Packaging Machine Operator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Machine Operator

Job Description

The Machine Operator plays a key role in supporting production and warehouse operations by operating equipment, preparing materials, and maintaining a clean, safe, and organized environment. This position involves inspecting and preparing reels, boxes, and pallets, performing sanitation tasks, handling and moving materials, and accurately recording information in both written and electronic formats. The role requires consistent adherence to safety, GMP, and food safety guidelines while collaborating positively with other departments and supporting company values.

Responsibilities

• Inspect and prepare reels, boxes, pallets, and related materials for production operations.
• Perform sanitation and cleaning of equipment, infrastructure, production areas, and other assigned areas to meet cleanliness and food safety standards.
• Record and maintain accurate written and electronic information, including inventory, production data, and damaged items received.
• Understand and follow all safety, GMP, food safety, and other company rules, procedures, and policies.
• Inspect infrastructure and equipment regularly and notify appropriate personnel when maintenance or repairs are required.
• Move and transport product and materials by hand, cart, or lift as needed to support various departments.
• Conduct positive, professional interactions with other departments to support smooth production and warehouse operations.
• Sort and place materials or items on racks, shelves, or in bins according to organizational standards and storage procedures.
• Open bales, crates, and other containers safely and efficiently to prepare materials for use.
• Box, wrap, and pack product in accordance with established procedures, quality requirements, and packaging standards.
• Record all damaged items received and follow company guidelines for handling nonconforming materials.
• Maintain a safe and clean work environment at all times, following housekeeping and safety protocols.
• Organize the warehouse and work areas to ensure orderliness and efficient workflow.
• Stack finished goods on pallets and operate machines to wrap finished pallets securely for storage or shipment.
• Perform required inspections of finished product to verify quality and compliance with specifications.
• Complete interactions with employees, vendors, and suppliers with respect, integrity, and professionalism.
• Use the ERP system daily to move, track, and record product and materials throughout the facility.
• Train other employees based on acquired knowledge, helping to develop skills and support team performance.
• Support and follow company values in all work activities and interactions.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support production, warehouse, and overall facility operations.

Essential Skills

• At least 6 months of experience as a Machine Operator.
• Previous experience with inventory, data entry, and computer use in a production or warehouse environment.
• Ability to operate production machinery and equipment safely and efficiently.
• Experience in warehouse, packaging, production, and general labor environments.
• Ability to follow GMP, food safety, and safety guidelines consistently.
• Capability to move and transport materials by hand, cart, or lift as required.
• Strong attention to detail for inspecting materials, products, and equipment.
• Ability to maintain accurate written and electronic records.
• Effective communication skills for interacting with colleagues, vendors, and suppliers.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• 1–2 years of previous warehouse experience preferred.
• Experience with machine operation in manufacturing or general production settings.
• Experience in cleanroom or highly controlled environments is beneficial.
• Comfort working with ERP systems to move and track product and materials.
• Ability to train and mentor other employees based on on-the-job knowledge.
• Experience operating forklifts or similar material handling equipment is an asset.
• Strong organizational skills for maintaining orderly racks, shelves, bins, and work areas.
• Commitment to supporting company values and maintaining professional conduct.

Why Work Here?

Employees work in an extremely clean, climate-controlled facility that prioritizes safety, quality, and comfort. The business is growing, offering meaningful opportunities for advancement and long-term career development. Team members benefit from a structured environment with clear guidelines, supportive training, and a culture that values integrity, respect, and continuous improvement.

Work Environment

The facility manufactures plastic zipper components used inside resealable bags for food applications, requiring strict adherence to GMP and food-grade standards. The environment is very clean and climate controlled, with air conditioning in the summer; temperatures are typically around 78 degrees, so it remains comfortable while supporting production needs. The company operates three shifts: 1st shift from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., 2nd shift from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and 3rd shift from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., Monday through Friday. There is an opening on 2nd shift, which includes a paid break, and employees working extended 10–12 hour shifts receive an additional paid 10-minute break. The dress code includes company-provided uniforms and shoes, and employees must wear hair nets and beard nets if applicable. Jewelry and cell phones are not permitted in the production area to maintain safety and product integrity, and overall attire must be work-appropriate and suitable for a professional manufacturing environment.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Marion, IA.

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $19.00/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 Marion,IA.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 4, 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.