Press Operator

Job Title: Press Operator Location: West York, PAShifts available: First and SecondPay: $20-$22/ hour

Job Description

This role involves operating production press machines in a manufacturing environment across multiple shifts, including 1st and 2nd shift. You will load parts, set measurements, run press cycles, and prepare finished products for shipment while maintaining accurate paper-based documentation and performing quality inspections. The position offers structured training, clear overtime scheduling, and opportunities to grow into a top-performing press operator role.

Responsibilities

• Operate press machines safely and efficiently using pre-set equipment configurations.
• Load parts into the press, set required measurements, and initiate the press process according to work orders.
• Monitor press operations and ensure that production runs meet quality and specification standards.
• Remove finished parts from the press, inspect them for quality, and prepare them for shipment.
• Stage and organize finished products on pallets in an orderly manner for shipping.
• Maintain and complete all required paper-based documentation, including work orders and production tracking sheets, with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Perform visual and dimensional inspections of parts, including basic quality checks and color matching where required.
• Use a tape measure and other basic tools to verify measurements and ensure parts meet specifications.
• Assist with material handling by operating a sit-down forklift, pull truck, or carpet puller as needed.
• Keep the work area clean, organized, and free of hazards to support safe and efficient operations.
• Follow all safety procedures, including proper use of personal protective equipment and adherence to facility rules.
• Collaborate with other press operators and team members to learn machine operations and support continuous improvement.
• Manage workload in line with scheduled overtime and shift requirements, including 1st shift, 2nd shift, and weekend shifts as assigned.
• Participate in training over a 4–6 week period (or as scheduled) to learn press operations, documentation processes, and quality standards.

Essential Skills

• At least 2+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment with hands-on machine operating responsibilities.
• Proven experience in machine operation, including starting, monitoring, and stopping production equipment.
• Ability to perform detailed quality checks, including visual inspection and basic measurement verification.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy when completing paperwork and tracking work orders on paper.
• Ability to operate a sit-down forklift or similar material handling equipment, or willingness to apply existing forklift experience to pull truck or carpet puller operation.
• Comfort working in a manufacturing environment with active machinery and production processes.
• Mechanical aptitude and the ability to learn press operations, including setting measurements and understanding basic machine functions.
• Ability to read and use a tape measure accurately.
• Capability to perform repetitive tasks while maintaining focus on quality and safety.
• Reliable attendance and ability to work assigned shifts, including 1st shift, 2nd shift, or weekend shifts, as well as scheduled overtime when required.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Direct printing or press printing experience is highly desired and may lead to higher earning potential.
• Experience with color matching or color inspection in a printing or manufacturing setting.
• Prior exposure to a digital or traditional press environment.
• Comfort working with paper-based documentation systems and manual tracking of production.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new machines and processes through structured training.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple work orders and prioritize tasks effectively.

Why Work Here?

This opportunity offers a clear path from contract to hire, providing long-term stability and growth for individuals who are willing to learn and apply themselves. You will benefit from structured training, a supportive culture focused on learning the machines, and the potential to earn top-tier pay as your skills develop. The organization rewards commitment and performance with room for advancement, including the potential to reach mid-$30s per hour in less than five years for top-performing press operators. Employees receive shoe reimbursement of up to $100 per year and, once hired directly, enjoy generous paid time off with three weeks (120 hours) of vacation. The work environment emphasizes safety, teamwork, and continuous learning, making it an attractive place to build a long-term career in manufacturing and press operations.

Work Environment

The role is based in a manufacturing facility with multiple shift options. 1st shift typically runs Monday through Thursday from 5:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 2nd shift typically runs Monday through Thursday from approximately 3:15 p.m. to 1:45 a.m. Weekend shifts are available on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with 12-hour schedules from 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Training for most roles takes place Monday through Thursday from 5:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for approximately 4 to 6 weeks, or 2 weeks for certain weekend roles. Overtime is scheduled in advance so you know when it is required. Breaks generally include two 10-minute breaks and one longer break (either a 30-minute unpaid lunch or a 20-minute paid lunch, depending on shift), with guidelines that paid breaks must be taken on-site.

You will work in a press and manufacturing environment that can be slightly cold or hot at times, as the facility is not fully temperature controlled; however, conditions are not described as extreme. The digital area of the facility is air conditioned, while the rest of the facility is not. The environment does not require hearing protection. The dress code includes steel-toed or composite safety shoes, pants, and a t-shirt. In some areas, shorts may be allowed as long as they are appropriate and not overly revealing; basketball shorts and spaghetti-strap tops are not permitted. Safety and professionalism guide all dress code expectations.

The facility maintains a focus on safety and productivity, which includes restrictions on personal electronic devices. Cell phones and air pods are not allowed on the production floor, although you may use a speaker at a reasonable volume in accordance with facility guidelines. Shoe reimbursement of up to $100 per year supports the required safety footwear. The culture emphasizes training, collaboration among press operators, and progressive skill development on the machines, offering a structured and supportive environment for building a career in press operations.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of York, PA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $22.00/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 York,PA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 19, 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.

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 meet 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 in solving 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.