or similar specialized manufacturing processes is helpful.
• Experience in construction or other hands-on mechanical roles that demonstrate strong tool usage and mechanical skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot issues in machine operation or winding processes after training.
• Strong attention to detail when measuring, labeling, and pressure testing tanks.
• Commitment to maintaining high housekeeping and 5S standards in the work area.

Why Work Here?

Employees enjoy a clean, modern manufacturing environment with access to advanced equipment and processes, along with a full benefits package that includes paid time off, vacation, and a 401(k) plan. The organization supports long-term career growth through cross-training at multiple stations, offering opportunities to build specialized skills in areas such as filament winding, rotomolding, and pressure testing. The culture values safety, quality, and teamwork, providing a comfortable setting where employees can develop their technical abilities while contributing to innovative fuel system solutions.

Work Environment

The role is based in a very clean, large manufacturing facility with multiple machines running, offering a comfortable and organized environment rather than a heavily industrial setting. You work primarily on 1st shift, Monday through Friday from approximately 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with the potential to start at 5:00 a.m. to support overtime. Overtime is mandatory as needed and may result in 12-hour days and include Saturdays. The facility uses a variety of production and assembly equipment, including injection molding machines, winding machines, tube bending tools, and pressure testing setups. Work involves frequent lifting of up to 50 pounds and regular use of hand and power tools. Steel-toed boots are required for safety, and employees are expected to follow all facility safety and housekeeping standards while working across different stations in the production area.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lake Forest, CA.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $24.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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)

This is a fully onsite position in Lake Forest,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 2, 2026.

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

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.

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.