Cnc Operator Machine Operator Jobs in Ankeny, IA

Job Title: Machine Operator

Job Description

The Machine Operator plays a key role in the production process by operating and monitoring automated bag-filling and packaging equipment in a food manufacturing facility. This position ensures accurate product weights, consistent quality, and smooth workflow on the production line while adhering to strict food safety and workplace safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor automated bag-filling equipment to ensure products are filled to accurate weight specifications.
• Adjust product quantities as needed to ensure all bags meet required weight standards and quality expectations.
• Move filled bags to the sealing process, including sewing bag openings or operating heat-sealing equipment as required.
• Verify product integrity using metal detection equipment prior to palletizing finished goods.
• Stack, organize, and palletize finished products according to production and packaging requirements.
• Perform regular quality checks and record measurements, production data, and quality notes using a tablet in real time.
• Ensure all production and quality documentation is accurate, complete, and maintained as part of daily operations.
• Monitor product quality throughout the manufacturing process and promptly report any issues, deviations, or defects.
• Conduct routine equipment inspections and communicate maintenance needs or concerns to supervisors.
• Follow all food safety, HACCP, GMP, and workplace safety procedures at all times.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe production area, including regular housekeeping tasks.
• Assist with training and supporting team members to promote efficient production flow and adherence to procedures.
• Serve as a point of contact for production issues on the line and help coordinate workflow to meet production goals.
• Troubleshoot basic mechanical or operational issues with equipment and escalate more complex problems as needed.

Essential Skills

• Previous experience operating production or packaging machinery, not limited to the food industry.
• At least 2 years of experience working in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to perform accurate weight checks and adjust equipment settings to maintain product specifications.
• Experience with general production, assembly, and machine operation tasks.
• Strong attention to detail for quality inspection and documentation.
• Ability to use a tablet or similar device to record measurements, production data, and quality notes.
• Understanding of basic mechanical principles to support equipment operation and troubleshooting.
• Capability to stack, organize, and palletize products safely and efficiently.
• Commitment to following food safety, HACCP, GMP, and workplace safety procedures.
• Effective communication skills to report issues and coordinate with supervisors and team members.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Lead or production lead experience is a plus.
• Experience with quality inspection processes and documentation in a manufacturing setting.
• Familiarity with troubleshooting mechanical and operational issues on production equipment.
• Ability to support and train team members to improve efficiency and consistency on the production line.

Why Work Here?

You will join a family-owned organization that values long-term growth, advancement, and a supportive work culture. Employees benefit from opportunities to develop their skills and move into roles with greater responsibility over time. A comprehensive benefits offering, including access to a doctor’s program for regular visits, supports your overall well-being and work-life balance.

Work Environment

This role is based in a food production facility that manufactures various dry products, including spices and breading. The position operates on a first-shift schedule from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., providing a consistent daytime work routine. You will work on and around automated bag-filling, sealing, and metal detection equipment in a fast-paced manufacturing environment that requires adherence to food safety, HACCP, GMP, and workplace safety standards. The facility emphasizes cleanliness and organization, with regular housekeeping and equipment checks forming part of the daily workflow.

This is a Permanent position based out of Des Moines, IA.

The pay range for this position is $35360.00 - $41600.00/yr.

Medical Dental Vision 401K PTO

This is a fully onsite position in Des Moines,IA.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 18, 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.