Operations Production Operator Jobs in Federal Way, WA

Job Title: Production Operator

Job Description

This Production Operator role focuses on preparing and processing metal parts for specialized finishing in a high-volume manufacturing environment. You will support chrome plating and blasting operations by accurately prepping, wiring, and handling parts on a fast-paced production line. The position offers the opportunity to join a union after three months, with equal benefits for union and non-union employees, and provides a stable path for long-term growth in the aerospace industry.

Responsibilities

• Prepare metal parts for production by securely hooking parts onto racks and removing them after processing.
• Support chrome plating operations by wiring steel parts according to detailed instructions provided by the Chrome Plater.
• Operate and assist with sand blasting equipment to prep parts for plating, including using a stand-up sand blaster for extended periods.
• Maintain consistent accuracy and attention to detail while working on a fast-paced production line.
• Lift and handle parts weighing up to 50 pounds safely and efficiently throughout the shift.
• Stand in the same work area for most of the shift while performing repetitive production tasks.
• Read and follow written instructions, work orders, and process documentation to ensure correct processing of parts.
• Perform general manufacturing, assembly, production, and packaging tasks as needed to support overall workflow.
• Operate production and machine equipment in accordance with safety and quality standards.
• Assist with shop duties outside the core production area, including general clean-up and maintaining a tidy work area.
• Apply problem-solving skills to identify and communicate issues in the production process and help implement practical solutions.
• Collaborate with team members and follow direction from experienced operators and leads to meet production goals and quality standards.

Essential Skills

• Ability to read and follow written instructions accurately.
• Previous experience working in a fast-paced production facility.
• Machine operator experience in a manufacturing or production environment.
• Capability to lift up to 50 pounds repeatedly during the shift.
• Comfort standing in one place for extended periods while performing repetitive tasks.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy on a high-speed production line.
• Willingness to perform additional shop duties, including general clean-up and support tasks.
• Interest in and commitment to long-term growth within the aerospace industry.
• Basic problem-solving skills to address production and process issues as they arise.
• Basic math skills, particularly useful when assisting with chrome plating preparation.
• Experience or familiarity with general labor, assembly, production, machine operation, and packaging in a manufacturing environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience preparing steel parts for chrome plating or similar metal finishing processes.
• Experience using sand blasting equipment or other abrasive blasting machinery.
• Exposure to lean manufacturing concepts or continuous improvement environments.
• Interest in aerospace, defense, industrial, recreational, or electronics manufacturing sectors.
• Desire to work in a union-eligible environment with equal benefits for union and non-union employees.

Why Work Here?

You will join one of the largest and most established metal finishing organizations in the United States, with over 55 years of continuous operation and a reputation for stability and growth. The company offers a spacious, modern facility, a strong focus on lean manufacturing and continuous improvement, and significant opportunities for advancement at both local and national levels. Employees may become eligible to join a respected union after three months, with the same benefits available to both union and non-union team members. A comprehensive benefits package is available upon request, and you will work in an environment that values long-term career development, operational excellence, and customer-focused quality.

Work Environment

The role is based in a spacious, modern plating facility that provides a full range of metal finishing and processing services in one location, simplifying logistics and reducing lead times for customers. The operation supports aerospace, defense, commercial, industrial, recreational, and electronics markets and serves customers across North America and Europe. You will work with mechanical processes such as shot peening, polishing, and abrasive blasting; aluminum processing including multiple anodize chemistries, chemical conversion coating, and hard anodize; electrolytic plating such as chrome, titanium cadmium, cadmium, zinc-nickel, and other finishes; coatings and paints including primers, fuel tank coatings, topcoats, dry lubricants, and intumescent coatings; and non-destructive testing methods such as fluorescent penetrant, magnetic particle, and nital etch, along with other processes like zinc spray, magnesium processing, and passivation. The environment follows lean manufacturing and continuous improvement practices, emphasizing efficiency, quality, and safety. Work involves standing in one area for much of the shift, operating stand-up sand blasters and other production equipment, and handling parts up to 50 pounds in a fast-paced production setting.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $21.00/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 Kent,WA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 26, 2026.

About Aerotek

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.