Depo - Machine Operator - 1st Shift

Job Title: Depo Machine Operator – 1st Shift

Job Description

The Depo Machine Operator on 1st shift plays a hands-on role in the packaging and palletizing of food products such as chocolate chips and related items. Working on production lines that handle bags or boxes, you ensure products meet weight specifications, operate basic machinery, and accurately complete production and quality documentation. This position involves continuous manual lifting, attention to detail, and collaboration with quality teams to maintain high standards of safety and product integrity during a 6:00 AM to 2:30 PM shift.

Responsibilities

• Operate production lines that fill bags on Lines 1 and 2 and boxes on Lines 3 and 4, monitoring the conveyor as it fills containers to the required weight.
• Check the weight of each box or bag and remove or add product as needed to meet specified weight and product standards.
• Lift correctly weighted boxes and run them through the taping machine, ensuring secure closure and proper packaging.
• Use the automatic sewing machine to close bags when working on bag lines, handling the equipment carefully due to sharp components.
• Build and assemble pallets with finished product, stacking boxes or bags in an organized and stable manner for storage or shipment.
• Perform consistent heavy lifting of bags or boxes weighing between 35 and 50 pounds throughout the shift, including palletizing activities.
• Complete required production and quality documentation accurately, including metal detection sheets and scale verification sheets.
• Check and record metal detection results once per hour and after returning from breaks and lunch to support food safety and auditing requirements.
• Verify and document that scales are measuring weight correctly, adjusting processes as needed to maintain accurate fills.
• Assist quality control and quality assurance teams by collecting product samples from the production lines as directed.
• Maintain a clean and orderly work area, supporting sanitation practices in the production and packaging environment.
• Operate an electric pallet jack as needed to move pallets and materials safely around the facility.
• Work independently when required, while also collaborating effectively with team members and other departments to meet production goals.
• Follow all safety procedures when using machinery and handling products, including careful operation of sharp equipment and adherence to facility guidelines.
• Perform general labor tasks associated with production, loading, filling, packaging, and sanitation as needed to support the overall operation.

Essential Skills

• Ability to read and write sufficiently to accurately complete production, quality, and audit-related sheets and documentation.
• Capability to lift and carry 35 to 50 pounds consistently throughout the shift, including repetitive lifting of boxes and bags and palletizing product.
• Comfort working in a very manual, physically demanding role that involves continuous movement and handling of materials.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, contributing to a smooth and efficient production flow.
• Attention to detail to ensure product weights meet specifications and that documentation is complete and accurate for auditing purposes.
• Basic machine operation skills for equipment such as taping machines, automatic bag sewing machines, and electric pallet jacks.
• Willingness and ability to follow safety procedures, especially when handling sharp equipment and operating machinery.
• Ability to work on a 1st shift schedule from 6:00 AM to 2:30 PM.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Comfort performing general labor tasks in a production, packaging, and sanitation environment.
• Experience in production, loading, filling, packaging, QA, QC, or similar manufacturing roles is beneficial.
• Familiarity with basic data entry and data collection on paper forms for production and quality tracking.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift repeatedly in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.
• Physical ability to reach and work with bags positioned high on the machine; the role requires sufficient height and reach to safely operate the equipment.
• Willingness to work around food products such as chocolate chips and similar items.

Why Work Here?

Employees enjoy a supportive environment that offers comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, along with a competitive 401(k) program featuring a 6% match. The organization provides twice annual salary in free life insurance coverage and observes 10 paid holidays, supporting financial security and work-life balance. Team members occasionally receive free chocolate, adding a fun perk to the workplace culture and reflecting a friendly, employee-focused atmosphere.

Work Environment

The role is based in a clean, well-organized production facility that primarily smells of chocolate and other sweet products. Working conditions vary slightly by room: the Depo Room maintains a comfortable room temperature; the Panning Room runs a bit cooler than typical room temperature but is not refrigerated; and the Refining Room can become warm, reaching up to approximately 95 degrees during the summer. The facility includes a pleasant break room and designated areas both inside and outside where employees can take breaks. Work involves operating machinery such as taping equipment, automatic bag sewing machines, and electric pallet jacks in a structured manufacturing setting, with a focus on safety, cleanliness, and efficient workflow during the 1st shift from 6:00 AM to 2:30 PM.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Union City, CA.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $20.00/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 Union City,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 12, 2026.

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.

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.