Machine Operator

Job Title: Bindery Operator

Job Description

This role operates in a large industrial printing and bindery environment, where you will set up, run, and monitor bindery equipment to support high-volume publishing operations. You will ensure equipment runs safely and efficiently, maintain product quality, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives while working on a close-knit production team across multiple shifts.

Shifts:

1st: 6:30am-2:30pm

2nd: 2:30pm-10:30pm

3rd: 10:30pm-6:30am Sun-Thu

Pay: 20-28/hr depends on experience (can pay 30+ with direct bindery experience)

Responsibilities

• Review job specifications to determine material requirements, equipment set-up parameters, and production expectations.
• Set up and operate bindery equipment, including presses and related machines, in accordance with job specifications and standard work procedures.
• Monitor equipment performance and product quality throughout the run, making adjustments as needed to maintain quality and productivity standards.
• Perform simple to moderately complex troubleshooting related to product issues or equipment performance and obtain maintenance support when necessary.
• Evaluate the mechanical condition of equipment and complete routine preventative maintenance tasks to ensure reliable operation.
• Use computer-based workflow applications to manage files and production tasks as required.
• Accurately document activities in Tier Boards and relevant systems such as MII and SAP, including material usage, equipment issues, and production data.
• Perform supporting tasks such as feeding, catching off, stacking, bundling, and participating in physical inventory cycle counts.
• Communicate effectively with team members during the shift and at shift hand-offs to ensure smooth transitions and consistent production.
• Actively participate in company safety programs and contribute to a strong safety culture by following all safety procedures and guidelines.
• Meet or exceed established quality and productivity standards by consistently following standard work procedures.
• Generate, implement, and sustain continuous improvement ideas that enhance processes, quality, or efficiency.
• Participate in project teams as needed to support operational improvements and new initiatives.
• Provide backup for other operators to cover absences or breaks and support overall team flexibility.
• Recommend and help implement process improvements that support lean manufacturing practices.
• Regularly stand, walk, crouch, bend, reach, and kneel as required to operate equipment and handle materials.
• Wear and properly use required personal protective equipment, including steel toe shoes and ear protection, while on the production floor.
• Work occasional overtime of up to 4 hours per day and occasional weekend shifts as production demands require.

Essential Skills

• Experience operating bindery, press, or other industrial printing equipment in a production environment.
• Hands-on machine operating experience, including setting up, running, and adjusting equipment.
• Ability to perform troubleshooting on printing, bindery, or subscription-related equipment and processes.
• Familiarity with printing and printing press operations and workflows.
• Comfort using computer-based workflow applications to manage production files and tasks.
• Ability to accurately document production activities, material usage, and equipment issues in systems such as MII and SAP.
• Capability to meet established quality and productivity standards while following standard work procedures.
• Physical ability to regularly stand, walk, crouch, bend, reach, and kneel throughout the shift.
• Ability and willingness to wear required personal protective equipment, including steel toe shoes and ear protection.
• Flexibility to work 1st, 2nd, or 3rd shift and to support occasional overtime and weekend work.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience in large industrial printing or bindery shops is highly beneficial.
• Experience in lean manufacturing processes and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience with preventative maintenance on production equipment.
• Exposure to high-volume production environments with strict quality and safety standards.
• Familiarity with similar roles in printing or packaging companies is advantageous.
• Strong curiosity, creativity, and a collaborative mindset that aligns with a culture of active participation.
• Comfort working in a structured, process-driven environment with multiple shifts.

Why Work Here?

You will join a safety-focused organization that invests heavily in its people, equipment, and processes. The company offers a sign-on bonus after 90 days, excellent benefits, and shift differentials for 2nd and 3rd shifts. You will work in a clean, climate-controlled facility that continues to invest in large capital machines to stay at the forefront of printing technology. The culture is interactive, inclusive, and built around lean manufacturing and continuous improvement, providing a place where you can build a long-term career and grow as opportunities arise through internal promotions.

Work Environment

The role is based in a large industrial printing and bindery shop with a close-knit production crew focused on completing work safely, efficiently, and on time. The environment is clean and climate controlled, and the operation relies on advanced printing and bindery equipment, supported by ongoing investment in large capital machines and lean manufacturing processes. Work is organized across three primary shifts: 1st shift from 6:30am to 2:30pm, 2nd shift from 2:30pm to 10:30pm, and 3rd shift from 10:30pm to 6:30am (Sunday through Thursday), with shift differentials for 2nd and 3rd shift and occasional overtime and weekend work. Most new hires start on 2nd or 3rd shift, with movement to 1st shift treated as an internal promotion. The culture values curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and active participation. Personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety glasses, and ear protection is provided, and the company pays for steel toe boots. A strong emphasis on safety and teamwork shapes day-to-day operations on the production floor.

This is a Permanent position based out of Eagan, MN.

The pay range for this position is $52000.00 - $67000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Sign-on bonus of $2,500 after 90 days. Safety is a significant part of the culture. The environment is interactive, inclusive, clean, and climate-controlled. Continuous investment in large capital machines ensures the company stays at the forefront of printing technology. Excellent benefits packages are offered. The company utilizes lean manufacturing processes across the board. There is a shift differential of $3/hr for the 2nd shift and $5/hr for the 3rd shift. Employees typically start on the 2nd or 3rd shift and can be promoted internally to the 1st shift. Approximately 20-25 people retire each year, providing growth and career-building opportunities.

This is a fully onsite position in Eagan,MN.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 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.