Entry Level Machine Operator Jobs in Portage, IN

Job Title: Entry-Level Machine Operator
Job Description

This entry-level Machine Operator role involves working independently in a production cell to load bar stock into machines, perform light visual quality checks, and support general manufacturing operations. The position is highly manual, requires frequent lifting of up to 50 pounds, and involves standing for the duration of the shift on a busy production floor.

Responsibilities

• Operate production machinery in an entry-level capacity, following established procedures and safety guidelines.
• Load bar stock and other materials into machines accurately and efficiently to support continuous production.
• Perform light quality control checks by visually inspecting parts for defects and ensuring products meet basic standards.
• Work independently in an assigned production cell, managing tasks and workflow with minimal supervision.
• Carry out general production and assembly tasks as needed to support manufacturing output.
• Handle materials and finished parts, including lifting and moving items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area to support safety and efficiency.
• Follow all workplace safety rules, including proper use of equipment and adherence to production floor protocols.
• Stand for the duration of the shift while operating machinery and performing production tasks.

Essential Skills

• Previous manufacturing experience.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Ability to stand for an 8-hour shift.
• Comfort working in a highly manual, hands-on production role.
• Basic understanding of general production or assembly processes.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Machine operating experience in a production or manufacturing environment.
• Experience with general labor or production work.
• Familiarity with basic quality checks and visual inspection for defects.
• Ability to work independently and manage tasks within an assigned work cell.

Why Work Here?

You will join a growing organization that actively invests in its facilities and people, including recent and planned expansions that signal long-term stability and opportunity. Team members enjoy access to a partnered health clinic offering visits at a very low cost, making it easier to prioritize personal well-being. The company also supports a healthy lifestyle by paying employees to work out every other day, promoting balance between work and physical fitness.

Work Environment

This role is based in a manufacturing facility on the 2nd shift, Monday through Thursday, from 3:30 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. CST. You will work independently in your own production cell on a busy shop floor, operating machines and performing manual tasks throughout the shift. The environment requires frequent lifting of up to 50 pounds and the ability to stand for the full shift while handling bar stock, operating equipment, and conducting visual quality checks. The setting is typical of a production floor, with active machinery and a focus on safety, efficiency, and consistent output.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of La Porte, IN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $18.00/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 La Porte,IN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 10, 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.