Entry Level Product Development Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Entry-Level Production Operator

Job Description

This entry-level Production Operator role places you in a specific manufacturing department where you will learn to operate production equipment and progress toward set-up level responsibilities. You may be assigned to areas such as cut off, end forming, large bending, or production machines, and will receive hands-on training to build your skills and advance into more complex set-up and operator positions.

Responsibilities

• Operated production equipment safely and efficiently, following all established procedures.
• Performed minor equipment adjustments to maintain part quality and dimensional accuracy.
• Interpreted setup sheets and routing packages to ensure compliance with specifications.
• Conducted quality inspections per documented procedures and recorded results accurately.
• Maintained detailed production records, including quantities, timing, and issues encountered.
• Moved parts to next operations or designated scrap/rework areas with proper identification.
• Reported equipment, quality, and process issues promptly to leadership.
• Supported corrective action efforts to prevent defects and improve processes.
• Participated in team meetings to contribute ideas for safety, quality, and efficiency improvements.
• Safely operated hand pallet jacks to transport materials and finished goods.
• Kept work areas clean, organized, and compliant with housekeeping standards.
• Followed all safety rules, PPE requirements, and lockout/tagout procedures.

Essential Skills

• Mechanical aptitude — ability to understand and work with production machinery, tools, and basic adjustments.
• Shop‑math proficiency — skilled with fractions, decimals, and metric measurements.
• Experience with work instructions — capable of reading and following routing and setup instructions for production processes.
• Blueprint reading — able to read blueprints or willing to learn through on‑the‑job training.
• Precision measurement — proficient with tape measures, dial calipers, and other measuring tools.
• Physical stamina — able to stand for 8+ hours per shift as production demands require.
• Material handling — able to bend, twist, stoop, and lift parts safely without causing damage.
• Part loading and movement — capable of loading parts into work areas and moving completed baskets efficiently.
• Production‑environment readiness — comfortable in a safety‑driven, quality‑focused, team‑oriented manufacturing setting.

Available Shifts & Pay

• 1st shift: 5:00am - 3:30pm // $19
• 2nd shift: 3:30pm - 2:00am // $20.90 when including the 10% differential
• 2nd shift trains on 1st shift for 2 months depending on their ability to learn

Why Work Here?

You will join a growing organization that invests in your development through onsite training and certifications, giving you clear opportunities for advancement. As the operation expands to support major customers, you benefit from a stable and growing workload. The company offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a 401(k) with matching, health, dental, and vision insurance, health savings and flexible spending accounts, life insurance, paid time off, and 10 paid holidays. In addition, employees who meet performance expectations each quarter receive extra PTO, recognizing their contributions and supporting work-life balance. When you transition to permanent employment, you can also earn a pay increase, reflecting the value placed on long-term team members.

Work Environment

You will work in a large, modern production facility of approximately 256,000 square feet that is very clean, well-organized, and not excessively loud. Safety is the top priority, with clear procedures, organized workspaces, and a strong emphasis on safe equipment operation. The role follows structured shifts, with a first shift from 5:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and a second shift from 3:30 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. Second-shift employees train on first shift for about two months, depending on their learning progress. The operation is currently running heavy overtime, so you should expect 50+ hours per week, including weekends, when business demands are high. You will regularly use production machinery, measuring tools such as tape measures and dial calipers, and material-handling equipment like hand pallet jacks. The dress code aligns with a typical manufacturing environment, requiring practical, safety-oriented attire and appropriate personal protective equipment as needed.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Indianapolis, IN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $21.00/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 Indianapolis,IN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 28, 2026.

About Aerotek

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 meets 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 solving for 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.

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.