Machine Operator

Job Title: Machine Operator

Job Description

This role operates and adjusts slitting machinery to cut tobacco material to precise widths while maintaining high quality and safety standards. You will set up, run, and fine-tune equipment, monitor product quality, complete production documentation, and perform basic maintenance and troubleshooting to keep operations running smoothly.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and adjust slitting machines to cut tobacco material to exact width and quality specifications.
• Monitor production processes and continuously check slit widths and finished product dimensions to ensure they meet quality standards.
• Identify product or process defects and collaborate with quality assurance support when needed.
• Strictly follow all company safety rules, wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), and adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Load raw materials into the machines according to work orders and package and label finished goods accurately.
• Perform routine maintenance tasks such as knife sharpening and replacement, shaft maintenance, and basic machine care.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area by following 5S housekeeping practices.
• Accurately complete production records, time logs, and quality reports for each shift.
• Troubleshoot and resolve minor machine issues to minimize downtime and maintain consistent production.
• Work effectively within a small team of three, communicating clearly to coordinate tasks and resolve issues.
• Make precise machine adjustments before loading material to ensure correct setup and optimal performance.
• Use hand tools and power tools safely and correctly during setup, adjustment, and maintenance activities.

Essential Skills

• Experience operating production or manufacturing machinery, preferably slitting or roll-forming equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to understand how machines and components work together.
• Ability to make accurate adjustments to machines before and during production.
• Comfort using hand tools and power tools for setup, adjustment, and basic maintenance.
• Ability to stand for 12-hour shifts and perform physical tasks including lifting, pushing, reaching, bending, and repetitive motions.
• High attention to detail for precise cutting, measurement checks, and quality inspections.
• Effective communication skills and ability to work cooperatively in a team of three.
• Troubleshooting skills to identify minor mechanical or process issues and take corrective action.
• Basic documentation skills to complete production records, time logs, and quality reports accurately.
• Commitment to following safety procedures, PPE requirements, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Mechanical such as automotive school or hands-on experience building or assembling mechanical systems.
• General production or assembly experience in an industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Experience working with slitter or slitting machines, dry end operations, or roll forming processes.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, industrial setting that may involve dirt, dust, and varying temperatures.
• Strong interest in mechanical work, often described as being a "gearhead" or mechanically inclined.
• Ability to learn and grow into more advanced machine operation and leadership responsibilities over time.

Why Work Here?

Employees benefit from comprehensive health coverage, including medical, dental, vision, and a 401(k) retirement plan. The rotating schedule provides extended blocks of time off, including every other weekend, supporting work-life balance. There is clear growth potential into lead roles, offering opportunities to develop skills, take on more responsibility, and advance within the organization.

Work Environment

This position is based in an industrial manufacturing environment with active production equipment and continuous machine operation. The facility can be dirty and dusty, and temperatures may be hot in the summer and cold at other times of the year. You will work a rotating schedule of 12-hour shifts from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with one week consisting of three shifts and the next week consisting of four shifts, providing every other weekend off. The role involves working closely with a small team, using slitting machinery, roll-forming equipment, hand tools, and power tools in a hands-on, mechanically focused setting.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of South Windsor, CT.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $23.00/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 South Windsor,CT.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 31, 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.