Plastic Machine Operator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Blow Mold Technician

Job Description

The Blow Mold Technician monitors and optimizes blow molding operations to ensure that production meets quality, safety, and output targets. This role performs product inspections, supports changeovers, troubleshoots equipment issues, and provides on-the-floor leadership and training to maintain an efficient and safe manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Monitor blow mold operations throughout the shift to ensure production meets established quality and output targets.
• Perform regular product inspections, including checking weight, wall thickness, and visual quality against defined standards.
• Track and verify production counts at the start and end of each shift, ensuring accurate and timely reporting.
• Support material, color, and mold changeovers to minimize downtime and maintain production schedules.
• Troubleshoot blow molding and related production equipment, and assist with basic maintenance and repair activities.
• Identify, document, and promptly report safety issues, equipment concerns, and quality deviations.
• Coordinate daily team activities to maintain workflow efficiency and meet production deadlines.
• Provide on-the-floor support to operators, including relieving them for breaks and ensuring continuous machine coverage.
• Train and onboard new employees on equipment operation, safety procedures, and quality expectations.
• Document employee performance and production issues in a clear and timely manner.
• Follow and enforce safety procedures, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas in and around blow molding equipment.
• Collaborate with team members and other departments to resolve production issues and meet output goals.
• Apply basic math skills for measurements, machine settings, and production tracking.
• Manage time effectively, prioritize tasks, and delegate work as needed to keep operations running smoothly.

Essential Skills

• 3–5 years of experience in the plastics industry, ideally in blow molding or closely related manufacturing processes.
• Hands-on experience with blow molding operations and equipment.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for mechanical and production equipment issues.
• Proficiency in machine operating within a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to read and interpret basic mechanical information, such as machine settings and production specifications.
• Solid understanding of plastic manufacturing processes and quality standards.
• Ability to apply basic math for measurements, counts, and production tracking.
• Demonstrated ability to lead or coordinate activities on the production floor.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to product quality and safety.
• Effective communication skills for coordinating with team members and training new employees.
• Ability to follow and enforce safety procedures and PPE compliance.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with molds and mold changeovers in a plastics manufacturing environment.
• Experience in reading and working from blueprints or technical documentation.
• Mechanical aptitude and comfort working with mechanical systems and tooling.
• Experience documenting performance, production issues, and quality concerns.
• Prior experience in a lead role or acting as a go-to resource on the production floor.

Why Work Here?

You will join a production team that values safety, quality, and continuous improvement in a fast-paced manufacturing setting. The environment encourages hands-on problem solving, cross-training, and skill development, giving you opportunities to grow your technical and leadership capabilities. You will work with supportive colleagues who collaborate to meet shared goals and maintain a safe, efficient, and well-organized operation.

Work Environment

This role is based in a manufacturing facility focused on blow molding and plastics production. You will work a 12-hour shift schedule from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on a 2–3 rotating shift pattern. The environment includes active production lines, blow molding machines, and related mechanical equipment, requiring consistent adherence to safety procedures and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Work areas are maintained to be clean and organized, and you will spend most of your time on the production floor around machinery, materials, and finished products.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $36.00/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 Fairfield,IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 9, 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.