Machine Assistant Jobs in Federal Way, WA (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Machine Operator Assistant (Weekend Shift)
Job Description

This role supports a high-volume manufacturing facility by assisting machine operators with the safe and efficient production of corrugated packaging products. You will work weekend shifts from 6:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on a schedule of three 12-hour days, and you must complete the full 36 hours to receive full weekly pay. You will start as a helper, performing tasks such as stacking, moving materials, and supporting operators, while progressively learning to operate complex converting equipment and preparing to advance into a full machine operator role.

Responsibilities

• Assist machine operators by stacking, moving, and organizing materials to support continuous production.
• Learn to safely and efficiently operate various pieces of converting equipment under the guidance of experienced manufacturing personnel.
• Effectively learn and apply established quality control procedures to ensure products meet specification and customer requirements.
• Read and follow order specification documents accurately, including measurements and job instructions.
• Execute position responsibilities as they pertain to the assigned work center, including set-up, changeovers, and basic machine support tasks.
• Consistently work to develop and enhance your skill set, progressing through defined position steps tied to pay increases.
• Ask questions and seek clarification to deepen understanding of machine operation, troubleshooting, and production processes.
• Work collaboratively with co-workers and contribute to a team-based approach to achieving production goals and company expectations.
• Follow all company rules, policies, and safety procedures, including working safely around heavy equipment in a fast-paced environment.
• Successfully work in multiple areas of the converting plant and perform to expectations across different machines and work centers.
• Maintain a high level of attention to detail to ensure accuracy in counts, measurements, and product quality.
• Support housekeeping and organization of the work area to maintain a clean, safe, and efficient production environment.
• Be available for mandatory overtime on Fridays (approximately 60% of the year), typically an additional 8-hour shift, which may occasionally be scheduled on Saturday or Sunday.
• Demonstrate reliability in punctuality and attendance, ensuring consistent presence for full scheduled shifts.
• Prepare to take on greater responsibility over time, including learning the full scope of machine operation and basic mechanical troubleshooting.

Essential Skills

• Ability to read and write English to understand work instructions, safety information, and order specifications.
• Mechanical aptitude and the ability to learn new skills within a standard training timeline.
• Comfort working around heavy equipment in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Ability to mentally and physically perform at a high pace with a strong sense of urgency while maintaining safety, quality, and productivity standards.
• Basic math knowledge and the ability to read and use a tape measure accurately.
• Strong attention to detail for quality control and accurate order fulfillment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds consistently and up to 75 pounds at times.
• Physical capability to perform repetitive, physically demanding tasks throughout long shifts.
• Willingness and ability to work overtime, including mandatory overtime on Fridays for a significant portion of the year.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Authorization to work in the United States.
• Ability to pass a drug screen and physical abilities test.
• Manufacturing background and solid work tenure in a physical job, or strong tenure in another physically demanding role.
• Demonstrated reliability in punctuality and attendance.
• Comfort working in environments that can be hot in summer and cold in winter.
• Strong teamwork skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with others on a production line.
• High focus on personal and team safety.
• Willingness to start in a helper role and perform tasks beyond direct machine operation while skills are developing.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Mechanical inclination with an interest in learning how machines work and how to troubleshoot basic issues.
• Curious mindset and a habit of asking questions to fully understand processes and equipment.
• Ambitious, long-term career goals, with a desire to move up into a full operator role and beyond.
• Motivation to learn multiple machines, including complex converting equipment such as flexographic presses, flexo folder gluers, and other packaging machinery.
• Ability to multi-task and manage multiple responsibilities in a busy production environment.
• Strong sense of urgency while maintaining accuracy and safety.
• Positive attitude, eagerness to learn, and willingness to contribute to the team.
• Comfort with memorizing procedures, machine steps, and quality standards required for operator-level responsibilities.
• Interest in cross-training on different machines and work centers to broaden skills and increase earning potential.
• Stable work history demonstrating commitment and long-term engagement with previous employers.

Why Work Here?

The company offers a strong culture of growth, learning, and internal promotion, with a clear path from entry-level helper to press operator and beyond. You benefit from comprehensive health and dental coverage with no monthly premiums, putting more money back in your pocket. Full-time employees enjoy access to an on-site gym, a large break room with food available for purchase, and a workplace that regularly hosts barbecues and company events. The organization provides annual reviews with 3–5% raises, additional performance-based increases, and Christmas bonuses, reflecting a leadership philosophy that genuinely wants to reward hard work and skill progression. You can expect paid vacation, paid sick leave, paid holidays, a 401(k) plan, and double-time pay for qualifying overtime, creating a stable and rewarding long-term opportunity. The environment emphasizes equal opportunity, a harassment-free workplace, and a commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Work Environment

This role is based in a large, high-volume manufacturing facility that produces corrugated packaging using state-of-the-art converting equipment. The plant houses a range of machines, including a 112" multiflute corrugator, a 62" single face laminator, three rotary die cutters, three flexo folder gluers, two platen die cutters, and four specialty folder gluers. You will work weekend shifts from 6:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on three 12-hour days, with mandatory overtime on Fridays for much of the year, typically as an additional 8-hour shift that may occasionally fall on Saturday or Sunday. The environment is physically demanding and fast-paced, with frequent lifting of up to 50 pounds and occasional lifting up to 75 pounds. The facility can become very hot in summer and cold in winter, so you should be comfortable working in varying temperatures. You will work around large, complex machinery and moving materials, requiring strict adherence to safety procedures and personal protective practices. The site includes an on-site gym for full-time employees and a large break room with food available for purchase, providing convenient amenities during breaks. Dress expectations align with an industrial manufacturing setting, emphasizing safety, practicality, and readiness to work around heavy equipment and materials.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Renton,WA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 3, 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.