Helper Machine Operator Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

The Slitter Machine Operator sets up, adjusts, and safely operates slitting and rewinding equipment on a 1st shift schedule, ensuring high-quality output and adherence to strict safety and production standards. This role involves manual machine setup using physical measuring tools, visual quality inspections, operation of material handling equipment, and accurate data entry into ERP systems, while maintaining a clean, efficient, and deadline-driven production environment.

• Set up, adjust, and safely operate Rem I, Rem II, and 738 slitting equipment in accordance with physical setup sheets, checklists, and standard operating procedures.
• Keep slitting machinery and surrounding work areas dust-free and clear of trim waste to maintain a clean and safe production environment.
• Assist with manual lifting and handling of heavy machine shafts as part of the setup and operation process.
• Proficiently operate the 142 re-winder to edit, refine, and correct slit rolls based on visual inspections for defects and quality issues.
• Pause, edit, or flag substandard materials to ensure all finished rolls meet strict quality and QA requirements.
• Use physical tape measures to perform all alignment, tracking, and sizing setups, working without automated or digital measuring tools.
• Provide structured one-on-one machine and safety training to assigned equipment helpers when needed.
• Navigate ERP computer data entry systems to log material usage and record precise material splices in compliance with quality standards.
• Pull production samples for analysis and print or affix inventory labels to finished rolls.
• Operate forklifts and clamp trucks to safely move production materials throughout the facility while following all safety guidelines.
• Work efficiently in a deadline-intensive environment, consistently meeting production schedules and demonstrating strong punctuality.
• Follow all company safety procedures and best practices to prevent accidents and ensure a safe workplace.

• Proven experience operating Rem I, Rem II, and 738 slitting equipment.
• Hands-on experience operating the 142 re-winder for editing and correcting slit rolls.
• Strong slitter and slitting machine operating skills in a production environment.
• Ability to perform manual machine setup, including alignment, tracking, and sizing using physical tape measures.
• Background in heavy industrial manufacturing or custom stamping/forming operations.
• Experience in environments such as heavy manufacturing, plastic packaging, foam extrusion, or general press/web printing operations.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot machines and resolve basic equipment issues.
• Comfort with manual handling of heavy machine shafts and production materials.
• Ability to navigate ERP computer systems for material usage logging, splice recording, and label printing.
• Safe operation of forklifts and clamp trucks in a manufacturing or warehouse setting.
• Strong attention to detail and visual inspection skills to identify defects and quality issues.
• Reliability and punctuality in a deadline-intensive production environment.

• Experience working in small, closely-knit manufacturing teams.
• Familiarity with quality assurance processes in slitting, rewinding, or web-based production.
• Comfort working in warm or hot production environments.
• Willingness to cross-train on different machines and equipment within the facility.
• Ability to follow written setup sheets, checklists, and standard operating procedures accurately.
• Strong communication skills for training equipment helpers and coordinating with team members.

Employees benefit from a small-company, family-oriented atmosphere where team members enjoy long-term job tenure and a supportive culture. The organization offers opportunities to cross-train on different machines, fostering skill development and variety in daily work. Team members can expect regular performance reviews with potential raises, along with access to health, dental, and vision benefits once fully onboarded. The work is described as low stress, with a stable operations team and a strong emphasis on reliability, mutual respect, and punctuality.

This role is on 1st shift, working Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The production environment is warm and can reach temperatures up to approximately 90 degrees due to the operating machinery, so it is never cold on the floor. The culture is highly deadline-intensive, with a strong emphasis on punctuality—arriving early is encouraged, being exactly on time is considered pushing it, and being late is not acceptable. The dress code is casual, with appropriate shorts allowed, and steel-toed shoes are required for safety. Work involves operating slitting and rewinding equipment, using physical tape measures for all setups, and handling materials with forklifts and clamp trucks in an active manufacturing setting.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Middleton, WI.

The pay range for this position is $41600.00 - $45760.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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 Middleton,WI.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 11, 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.