Entry Level Manufacturing Jobs in Athens, TN (NOW HIRING)

The Production Associate works in a glass manufacturing plant and supports multiple stages of the production process. In this role, you perform visual inspections and quality checks, load and unload glass on conveyor systems, and prepare products for shipment. You also assist with basic machine adjustments and collaborate with the maintenance team during equipment issues to keep production running smoothly.

• Work in a plant production environment supporting the glass manufacturing process in an assigned area.
• Perform detailed visual inspections of glass parts to identify defects and ensure products meet quality standards.
• Conduct quality checks throughout the production process and document findings as required.
• Load and unload glass on various conveyor systems, ensuring safe handling and proper placement.
• Move racks and products within the facility to stage and prepare them for shipment.
• Band racks of products according to customer specifications to secure loads for transport.
• Pack products for shipment, including wrapping, boxing, labeling, and preparing materials for outbound orders.
• Assist with minor machine adjustments to support continuous production and reduce downtime.
• Work with the maintenance team when machines break down, following instructions to help troubleshoot and restart equipment.
• Follow all safety procedures, including the use of required personal protective equipment and adherence to plant safety rules.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area to support a safe and efficient production environment.
• Demonstrate reliable attendance and adhere to attendance policies, especially during the first 90 days.
• Participate in training on day shift and then transition to assigned night or rotating shifts as scheduled.
• Support different roles such as entry-level quality inspection (BT Inspect) or assembly and machine operation (WS Assembly) based on experience and assignment.

• Experience in production, general production, or manufacturing environments.
• Background in assembly work, including automotive assembly or similar repetitive production tasks.
• Machine operating or machine operator experience, including operating or working with production machinery.
• Ability to perform visual inspection and quality checks on parts and finished products.
• Experience with packaging, packing, and preparing products for shipment.
• Comfort performing general labor tasks in a plant environment, including moving racks and materials.
• Capability to assist with basic machine operation and minor adjustments under guidance.
• Reliable attendance and ability to adhere to strict attendance policies, especially within the first 90 days.
• Willingness and ability to work 12-hour shifts on a 2-2-3 schedule (days or nights) as assigned.
• Ability to complete orientation and training on day shift and then transition to night or rotating shifts.
• For WS Assembly roles, 1–2 years of experience working with or operating machines is required.
• Previous warehouse or plant experience for entry-level quality inspection (BT Inspect) roles.

• Experience as a production worker in a manufacturing or plant production environment.
• Prior experience in automotive assembly or similar high-volume production settings.
• Familiarity with inspection processes and basic quality control in a manufacturing context.
• Ability to work effectively in a union environment and follow established processes and procedures.
• Comfort working in a non-climate-controlled environment that can be hot in summer and cold in winter.
• Willingness to progress from Production Associate (entry level) to Production Technician as opportunities arise.
• Openness to cross-training in different areas such as inspection, assembly, and machine operation.
• Ability to follow detailed customer specifications for banding, packing, and preparing products for shipment.

You join a stable union environment that offers structured career progression and long-term opportunities. The organization promotes from within, giving you a clear path to advance from entry-level Production Associate to higher-level roles such as Production Technician. You benefit from guaranteed pay increases over time, reflecting a commitment to rewarding consistent performance and growth. Comprehensive training supports your success, and the culture emphasizes safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

This role is based in a plant production environment focused on glass manufacturing. The facility is clean and safety-oriented, with structured processes and training provided to help you succeed. The environment is non-climate-controlled, so it can be hot in the summer and cold in the winter. You work 12-hour shifts on a 2-2-3 schedule, primarily on either days or nights, with training typically conducted on day shift before transitioning to nights. Some roles, such as those on Shift K, follow a schedule of Monday to Wednesday and every other Monday to Thursday from approximately 6:30 p.m. to 6:45 a.m. Orientation takes place on first shift during the first week, generally Tuesday through Friday from about 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., after which you move into your regular shift. Attendance expectations are strict, especially in the first 90 days, where only limited attendance points are allowed. The company provides high-visibility vests, hearing protection, and other required protective equipment, while you supply your own safety shoes made of leather. The work involves regular use of conveyors, production machines, and packaging equipment, and you collaborate closely with production and maintenance teams in a structured, unionized setting.

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

The pay range for this position is $17.98 - $19.48/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 Vonore,TN.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 25, 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.