Job Title: Production Associate
Job Description
This contract-to-hire Production Associate role supports a high-volume manufacturing paint operation by preparing, hanging, labeling, and packaging hydraulic cylinders on a fast-paced paint line. You work hands-on throughout the shift, performing consistent physical tasks while closely following work orders, safety procedures, and quality standards to keep production flowing smoothly.
Responsibilities
- Prepare hydraulic cylinders for the paint line by cleaning, staging, and inspecting parts for defects or irregularities.
- Hang cylinders onto the paint line using proper lifting techniques and assist-lift equipment after receiving training.
- Monitor parts as they move through the paint process to ensure proper flow and identify any visible issues.
- Remove finished cylinders from the paint line safely and efficiently.
- Apply stickers and labels accurately according to work orders and customer requirements.
- Package and pack completed cylinders securely for shipment to prevent damage in transit.
- Palletize and depalletize finished products while maintaining organized and clearly labeled pallets.
- Read, follow, and verify work orders to ensure correct processing, labeling, and packaging of each order.
- Maintain a steady workflow in a fast-paced production environment to meet daily output goals.
- Follow all safety, quality, and production standards at all times while operating in a manufacturing setting.
- Keep work areas clean, organized, and free of unnecessary materials to support safe and efficient operations.
- Collaborate with team members and communicate any issues with parts, equipment, or work orders to appropriate personnel.
- Adapt to changing production volumes and priorities as needed, including working mandatory overtime when required.
Essential Skills
- Ability to perform repetitive lifting of up to 50 pounds throughout the shift.
- Comfort working in a physically demanding, fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Ability to stand, bend, lift, and move continuously during the entire workday.
- Willingness to work mandatory overtime, including Saturdays as production demands.
- Basic ability to read, understand, and follow work orders and labels accurately.
- Reliable attendance and a strong work ethic with a commitment to meeting production goals.
- Capability to follow detailed safety, quality, and production procedures consistently.
- General production and general labor experience involving material handling and repetitive tasks.
- Ability to perform palletizing, labeling, packing, and basic material organization tasks.
- Comfort working around paint, powder coat, and related finishing processes in a manufacturing setting.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Previous experience in manufacturing, paint line, or assembly environments is a plus.
- Familiarity with palletizing or industrial packaging processes is beneficial.
- Experience with paint prep, hanging pipe or cylinders, and handling painted components is advantageous.
- Comfort learning and using new equipment, including lift-assist devices, with training provided.
- Experience with powder coat or painting operations in an industrial setting is a plus.
- Ability to adapt quickly as production volume increases and priorities shift.
- Team-oriented mindset with a strong focus on safety, productivity, and supporting coworkers.
- Willingness to learn unique machining and documentation practices that support the broader operation.
Why Work Here?
You join a stable, industry-leading manufacturer in a specialized niche, offering full medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with a 401(k) program that includes a company match. The culture emphasizes a family feel and strong support from both engineering and production leadership, creating an environment where questions, training, and development are encouraged. You benefit from consistent first-shift hours, a dedicated workstation with the tools and equipment you need, and opportunities to learn unique machining and documentation skills that are highly transferable to future roles. Additional incentives such as gift cards for extra overtime recognize and reward your effort and commitment.
Work Environment
You work on a manufacturing floor in Tonawanda, NY, moving frequently between departments in a high-volume hydraulic cylinder production facility. The environment includes typical machine shop elements such as noise, active machinery, and metal components, and you spend most of your shift standing, walking, lifting, and observing machining and paint operations. The role follows a first-shift schedule, generally within daytime hours, with mandatory weekend overtime as needed and optional weekday overtime during peak demand. You use assist-lift devices, pallet jacks, packaging materials, labeling tools, and a workstation with a computer for documentation entry. Personal protective equipment includes steel-toe or composite-toe boots, with a metatarsal guard provided, and you follow all standard safety protocols for an industrial paint and machining environment. The dress code is typical for a manufacturing setting, focusing on safety, durability, and suitability for working around machinery, paint processes, and material handling.
Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Tonawanda, NY.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $21.00 - $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 Tonawanda,NY.
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Jun 9, 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.
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.
Posting ID: JP-006050283
