Temporary Machine Operator Jobs in Ankeny, IA (NOW HIRING)

The Maintenance Technician supports daily plant operations by performing preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and setup of manufacturing equipment and facility systems. This role ensures production equipment runs safely, efficiently, and reliably, including injection molding and automation systems, while minimizing downtime and supporting continuous improvement in a modern manufacturing environment.

• Perform day-to-day preventive maintenance, repair, machine setup, and troubleshooting on facility and manufacturing equipment to ensure safe and efficient operation.
• Provide emergency and unscheduled repairs of production equipment during production to minimize downtime and maintain output.
• Carry out scheduled maintenance and service on production equipment during planned machine service windows.
• Dismantle equipment using hoists, cranes, hand tools, and power tools to gain access to and remove defective parts.
• Troubleshoot machinery and equipment issues to support production staff and restore equipment to proper operation.
• Observe mechanical devices and equipment and listen to operating sounds to determine proper functioning and identify causes of trouble.
• Install, adjust, and repair production equipment and special-purpose machines as needed to support changing production requirements.
• Operate forklifts, hoists, and hand tools in a safe and efficient manner while handling production materials and components.
• Set up and start up molding machines and verify that products meet established quality standards.
• Operate, monitor, and troubleshoot processing equipment, resolve processing problems, and document process changes as required.
• Perform preventive maintenance tasks on production and facility equipment and record activities in accordance with established procedures.
• Verify that all molds, auxiliary equipment, materials, and injection molding machines are set up in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Visual Operating Procedures (VOP) to meet quality and production goals.
• Support automation systems, including industrial automation and robotics, to maintain consistent and reliable production.
• Apply lockout/tagout procedures to ensure equipment is safely isolated during maintenance and repair activities.
• Assist with or perform basic welding and fabrication work when needed to repair or modify equipment and fixtures.
• Collaborate with other maintenance technicians and production staff to prioritize work, resolve issues, and improve equipment performance.
• Use Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) software, when applicable, to log work orders, track maintenance activities, and manage preventive maintenance schedules.
• Follow all safety policies and procedures and maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities related to the nature of the job as assigned on a temporary or permanent basis.

• At least 2 years of maintenance experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment, or equivalent trade school experience.
• Previous equipment maintenance experience, including mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.
• Ability to read, comprehend, and follow verbal and written instructions and schematics in English.
• Demonstrated ability to perform and follow lockout/tagout procedures.
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs as part of daily maintenance activities.
• Hands-on experience with mechanical systems, including disassembly, repair, and reassembly of production equipment.
• Experience working with electrical systems, including exposure to 480V equipment.
• Proficiency in using hand tools and power tools safely and effectively.
• Experience supporting manufacturing equipment such as injection molding machines and related auxiliary equipment.
• Troubleshooting skills for mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic issues in a production environment.
• Familiarity with automation systems and industrial equipment used in manufacturing.
• Understanding of TPM (Total Productive Maintenance) principles and preventive maintenance processes.
• Ability to safely operate forklifts, hoists, and other material-handling equipment, as required by the role.

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Preferred knowledge of mold changes, hydraulics, plastic processing, and electrical and injection molding equipment.
• Experience with PLC troubleshooting and working with PLC-controlled equipment.
• Experience with HMI (Human-Machine Interface) troubleshooting is a plus.
• Knowledge of industrial automation and robotics, including troubleshooting and basic adjustments.
• Experience with automation systems, welding, and fabrication equipment.
• Familiarity with CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) software.
• Understanding and practical application of TPM (Total Productive Maintenance) concepts.
• Ability to work across multiple shifts and collaborate with other maintenance technicians.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

You will join a global organization that invests in long-term growth, professional development, and internal promotion, giving you clear opportunities to advance your maintenance career. The company offers a highly competitive total rewards package, including comprehensive medical, dental, and disability benefits, a group retirement savings program, and health and wellness initiatives that support your overall well-being. You will work in a culture that values continuous improvement, safety, and collaboration, where your technical expertise and ideas can directly influence equipment reliability and production performance.

This role is based in a manufacturing facility that supports multiple production shifts, offering opportunities to work on 1st shift (6:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.), 2nd shift (2:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.), or 3rd shift (10:00 p.m. – 6:30 a.m.), depending on business needs. You will initially work alongside one other maintenance technician and collaborate closely with production and engineering teams. The facility includes some climate-controlled areas, though portions of the plant may experience typical industrial conditions such as varying temperatures, noise, and exposure to machinery. You will regularly work with injection molding machines, automation systems, robotics, welding and fabrication equipment, and other industrial machinery, using hoists, cranes, forklifts, hand tools, and power tools as part of your daily tasks. A structured maintenance process, including TPM practices and CMMS tools, supports your work, and you will follow established safety procedures, including lockout/tagout, while adhering to appropriate industrial attire suitable for a production environment.

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

The pay range for this position is $26.00 - $32.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Boone,IA.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 21, 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.