General Production Worker
Aerotek
Posted Thursday, April 9, 2026
Posting ID: JP-005949100
Job Title: General Production Worker
Job Description
This role supports a full-cycle manufacturing plant that produces PTFE tube and stainless steel braided hose from raw materials for automotive, commercial, and industrial applications. As a General Production Worker, you will operate a variety of production equipment, perform material handling, conduct measurements and quality checks, and assist across multiple stages of hose and tubing manufacturing. You will receive cross-training in several departments and contribute to producing high-quality, precision components used in demanding applications.
Responsibilities
- Operate paste extrusion equipment to produce tubing from Teflon powder, including mixing and blending material, adding petroleum lubricant, and forming preform billets.
- Handle material drums from cold storage at approximately 40 degrees, mix powder with lubricant, return material to drums, and move them between cold storage and warm rooms as required.
- Use two computer monitors for equipment control, data entry, and label creation and printing to ensure accurate tracking of materials and work orders.
- Work with a setup operator in the billet/preform room to supply material, pour powder into machines, and support compression processes that create billets for extrusion.
- Load billets onto conveyors feeding extrusion machines, select and change dies according to product line and work order, and convert billets into tubes.
- Lift billets weighing about 10 pounds each and handle materials up to approximately 30 pounds as needed during production.
- Monitor the tube extrusion process as tubes pass through ovens, cool down, and are gradually dipped into water to complete the cooling cycle.
- Measure tubes for inner diameter, outer diameter, and length using specification sheets to confirm that all dimensions and die selections meet required standards.
- Collect, cut, and prepare tubes to size according to work order specifications, and perform pressure testing in tanks along with secondary testing.
- Conduct dimensional and visual inspections of tubes using micrometers and calipers to verify product quality and identify any defects.
- Perform winding and braiding operations by attaching spools to machines, setting up the deck, and running the winder or braider according to work orders.
- Set wire tension, attach tubing, and operate equipment that creates the characteristic indents on braided hose, recognizing that this area can be dirty and greasy.
- Carry out periodic quality checks during winding and braiding, and cut finished product to size based on work order requirements.
- Retrieve reels of finished hose from the braiding area, attach them to machines, and run them through wash tanks as part of hose processing.
- Work in small teams, typically 1–2 people running two machines in hose processing, and perform weekly cleaning of machines and oil filtration systems after training.
- Store or cut washed hose for bulk orders or send it to subsequent processes as specified.
- Operate twister equipment to create large spools used for braiding and winding, following processes similar to winding and braiding on a smaller scale.
- Pull prepared kits for jobs, assemble fittings and hoses using industrial crimpers and swedging equipment, and change fixtures and tools according to work order requirements.
- Use cutting and flash-cut equipment to take prepared hose, cut it to length, and run it through machines to pack and prepare product for shipment, where applicable.
- Run melt extrusion lines for large hose processing by loading plastic pellets into hoppers, monitoring melting, setting dies, and applying silicone jackets over hoses.
- Manage your own production line in melt extrusion, monitor hot processes safely, and ensure tubes are cooled, quality checked, coiled, and prepared for shipping.
- Support post-sinter operations by recooking tubing to increase strength for specialized product lines, including aerospace applications, and preparing hoses for further processing.
- Perform pressure testing in tank operations, wrapping tubing with multiple layers of metal to strengthen it and help it maintain form under high-impact applications.
- Follow all safety procedures, maintain a clean and organized work area, and participate in ongoing training for equipment operation and cleaning procedures.
- Read and follow work orders, specification sheets, and job travelers accurately to ensure correct setup, processing, and documentation throughout production.
Essential Skills
- At least 6 months of experience in manufacturing, industrial, or machine operation roles, or other directly transferable production experience.
- Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and understanding of how machines and mechanical systems work.
- Ability to perform accurate measurements, including using tape measures, micrometers, and calipers for dimensional checks.
- Comfort with operating production machinery and equipment in a manufacturing environment.
- Ability to lift and handle materials up to approximately 30 pounds as part of regular duties.
- Basic computer skills to work with production monitors, perform data entry, and print labels.
- Solid work history with consistent employment and limited short-term job changes.
- Ability to read and follow work orders, specification sheets, and written instructions.
- Willingness and ability to work on any assigned shift, including potential training on first shift.
- Reliable attendance, punctuality, and commitment to safety and quality standards.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience as a machine operator, production worker, or general production worker in a manufacturing setting.
- Prior use of hand tools and measuring tools such as tape measures, micrometers, and calipers.
- Familiarity with hose, tubing, or extrusion processes, including paste extrusion, melt extrusion, or similar operations.
- Experience with washing systems, filtration systems, or routine equipment cleaning and maintenance.
- Experience in mechanical or industrial environments that demonstrates strong hands-on aptitude.
- Comfort working in areas that may be dirty, greasy, hot, or involve exposure to lubricants and industrial materials.
- Ability to perform visual inspections and basic quality checks according to documented standards.
- Openness to cross-training across multiple departments such as extrusion, braiding, hose processing, and post-sinter operations.
- Strong desire to build a long-term career in manufacturing, supported by a consistent and positive work history.
Why Work Here?
This opportunity offers long-term stability in a growing manufacturing operation that serves automotive and industrial markets with high-quality hose products. The facility invests in extensive training and cross-training, allowing you to learn multiple processes and develop a broad skill set over time. There is clear potential for advancement, with examples of employees progressing from entry-level production roles into higher-level positions. The organization emphasizes job security through projected growth, maintains a clean and well-managed work environment, and supports employees who show initiative, reliability, and a strong work ethic.
Work Environment
The role is based in a large production facility with approximately 110 permanent employees across three shifts. The plant operates multiple departments, including paste extrusion, billet and tube extrusion, winding and braiding, hose processing, twister operations, melt extrusion, post-sinter, and pressure testing. You will work with industrial production equipment such as extruders, braiders, winders, wash tanks, industrial crimpers, swedging tools, cutting and flash-cut machines, ovens, cooling tanks, and pressure test tanks, as well as computer monitors for machine control and data entry. The environment includes both clean and more dirty or greasy areas, and some processes involve heat, such as melt extrusion and post-sinter operations. The dress code allows jeans and t-shirts; uniforms are provided upon becoming a permanent employee. The facility runs multiple shifts: Monday–Friday first shift from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., second shift from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Sunday–Thursday third shift from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Candidates may be required to train on first shift depending on the position and assigned shift. The pace varies by department, with some areas operating at a steady, even pace and others involving more physically active, hands-on work.
Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Suffield, CT.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $18.00 - $21.00/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)
This is a fully onsite position in Suffield,CT.
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Apr 23, 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.
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