Job Information
Aerotek Machine Operator in North Tonawanda, New York
Job Title: Production Operator – Overnight Shift
Job Description
This Production Operator role supports a high‑volume corrugated manufacturing operation, working on a 410‑foot corrugator line that produces cardboard sheets for a wide range of packaging applications. You will operate machinery, support material flow, stack finished product, and rotate through different areas of the production line. This is a long‑term, overnight opportunity offering a predictable rotating schedule, strong earning potential through built‑in overtime and shift differentials, and clear paths for skill development and career growth.
Responsibilities
Operate and continuously monitor production equipment along the corrugated sheet line to maintain safe, efficient, and consistent output.
Work on either the wet end or the dry end of the production process as assigned, adjusting to different tasks and production needs.
Stack, move, and prepare corrugated material for downstream processing, ensuring bundles are properly aligned, labeled, and staged.
Perform basic machine adjustments and respond to minor mechanical issues, escalating more complex problems to maintenance or leadership as needed.
Follow all safety standards, lockout/tagout procedures, and production guidelines within a team‑based environment.
Cross‑train across multiple positions along the corrugator line as skills develop, learning new tasks and responsibilities over time.
Coordinate closely with teammates, operators, and leads throughout the shift to maintain material flow, quality, and uptime.
Participate in pre‑shift safety and production briefings and provide feedback on any issues or improvements observed during the shift.
Maintain a clean, organized work area and support general housekeeping activities around the production line.
Use basic hand tools, tape measures, and other equipment as needed to support machine operation, quality checks, and material handling.
Support loading, stacking, and general production tasks as required to meet daily production goals.
Adhere to scheduled break times while remaining ready to resume work promptly to keep production moving.
Essential Skills
Ability to work 12‑hour overnight shifts, three consecutive days per week (typically 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM).
Reliability and strong attendance, with a consistent record of showing up on time and ready to work.
Comfort working in a fast‑paced, non‑climate‑controlled industrial environment around high‑speed machinery.
Willingness to learn equipment operation and rotate through different tasks and stations along the production line.
Ability to work effectively within a crew of approximately 20 people, communicating clearly and supporting team goals.
Mechanical aptitude and curiosity about how machines work, with the ability to learn basic machine adjustments.
Motivation to perform physically active work, including loading, stacking, and moving materials throughout the shift.
Ability to use basic hand tools and a tape measure to support production and quality requirements.
Readiness to complete a full training period on day shift (7:00 AM to 7:00 PM) before transitioning to nights, typically around 90 days or longer depending on training progress and openings.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Previous experience operating machines or working in industrial manufacturing, light industrial, corrugated, paper, or packaging environments.
Exposure to forklifts or other industrial equipment in a production setting.
Basic mechanical troubleshooting ability to recognize and respond to minor equipment issues.
BOCES or trade‑school background, or similar technical training, is beneficial but not required.
Prior success working third shift or overnight schedules.
Demonstrated motivation, strong work ethic, and attention to attendance and punctuality.
Openness to cross‑training, learning new skills, and participating in a structured skill‑based pay progression program.
Why Work Here?
You join a stable, long‑term operation that offers a predictable rotating schedule with a full‑year calendar provided in advance, always working three consecutive days followed by four consecutive days off. The schedule creates meaningful stretches of downtime, including periods of up to seven days off in a row, supporting strong work‑life balance. You benefit from 12‑hour shifts with pay structured at 40–42 hours weekly, daily overtime after eight hours, and double time on Sundays, with overtime consistently available but never mandatory. The environment is designed as a true entry point into manufacturing: full training is provided, no prior experience is required, and all PPE is supplied. As you learn, you earn regular, skill‑based raises of $1 per hour for each new skill mastered, supported by a clear cross‑training program and team‑based bonuses tied to overall performance. Leadership is accessible and invested in employee success, with supervisors and managers who began on the production floor and understand the work firsthand. Comprehensive benefits include full medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid holidays, and a transparent path to build a long‑term career from the production floor.
Work Environment
Work takes place in a non‑climate‑controlled manufacturing facility in North Tonawanda, NY, dedicated to producing custom corrugated paper sheets for use in boxes, shipping containers, and retail displays. The setting is a clean, organized light‑industrial environment centered around a 410‑foot BHS corrugating machine that runs continuously through the site. Production operators work on either the wet end or the dry end of the line and rotate through different stations in close proximity to high‑speed, continuous‑running machinery and moving equipment. The crew works as a tight‑knit team of around 20 people on rotating 12‑hour shifts, with scheduled breaks and a strong focus on safety and communication. The facility provides all required personal protective equipment, and employees can expect physically active work that involves standing, walking, loading, stacking, and handling materials throughout the shift.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of North Tonawanda, NY.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $19.50 - $19.50/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 North Tonawanda,NY.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 1, 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.