Helper Machine Operator Jobs in Henrico, VA (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Machine Operator

Job Description

The New Hire Utility role supports tube mill operations by learning to operate and assist with equipment used in extrusion and tube mill production, while handling aluminum products safely and efficiently. You start as a utility employee, rotating through multiple departments to learn machine operation, quality, packing, inspection, and material handling, before moving into a permanent department based on internal bidding processes. This position is hands-on, highly team-oriented, and requires strong mechanical aptitude, attention to quality, and readiness to work in a unionized manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Learn to operate equipment associated with the extrusion and tube mill processes, including casting and production machinery used for aluminum products.
• Support tube mill operations by moving materials on and off machines using proper lifting techniques and hoists, ensuring safe and efficient material flow.
• Perform general labor and production support tasks such as packing, assembly line work, loading, and basic machine operation as assigned.
• Assist machine operators with extrusion or casting equipment and participate in machine set-up, operation, and shutdown activities as needed.
• Conduct visual inspections and quality checks on products to ensure all quality objectives and standards are met, following established SOPs and quality control procedures.
• Report and review any unusual conditions, equipment issues, or safety concerns with lead operators or supervisors promptly.
• Work collaboratively on a production team, communicating frequently with team members and management to meet daily production and output goals.
• Follow safe job practices at all times, including proper use of PPE, adherence to safety protocols, and maintaining a clean and organized work area, including cleanup of grease, oil, and hydraulic fluids.
• Handle materials and inventory in a manufacturing environment, including loading, unloading, staging, and moving product using appropriate tools and equipment.
• Perform inspection, quality assurance, and quality control tasks, documenting results accurately and completing all required production and quality paperwork.
• Use hand tools, tape measures, and other basic tools to support production, assembly, and machine operation tasks.

Essential Skills

• 1–2 years of experience in a manufacturing, production, or material handling environment.
• Experience in general labor and production support within a manufacturing or assembly line setting.
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to learn machine operation, process flow, and basic troubleshooting.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for documenting production, quality, and safety information accurately.
• Willingness and ability to learn forklift operation if not already experienced.
• Capability to work in a union environment and adhere to union-related guidelines on shifts and job bidding.
• Ability to work all three shifts (7–3, 3–11, 11–7) and to handle long workdays and overtime as needed.
• Physical ability to frequently lift 15–50 lbs and occasionally up to 100 lbs with assistance, step over obstacles, work on and around machinery, and bend, push, and pull objects in excess of 15 lbs.
• Comfort working around grease, oil, and hydraulic fluids, and participating in cleanup activities related to metal manufacturing processes.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Prior machine operating experience in a manufacturing or heavy industrial environment is encouraged.
• Experience in production, assembly, and material handling roles such as forklift operation, packaging, and general production work.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes, extrusion, tube mill operations, or metals manufacturing is beneficial.
• Experience performing visual inspection and quality checks on manufactured products.
• Ability to understand and follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and quality requirements.

Why Work Here?

You will join a values-driven manufacturing organization that emphasizes integrity, strong work ethic, and teamwork, and is committed to helping every new hire grow personally and professionally. The culture focuses on attracting great people, providing best-in-class orientation and training, and offering ongoing development opportunities so you can build your skills and advance into higher-level roles. You benefit from structured career paths within the extrusion department, annual pay increases, performance-based incentive bonuses, a company-matched 401(k), and comprehensive, low-cost medical coverage with company-paid dental and vision benefits. The environment supports long-term stability, meaningful work solving complex problems for customers, and the chance to work alongside colleagues who share a common vision of producing high-quality products.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of North Chesterfield, VA.

The pay range for this position is $20.81 - $20.81/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 North Chesterfield,VA.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 10, 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.