Contract Polymer Compounding Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Production Operator – Manufacturing & Extrusion (Full-Time)

If you’re mechanically inclined and enjoy hands‑on work, this is a great opportunity to grow your career in a stable, fast‑paced manufacturing environment. As a Production Operator, you’ll run and monitor extrusion and compounding lines, move materials throughout the facility, and help keep production running smoothly and safely. You’ll set up feed systems, operate extruders, support railcar loading/unloading, and maintain accurate production records while working with a tight‑knit team.

What You’ll Do

• Operate extrusion equipment and set up feed systems, extruders, and auxiliary machinery.
• Move materials using forklifts, pallet jacks, and manual loading.
• Support railcar operations including safe loading/unloading from top and bottom.
• Monitor production lines and troubleshoot issues as they arise.
• Complete production records with accurate documentation and reporting.
• Perform quality checks on product and railcar loads.
• Clean and maintain equipment for changeovers and daily operation.
• Assist with warehouse tasks and general production activities.
• Support continuous improvement by offering ideas and helping implement upgrades.
• Troubleshoot machinery to reduce downtime and keep production moving.

What You Need to Bring

• 2+ years of experience in at least two areas:
• Loss‑in‑Weight feeders, polymer extrusion, pneumatic conveying, rail yard operations, forklift operation.
• Experience operating production or extrusion machinery.
• Forklift and pallet jack experience.
• Ability to set up feed systems, extruders, and auxiliary equipment.
• Basic warehouse and inventory knowledge.
• Ability to troubleshoot and monitor production processes.
• Strong attention to detail with accurate documentation skills.
• Mechanical aptitude and comfort working with industrial equipment.
• Reliable, self‑motivated, and able to multitask.
• Ability to follow SOPs, safety rules, and written procedures.

Bonus Skills (Not Required)

• 5+ years of experience in two core areas listed above.
• Six Sigma or continuous improvement experience.
• CGMP experience (medical or food manufacturing).
• Familiarity with MES or production tracking systems.
• Polymer quality control testing experience.
• Basic machine maintenance or PM experience.
• Warehouse management or medical device production background.
• Strong communication skills for reporting and teamwork.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Stable, growing company with real advancement opportunities.
• Full benefits package when hired permanently: medical, dental, vision, 401(k), STD, LTD.
• Hands‑on, team‑oriented environment focused on quality, safety, and efficiency.
• Clear pathways to move into lead operator, technician, or supervisor roles.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Portsmouth, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $24.00/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 Portsmouth,VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 31, 2026.

About Aerotek

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.