This role is STARs-friendly: Skilled Through Alternative Routes.
73% STARs in role.
Job Title: Molding Machine Operator – 1st Shift
Job Description
The Molding Machine Operator supports daily molding and casting operations by setting up molds, operating molding equipment, and ensuring all parts meet defined quality standards. This role suits individuals with hands-on experience in injection molding, ceramic casting, or similar molding processes who understand basic mold setup, can identify and resolve common defects, and can perform routine mold and die maintenance to keep production running smoothly on a fast-paced 1st shift schedule.
Responsibilities
- Set up molds, dies, and tooling for injection molding, ceramic casting, or similar molding production runs.
- Operate molding machines safely and efficiently while monitoring cycle times and adjusting basic process parameters as needed.
- Identify and troubleshoot common molding issues such as short shots, flashing, incomplete fill, and surface defects.
- Perform routine mold and die maintenance, including cleaning, lubrication, and minor mechanical adjustments to ensure reliable operation.
- Inspect molded parts for dimensional accuracy, surface quality, and overall consistency against production specifications.
- Read and follow work instructions, production specifications, and basic technical drawings to ensure correct setup and output.
- Document production runs, mold changes, and process adjustments accurately for traceability and continuous improvement.
- Communicate equipment issues, material concerns, and quality deviations promptly to supervisors or maintenance teams.
- Support changeovers between molds or product types to minimize downtime and maintain production flow.
- Work collaboratively in a structured, team-oriented environment to meet production targets and uphold safety standards.
Essential Skills
- Experience in injection molding, ceramic casting, or similar molding processes.
- Familiarity with mold setup, alignment, clamping procedures, and changeovers.
- Ability to recognize and troubleshoot molding defects such as short shots, flashing, and incomplete fill.
- Basic mechanical aptitude and comfort performing minor mold and die maintenance tasks.
- Ability to read and interpret work instructions, production specifications, and basic technical drawings.
- Strong attention to detail and a consistent commitment to producing high-quality parts.
- Ability to operate molding machines and related production line equipment safely and efficiently.
- Capability to lift 30–50 lbs and perform physically demanding tasks in a fast-paced production environment.
- Comfort working with polymer molding processes, including blow molding, injection molding, and extrusion where applicable.
- Reliability in following established safety procedures and maintaining a clean, organized workstation.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Hands-on experience operating molding machines, blow molding equipment, or extrusion lines.
- Experience plastic molding, blow molding, or similar high-volume manufacturing environments.
- Experience performing changeovers and adjusting equipment settings to support different molds or products.
- Demonstrated mechanical aptitude for working with hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical production equipment.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a structured, process-driven manufacturing setting.
- Strong communication skills to clearly report issues and collaborate with production and maintenance personnel.
Why Work Here?
This role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to the production of high-performance polymer and porcelain components that support critical electrical transmission and distribution infrastructure across the country. The facility emphasizes safety, consistency, and continuous improvement, combining advanced materials engineering with strict quality and testing standards. Team members work in a structured, team-oriented environment with clearly defined processes and expectations, and benefit from a consistent full-time schedule with opportunities for overtime based on production demand. The organization values reliability, craftsmanship, and a strong commitment to quality in every stage of manufacturing.
Work Environment
This is a 1st shift position, working Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with a consistent full-time schedule and potential overtime depending on production needs. The role is based in a non-climate-controlled production facility where temperatures can become very hot during the summer months. The environment is fast-paced and hands-on, with polymer molding and hydraulic/pneumatic crimping equipment in regular use. Employees work at defined workstations within a structured, team-oriented setting that follows established safety procedures. Team members are allowed to keep water at their workstation to stay hydrated throughout the shift, and the work involves regular physical activity, including lifting and handling materials.
Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Virginia Beach, VA.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $17.00 - $17.00/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 TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Virginia Beach,VA.
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Aug 6, 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.
Posting ID: JP-006175977