Machine Operator

Night Shift Machine Operator – Plastic Extrusion

Pay: $21–$23/hour

Location: Portland, OR

Shift: Monday–Thursday | 4:30 PM – 5:00 AM

Job Overview

We are hiring a Night Shift Machine Operator to support plastic extrusion operations producing industrial hoses in a clean, smaller-scale manufacturing environment. This role involves setting up, operating, and monitoring extrusion machines while ensuring product quality, efficiency, and safety. You’ll use basic computer skills, shop math, and mechanical ability to run production independently after training.

This is a great opportunity for someone with manufacturing experience who wants long-term stability, hands-on work, and the potential to grow into leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up plastic extrusion machines according to job specifications
• Operate and monitor machines during production runs to ensure consistent output
• Input and adjust machine settings using computers and shop math
• Use hand and power tools to fine-tune machine adjustments and perform minor maintenance
• Measure products accurately using a tape measure to ensure proper dimensions
• Inspect finished products for quality, defects, and specification compliance
• Monitor gauges, controls, and machine performance to maintain smooth production flow
• Make proactive adjustments to prevent defects and downtime
• Work independently after training while managing production goals
• Collaborate with team members and leadership to support continuous improvement
• Take on increasing responsibility with the opportunity to move into a lead role over time

Required Qualifications

• Previous experience operating machines in a manufacturing environment
• Mechanical aptitude and comfort working with industrial equipment
• Ability to use hand tools and power tools
• Basic math and shop math skills for measurements and machine setup
• Ability to accurately read and use a tape measure
• Strong attention to detail and product quality
• Ability to monitor multiple machine parameters and problem-solve in real time
• Willingness to work night shift (4:30 PM – 5:00 AM, Monday–Thursday)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with plastic extrusion processes
• Experience with injection molding machines
• Prior leadership experience or demonstrated leadership potential

Why Work Here?

You’ll be part of a casual, supportive manufacturing team where employees are trusted to work independently once trained. This role offers long-term growth, stable scheduling with three-day weekends every week, and the opportunity to move into leadership.

Upon direct hire, employees are eligible for a strong benefits package including:

• Medical and dental insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Quarterly bonus opportunities

This company values reliability, technical skill, and internal growth.

Work Environment

This position is located in a clean, small-scale industrial shop focused on plastic tube extrusion. While the environment is well-maintained, it is still an active manufacturing setting with machinery and occasional noise. You’ll work hands-on with extrusion equipment, gauges, and measuring tools in a safety-focused production culture.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Portland, OR.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $23.00/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 Portland,OR.

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.