Entry Level Operator Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Machine Operator Assistant

Job Description

The Machine Operator Assistant supports high-volume manufacturing operations in a corrugated packaging facility, working primarily on a day shift from Monday to Thursday, 5:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This role starts as a helper, focusing on stacking, moving materials, and assisting machine operators while progressively learning to operate converting equipment. As you acquire new skills and reach defined position steps, you will advance toward operating presses and other machinery, with clear opportunities to grow into full-time operator roles.

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Responsibilities

• Support machine operators by stacking materials, moving product, and assisting with machine-related tasks as directed.
• Learn to safely and efficiently operate various pieces of converting and packaging equipment over time.
• Effectively learn and apply established quality control procedures to ensure products meet specifications.
• Read and follow order specification documents and production instructions with strong attention to detail.
• Consistently work to develop and enhance your skill set, aiming to progress into higher-level machine operation roles.
• Effectively execute position responsibilities as they pertain to the assigned work center and production line.
• Work closely with co-workers and contribute to a team-oriented environment to achieve production goals and expectations.
• Follow all company rules, policies, and safety procedures, including maintaining a high focus on the safety of self and others.
• Successfully work in multiple areas of the converting plant and perform to expectations in different work centers.
• Maintain a high sense of urgency and productivity while meeting safety, quality, and output standards.
• Ask questions, seek clarification, and show curiosity to understand machine functions and production processes.
• Participate in mandatory overtime on Fridays for part of the year, and occasional weekend overtime when needed.
• Lift materials and products consistently, including lifting up to 75 pounds at times, to support production activities.
• Demonstrate reliability in punctuality and attendance, and maintain a positive attitude with an eagerness to learn and grow.
• Apply basic math skills and use a tape measure accurately when working with materials and order specifications.

Essential Skills

• Ability to read and write English to understand work orders, safety information, and production documentation.
• Mechanical aptitude and the ability to learn new technical skills within a standard timeline.
• Comfort working around heavy equipment in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Mental and physical capacity to perform at a high pace with a strong sense of urgency while maintaining safety, quality, and productivity expectations.
• Basic math knowledge, including the ability to use a tape measure accurately.
• Strong attention to detail to ensure adherence to order specifications and quality standards.
• Ability to consistently lift up to 50 pounds, and at times up to 75 pounds, as part of daily duties.
• Willingness and ability to work overtime, including mandatory overtime on some Fridays and occasional weekend shifts.
• Minimum age of 18 years.
• Authorization to work in the United States.
• Ability to pass a drug screen and physical abilities test.
• Manufacturing experience with good tenure in previous roles, or strong tenure in a physically demanding job if no manufacturing experience.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience in production, general labor, or general manufacturing environments.
• Experience with machine operation or assisting machine operators in an industrial setting.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and interest in learning how machines work and how to troubleshoot basic issues.
• Ability to multitask and manage several responsibilities at once on the production floor.
• Strong teamwork skills and willingness to contribute to a collaborative, team-based environment.
• Curious mindset and habit of asking questions to deepen understanding of processes and equipment.
• Ambitious, goal-oriented approach with long-term career goals and desire to move up into operator and press roles.
• Understanding that full-time operator positions carry significant responsibility, including learning all aspects of the machine and basic troubleshooting.
• Ability to memorize procedures, machine settings, and quality standards required for advanced operation roles.
• Interest in learning and working with equipment such as flexographic presses, flexo folder gluers, gluers, and other converting machinery.

Why Work Here?

Employees enjoy a strong culture of growth, learning, and internal promotion, with multiple paths to advance from entry-level helper roles into press operator positions. The facility offers robust benefits, including health and dental coverage at no monthly cost to employees, paid vacation, paid sick leave, paid holidays, and a 401(k) plan. Team members receive annual reviews with wage increases based on performance and skill progression, as well as additional performance-based raises. The workplace provides attractive perks such as an on-site gym for full-time employees, a large break room with food available for purchase, Christmas bonuses, barbecues several times a year, and double time pay when working certain overtime hours. Leadership actively supports employee development and is committed to rewarding those who put in the effort to learn, grow, and take on more responsibility.

Work Environment

This role is based in a very large manufacturing facility that produces corrugated packaging using state-of-the-art converting equipment. The environment can get hot in the summer and cold in the winter, so comfort with varying temperatures is important. The plant houses a range of machinery, including a 112" multiflute corrugator, a 62" single face laminator, multiple rotary die cutters, flexo folder gluers, platten diecutters, and specialty folder gluers. Sheets used in production come from an affiliated sheet operation located next door. The primary schedule is a day shift from Monday to Thursday, 5:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with mandatory overtime on Fridays for a significant portion of the year and occasional weekend overtime, typically around eight hours, when needed. The facility emphasizes safety and operates with heavy equipment in a fast-paced environment, requiring consistent lifting and physical activity. Employees have access to an on-site gym (for full-time staff) and a large break room with food available for purchase. A strong safety culture, structured progression toward more advanced machine roles, and exposure to a variety of equipment and production processes define the daily work experience.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Renton, WA.

The pay range for this position is $24.30 - $24.30/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 Renton,WA.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 12, 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.