Machine Technician
Aerotek, Piscataway, NJ, United States
Machine Technician
The Machine Technician sets up, operates, monitors, and troubleshoots production and packaging machinery, with a focus on carton flow equipment. This role ensures machines run safely and efficiently, produces high-quality product according to specifications, and supports a culture of continuous improvement in a food manufacturing environment.
Responsibilities
Set up and operate carton flow and related production equipment according to established procedures and guidelines.
Adjust machine settings to complete tasks accurately, meeting quality specifications and production targets.
Perform periodic checks on equipment to identify issues and resolve problems as they arise.
Carry out changeovers from one format or product to another, ensuring minimal downtime and accurate setup.
Complete all necessary pre-operation activities to ensure proper startup and operation of multiple pieces of equipment.
Operate and monitor multiple machines simultaneously to maintain quality production and reduce unplanned stops.
Use hand tools to set up packaging lines and make light mechanical adjustments and repairs as needed.
Perform basic preventive maintenance on packaging machines and assist in troubleshooting machine-related issues.
Communicate effectively with team members and support teams to maintain continuous production of the correct product at high quality levels with minimal waste.
Report any food safety or quality issues promptly to plant leadership.
Keep machines and the surrounding work area clean, organized, and safe at all times.
Follow standardized work procedures and adhere to all safe work practices.
Support and participate in a continuous improvement environment, suggesting and implementing process enhancements.
Follow current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) and all applicable food safety and quality standards.
Essential Skills
Mechanical aptitude with the ability to perform light adjustments and repairs on production and packaging equipment.
Hands-on experience using basic hand tools to set up and adjust packaging lines and machinery.
Ability to troubleshoot packaging lines and equipment to resolve operational issues.
Experience with machine setup, including changeovers between different formats or products.
Basic preventive maintenance skills on production and packaging machines.
Basic math skills to support machine setup, adjustments, and production calculations.
Basic computer skills to operate equipment interfaces and production systems as required.
Ability to read, speak, and write English fluently to follow work instructions, safety procedures, and documentation.
Strong attention to detail to maintain product quality and adherence to specifications.
Commitment to following standardized work procedures, safe work practices, and cGMP guidelines in a food manufacturing environment.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Spanish language fluency and/or knowledge is a plus and supports communication in a diverse team environment.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a production environment, managing multiple pieces of equipment at once.
Comfort working in a continuous improvement culture, contributing ideas to improve safety, quality, and efficiency.
Strong communication skills to coordinate with team members and support functions.
Reliability and punctuality to support consistent production schedules, including second shift work.
Why Work Here?
Join a growing organization that values its employees and invests in their development. You will have opportunities for growth and advancement while working in a stable food manufacturing environment. The company recognizes and appreciates employees through special events and provides complimentary snacks as a daily perk. You will be part of a team-focused culture that emphasizes safety, quality, and continuous improvement, offering a supportive environment to build and expand your technical skills.
Work Environment
This role is based in a food manufacturing facility operating on a second shift schedule from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The environment follows strict Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), with a strong emphasis on food safety, cleanliness, and organization. Team members work around production and packaging machinery and are expected to maintain a clean and safe work area. Due to food safety standards, there are specific dress and appearance requirements, including no jewelry and no make-up while on the production floor. The work involves standing, moving between machines, and using hand tools to set up and adjust equipment in a fast-paced, production-driven setting.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Piscataway, NJ.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $25.00/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 Piscataway, NJ.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 1, 2026.
The Machine Technician sets up, operates, monitors, and troubleshoots production and packaging machinery, with a focus on carton flow equipment. This role ensures machines run safely and efficiently, produces high-quality product according to specifications, and supports a culture of continuous improvement in a food manufacturing environment.
Responsibilities
Set up and operate carton flow and related production equipment according to established procedures and guidelines.
Adjust machine settings to complete tasks accurately, meeting quality specifications and production targets.
Perform periodic checks on equipment to identify issues and resolve problems as they arise.
Carry out changeovers from one format or product to another, ensuring minimal downtime and accurate setup.
Complete all necessary pre-operation activities to ensure proper startup and operation of multiple pieces of equipment.
Operate and monitor multiple machines simultaneously to maintain quality production and reduce unplanned stops.
Use hand tools to set up packaging lines and make light mechanical adjustments and repairs as needed.
Perform basic preventive maintenance on packaging machines and assist in troubleshooting machine-related issues.
Communicate effectively with team members and support teams to maintain continuous production of the correct product at high quality levels with minimal waste.
Report any food safety or quality issues promptly to plant leadership.
Keep machines and the surrounding work area clean, organized, and safe at all times.
Follow standardized work procedures and adhere to all safe work practices.
Support and participate in a continuous improvement environment, suggesting and implementing process enhancements.
Follow current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) and all applicable food safety and quality standards.
Essential Skills
Mechanical aptitude with the ability to perform light adjustments and repairs on production and packaging equipment.
Hands-on experience using basic hand tools to set up and adjust packaging lines and machinery.
Ability to troubleshoot packaging lines and equipment to resolve operational issues.
Experience with machine setup, including changeovers between different formats or products.
Basic preventive maintenance skills on production and packaging machines.
Basic math skills to support machine setup, adjustments, and production calculations.
Basic computer skills to operate equipment interfaces and production systems as required.
Ability to read, speak, and write English fluently to follow work instructions, safety procedures, and documentation.
Strong attention to detail to maintain product quality and adherence to specifications.
Commitment to following standardized work procedures, safe work practices, and cGMP guidelines in a food manufacturing environment.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Spanish language fluency and/or knowledge is a plus and supports communication in a diverse team environment.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a production environment, managing multiple pieces of equipment at once.
Comfort working in a continuous improvement culture, contributing ideas to improve safety, quality, and efficiency.
Strong communication skills to coordinate with team members and support functions.
Reliability and punctuality to support consistent production schedules, including second shift work.
Why Work Here?
Join a growing organization that values its employees and invests in their development. You will have opportunities for growth and advancement while working in a stable food manufacturing environment. The company recognizes and appreciates employees through special events and provides complimentary snacks as a daily perk. You will be part of a team-focused culture that emphasizes safety, quality, and continuous improvement, offering a supportive environment to build and expand your technical skills.
Work Environment
This role is based in a food manufacturing facility operating on a second shift schedule from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The environment follows strict Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), with a strong emphasis on food safety, cleanliness, and organization. Team members work around production and packaging machinery and are expected to maintain a clean and safe work area. Due to food safety standards, there are specific dress and appearance requirements, including no jewelry and no make-up while on the production floor. The work involves standing, moving between machines, and using hand tools to set up and adjust equipment in a fast-paced, production-driven setting.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Piscataway, NJ.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $25.00/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 Piscataway, NJ.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 1, 2026.