Machine Operator - 1st Shift

Job Title: Setter 1st ShiftJob Description The Setter plays a key role in supporting rubber part production for the aerospace industry by planning and performing mold changes, setting process parameters, and ensuring consistent part quality. This is a hands-on, entry-level opportunity for motivated individuals who want to build a long-term career in manufacturing while receiving thorough training on 1st shift. Responsibilities • Perform and plan mold changes on compression and injection molding machines to support production schedules. • Set and adjust process parameters, including temperature, cure time, bumping, and pressure, to achieve approved, high-quality parts. • Carry out part changeovers and machine setups efficiently to minimize downtime and scrap in line with defined productivity targets. • Monitor molding parameters periodically to maintain a stable and consistent production process. • Conduct light maintenance and basic troubleshooting on equipment to resolve process issues. • Review and address all red tags, ensuring appropriate corrective actions are taken. • Transport molds to and from the tool shop and prepare them for setup, including cleaning and staging as needed. • Perform minor tool repairs and de-nicking to keep molds in proper working condition. • Ensure all setup requirements, such as loader boards, prep materials, mold release, and pre-heated molds, are available and ready for use. • Maintain adherence to company policies, health and safety standards, ergonomic guidelines, and good housekeeping practices. • Promote a safe work environment by integrating health and safety considerations into daily tasks and addressing non-compliant behaviors. • Support continuous improvement efforts by reducing scrap, improving setup times, and maintaining organized work areas. • Perform other related duties as assigned to meet ongoing production and organizational needs. Essential Skills • Ability to perform general labor tasks in a manufacturing environment. • Mechanical aptitude and interest in working with machines and tools. • Willingness to learn molding processes, mold changeovers, and parameter setup. • Capability to lift 3550 lbs on a daily basis. • Ability to work in a fast-paced production environment. • Eager, positive attitude with a strong desire to learn and grow. • Motivation to build a long-term career in manufacturing. • Ability to work 1st shift (typically 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) with openness to earlier start times when needed and regular Saturday work. Additional Skills & Qualifications • Previous production or manufacturing experience is a plus but not required. • Comfort working with injection molding machines, hot presses, or similar industrial equipment is beneficial. • Ability to distinguish different item codes and mold differences once trained. • Spanish language skills are welcome; English is not required. • Openness to working in an ITAR-regulated facility and following all related procedures. • Strong work ethic and reliability, including consistent attendance and punctuality. Why Work Here? You join a highly organized, process-driven manufacturing environment that offers strong training and clear opportunities for advancement. The company invests in developing new skills across departments, creating a pathway to increased responsibility and higher pay as you grow. You benefit from a supportive culture that values motivation, a willingness to learn, and long-term commitment, providing a stable environment where you can build a lasting career in manufacturing. Work Environment This role is based in a clean, lean, and highly organized aerospace manufacturing facility that produces rubber parts using numerous injection molding machines and hot presses. The workplace follows lean six sigma principles, with clearly designated locations for tools, products, and supplies to support efficient and safe operations. The production floor can become warm due to the molding equipment, but air conditioning units operate continuously to maintain a comfortable temperature. This is an ITAR facility, so employees must follow all applicable security and compliance procedures. The position is on 1st shift, generally 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with the possibility of starting as early as 4:00 a.m. when needed and regular work on Saturdays. The environment is fast-paced, hands-on, and physically active, requiring frequent lifting of 3550 lbs and regular interaction with industrial machinery. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Santa Ana, CA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $21.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. 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 Santa Ana,CA. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Oct 19, 2026. About Aerotek 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.