Machine Operator Jobs in Middleton, WI (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Machine Operator

Job Description

The Machine Operator works in a GMP-compliant, climate-controlled production environment and operates food packaging machinery to produce high-quality pouch products. This role sets up and adjusts machines, performs quality testing, supports changeovers and preventive maintenance, and collaborates closely with assistant operators to ensure safe, efficient, and consistent production.

Responsibilities

• Read and interpret job specifications to determine appropriate machine setup and adjustments.
• Set up machines and make precise adjustments to support production runs and product changeovers.
• Operate food packaging machinery and related conveyors within a GMP area, ensuring consistent output and minimal downtime.
• Perform mechanical troubleshooting on food packaging machinery and conveyor systems to resolve operational issues.
• Conduct required quality tests on products, including burst tests, drop tests, water table tests, and other specified checks.
• Carry out minor machine maintenance such as changing zipper cloth, dies, seal bars, and punches.
• Assist and work cooperatively with assistant machine operators to stack, mark, pack, and transport finished boxes.
• Perform equipment changeovers efficiently to support different products and packaging requirements.
• Execute preventive maintenance (PMs) on equipment according to established schedules and procedures.
• Maintain accurate and timely production reports, including output, downtime, and other key metrics.
• Oversee the daily performance of Pouch Assistant functions to ensure smooth workflow and adherence to standards.
• Change material rolls, remove or cut out splices, and ensure continuous machine operation.
• Perform quality control checks and enter quality and production data accurately into computer systems.
• Maintain machine cleanliness and upkeep, including cleaning and organizing equipment during break/fix periods.
• Apply computer literacy skills to operate production-related software and data entry systems.
• Use mathematical skills and the ability to read a ruler to measure materials and verify product specifications.
• Follow all GMP, safety, and quality procedures, including proper use of required personal protective equipment.

Essential Skills

• At least 2 years of experience setting up machines and making mechanical adjustments in a production environment.
• At least 1 year of experience as a machine operator, preferably in manufacturing or packaging.
• At least 2 years of experience performing quality testing on products, including functional and durability tests.
• Approximately 2 years of experience troubleshooting food packaging machinery and conveyors.
• Demonstrated ability to operate, set up, and adjust production machinery in a GMP or cleanroom environment.
• Proficiency with quality inspection processes and procedures in a manufacturing setting.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to perform minor machine maintenance and part changes.
• Mathematical skills sufficient to perform basic calculations related to production and quality checks.
• Ability to read and use a ruler accurately for measurements and verification of product specifications.
• Basic computer literacy for data entry, reporting, and use of production-related systems.
• Ability to work 2nd shift hours from 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with occasional overtime as needed.
• Capability to follow GMP, safety, and quality standards consistently in a controlled production environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working as a Pouch Operator or in pouch packaging operations.
• Prior experience in a GMP or cleanroom environment, including adherence to strict hygiene and safety protocols.
• Familiarity with preventive maintenance (PM) processes on production equipment.
• Experience overseeing or supporting assistant operators or production support roles.
• Strong attention to detail in quality inspection and documentation.
• Effective teamwork and communication skills to collaborate with other operators and support staff.
• Comfort working with structured procedures, checklists, and standardized work instructions.

Job Type & Location

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

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $27.00/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 8, 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.