Machine Helper Jobs in Philadelphia, PA (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Finishing Helper
Job Description

The Finishing Helper supports production by feeding and stacking cartons, monitoring machine operations, and ensuring product quality throughout the finishing process. This role works closely with machine operators and forklift drivers to maintain a steady flow of materials, resolve minor issues on the line, and keep the work area safe and efficient.

Responsibilities

• Verify that the correct palletized item is selected before feeding or gluing to ensure accuracy in production.
• Feed cartons into the machine bed and maintain a consistent feed throughout machine operation.
• Communicate with machine operators and forklift drivers to ensure a continuous supply of die-cut cartons to the line.
• Stack finished cartons into cases from the conveyor in an organized and efficient manner.
• Inspect cartons for overall quality, including checking for excess glue and other visible defects.
• Clear jams and obstructions from the machine line safely and promptly to minimize downtime.
• Verify pallet labels for accuracy and ensure that products are properly identified and labeled.
• Manually sort defective cartons or jobs and separate them from acceptable product.
• Hand-pack cartons into corrugated cases according to specifications and packing instructions.
• Follow safety rules and operating procedures at all times, including proper use of personal protective equipment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support production and finishing operations.

Essential Skills

• Ability to stand for the duration of a 12-hour shift.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Experience in production, machine operation, or general labor environments.
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating instructions, and manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and complete basic documentation.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English; bilingual English/Spanish communication is a plus.
• Basic arithmetic skills, including the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Ability to interpret bar graphs and compute rates, ratios, and percentages.
• Ability to solve practical problems with limited standardization in a production environment.
• Ability to interpret written, oral, diagram, or schedule-based instructions.
• Basic mechanical aptitude to understand and support machine operation.
• Comfort working 12-hour shifts on a rotating schedule in a 24/7 facility.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience in a manufacturing, packaging, or finishing environment is beneficial.
• Familiarity with carton or corrugated packaging processes is an advantage.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume production setting.
• Strong attention to detail when verifying labels, inspecting cartons, and sorting defective products.
• Willingness to learn and develop skills that can lead to advancement into operator roles.
• Comfort communicating and coordinating with multiple team members, including operators and forklift drivers.
• Commitment to following all safety procedures and maintaining a safe work area.
• Flexibility to work overtime when needed.

Why Work Here?

This facility places a strong emphasis on safety, teamwork, and internal growth, offering a stable 24/7 operation with clear opportunities to advance into higher-skilled roles, such as machine operator positions. Team members benefit from a structured schedule with built-in days off, overtime opportunities, and a culture that values promoting from within and recognizing strong performance.

Work Environment

The role is based in a manufacturing facility of approximately 160 employees that operates 24/7. Finishing Helpers work 12-hour shifts on a rotating schedule (such as 3 days on, 3 days off, followed by 2 days on, 2 days off), including a third shift from approximately 6:45 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. The environment is not climate controlled, so temperatures may vary with the seasons. The work is physically demanding and involves standing for long periods, lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds, and working around production machinery. Safety is a top priority, and personal protective equipment is required: steel toe boots must be worn, while gloves, ear plugs, and safety glasses are provided. The facility offers opportunities for overtime, and employees work closely with operators, forklift drivers, and other production staff in a fast-paced, team-oriented setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Phoenixville, PA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $19.75 - $19.75/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 Phoenixville,PA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 22, 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.