Entry Level Machine Operator Jobs in Knoxville, TN

Job Title: Line Operator

Job Description

The Line Operator is an entry-level role in the Extrusion department responsible for operating production lines, using standard tools and measuring devices, and ensuring that finished products meet customer specifications. This position focuses on maintaining product quality and appearance by monitoring how material is wrapped onto reels and identifying basic abnormalities during the manufacturing process.

Responsibilities

• Operate extrusion and related production machinery in accordance with established procedures and safety guidelines.
• Use standard tools and measuring devices to verify that products meet customer specifications and quality standards.
• Monitor the wrapping of the final product onto reels to ensure an even, neat, and consistent appearance.
• Inspect products during the extrusion process to identify and address basic abnormalities or defects.
• Maintain continuous oversight of product quality throughout the shift, making adjustments as needed to meet requirements.
• Work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment to support production goals and maintain efficient workflow.
• Follow all manufacturing, production, and machine operation protocols to ensure safe and reliable operation.
• Communicate clearly with team members and supervisors regarding equipment status, quality concerns, and production issues.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area to support safe and efficient operations.
• Demonstrate eagerness to learn and adapt to new processes, tools, and equipment as needed.

Essential Skills

• Experience or familiarity with manufacturing and production environments.
• Basic machine operation skills, including operating as a machine operator or extrusion operator.
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to understand how machines function and respond to basic issues.
• Ability to use standard tools and measuring devices to check product quality and specifications.
• Attention to detail to ensure products are wrapped evenly and neatly on reels.
• Willingness and eagerness to learn new tasks and processes in an extrusion setting.
• Capability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
• Reliability to work 12-hour rotating shifts on a 2-2-3 schedule (day or night shifts).

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience as a machine operator, extrusion operator, or upstream operator in a manufacturing setting.
• Experience with extrusion operations or similar production processes.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and comfort working with production equipment.
• Ability to identify basic abnormalities in product appearance or quality.
• Good communication skills for coordinating with team members in a production environment.

Why Work Here?

Employees benefit from a supportive environment that values reliability and teamwork, with strong emphasis on comprehensive benefits and long-term stability. The company pays a significant portion of health insurance premiums, provides fully paid life insurance, and offers annual wage increases. Team members can earn quarterly attendance bonuses and accrue paid time off each pay period, supporting both financial security and work-life balance.

Work Environment

This role is based in a clean manufacturing facility that is climate controlled for the most part, though some areas may be non-climate controlled. Work is performed on 12-hour rotating 2-2-3 schedules, with options for day shifts (7:00 a.m. to 7:15 p.m.) or night shifts (7:00 p.m. to 7:15 a.m.). The environment is team oriented and focused on safe, efficient operation of extrusion and production equipment.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Clinton, TN.

The pay range for this position is $17.25 - $20.50/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Clinton,TN.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 27, 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.