Job Information
Aerotek Machine Operator in Waukesha, Wisconsin
Machine Operator – 1st Shift
Job Description
The Packaging Machine Operator works on the bottling line with sleeving and packaging machines, making necessary adjustments to ensure all products are packaged in a safe, efficient, and high-quality manner. This role focuses on operating, cleaning, and maintaining packaging equipment while following strict quality, safety, and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards.
Responsibilities
Follow established procedures to safely operate and clean sleeving and packaging machines.
Monitor the sleeving process to ensure sleeves are correctly applied to bottles by the machine and that bottles do not back up on the line.
Verify that date codes are accurate for each production run and take action if corrections are needed.
Communicate machine status, production issues, and any unacceptable bottle quality concerns to the supervisor or Plant Manager.
Relieve other Machine Operators during machine downtime or job reassignments to maintain departmental efficiency and production quality.
Perform basic troubleshooting and routine maintenance on machines as issues arise to minimize downtime.
Report to the workstation on time, wear proper work attire, and assist with setting up the work area at the start of the shift.
Successfully complete and maintain a valid forktruck certification and operate forktrucks as required.
Perform all duties in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Sanitization Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP).
Adhere to quality and safety standards related to HACCP, FDA, EPA, OSHA, USDA, WDA, and specific customer requirements.
Conduct all behavior in compliance with company policies and guidelines.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in line with GMP expectations.
Perform additional duties and support other production tasks as assigned to meet operational needs.
Essential Skills
At least 2 years of machine operator experience, preferably in a production or manufacturing environment.
Hands-on experience with packaging machines, sleeving equipment, and filling machines.
Ability to set up, operate, and make basic adjustments to production and packaging machinery.
Experience working in general production environments with a focus on efficiency and quality.
Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), with at least 1 year of GMP experience preferred.
Ability to follow detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Sanitization Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP).
Capability to perform basic troubleshooting and routine maintenance on machines.
Strong attention to detail to ensure correct date codes, proper sleeving, and acceptable product quality.
Effective communication skills to report machine status and quality issues promptly.
Ability to pass and maintain a forktruck exam and safely operate a forktruck as needed.
Reliability in attendance and punctuality, with a commitment to reporting to the workstation on time.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Previous experience on bottling or packaging lines in a food or beverage environment is highly beneficial.
Working knowledge of regulatory and quality standards including HACCP, FDA, EPA, OSHA, USDA, and WDA requirements.
Comfort working under GMP conditions, including adherence to hygiene and sanitation standards.
Ability to work collaboratively with other machine operators and production staff to maintain smooth operations.
Willingness to learn new equipment, processes, and procedures as the operation evolves.
Flexibility to support occasional Saturday work when production demands require it.
Why Work Here?
Join a close-knit, family-oriented team where you are more than just a number and your contributions are recognized. The company actively invests in employees, providing opportunities to grow, learn, and be promoted from within. Team members enjoy strong benefits and may receive yearly bonuses that increase with tenure, rewarding long-term commitment and performance.
Work Environment
This is a full-time 1st shift position, typically working Monday through Friday from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with occasional work on Saturdays based on production needs. The role is based in a GMP-regulated production facility where food and beverage products are packaged, and employees must follow strict hygiene and safety standards. The environment involves working around active machinery, moving bottles, and packaging equipment, requiring attentiveness to safety and quality at all times. Appropriate GMP attire is required, including hair nets, beard nets (if applicable), smocks, and steel-toe footwear. The facility operates with a strong emphasis on cleanliness, organization, and compliance with regulatory and customer requirements.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Waukesha, WI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $24.00/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 Waukesha,WI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 8, 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.