Job Title: Manufacturing Operator Job Description
This short-term Manufacturing Operator assignment lasts approximately six weeks and may transition to a longer-term opportunity based on business needs and performance. You will work in a pharmaceutical-style production environment, operating compression equipment that converts powders into tablets, performing frequent quality checks, and maintaining strict Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards. The role is physically demanding and requires consistent standing, lifting, and manual handling of materials while following detailed procedures and safety protocols.
Responsibilities
Report to the production lead at the start of each shift and receive daily work assignments.
Set up cleaning machines and production equipment at the beginning of each batch, ensuring presses are clean, properly assembled, and ready for operation.
Fill hoppers with powder using stainless steel scoops and feed materials into compression machines to produce tablets.
Operate compression equipment throughout the shift, including starting, monitoring, and adjusting machines to maintain stable production.
Move drums of material or finished tablets approximately every 15 minutes, labeling drums accurately once filled.
Perform routine in-process quality checks on tablets every 15 to 30 minutes, verifying hardness, thickness, weight, size, and uniformity.
Use instruments such as hardness testers and thickness gauges to measure tablet attributes and document results in real time.
Check tablets for visual defects such as cracks, chipping, or poor integrity, and take corrective action when needed.
Adjust machine settings, as necessary, to maintain adherence to batch records, instructions, and quality specifications.
Conduct friability tests on all products to ensure tablets meet durability requirements.
Clean and lubricate presses regularly, including installing and removing punches and dies in accordance with procedures.
Perform equipment cleaning between batches using 70% IPA and other non-toxic cleaning solutions, and transport removable parts to the washroom for cleaning.
Maintain sanitation practices at all times and strictly follow GMP and SOP requirements.
Comply with all safety procedures, including lockout/tagout standard operating procedures.
Complete all documentation accurately, legibly, and in real time, ensuring records reflect actual work performed.
Support other production areas such as compression and wet granulation as assigned, including working with large mixers and related equipment.
Collaborate closely with team members, communicate proactively, and contribute to a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
Accomplish additional tasks and assist other departments as assigned by leadership.
Demonstrate consistent attendance and punctuality, maintaining reliable presence for scheduled shifts.
Essential Skills
Proven knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and experience working in a regulated environment such as pharmaceuticals, food production, medical devices, or other FDA-regulated industries.
Hands-on experience with machine operation in a manufacturing or production setting, including operating, setting up, and cleaning equipment.
Ability to perform physical tasks such as prolonged standing, pulling, lifting, scooping powders, and manually loading hoppers.
Comfort working with metric measurements and applying them in daily production activities.
Strong real-time documentation skills, including accurate, legible, and timely completion of paper-based records.
Demonstrated ability to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and maintain strict compliance with quality and safety requirements.
Attention to detail when performing quality checks on tablets, including inspection for cracks, uniformity, hardness, thickness, and weight.
Capability to work at a fast pace while maintaining accuracy and quality standards.
Team-oriented mindset with a willingness to communicate, ask questions, and support colleagues.
Reliable attendance and punctuality, with the ability to consistently show up on time for all scheduled shifts.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Background in compression or wet granulation operations, including experience with large mixers similar to industrial kitchen equipment.
Experience in a pharmaceutical-style environment producing tablets, pills, or natural supplements.
Familiarity with instruments such as hardness testers and thickness gauges used for tablet quality testing.
Prior exposure to compounding, production, or machine operator roles in manufacturing.
Experience working under FDA regulations or other highly regulated quality systems.
Good documentation practices aligned with QA expectations, including real-time recording of process steps and test results.
Demonstrated ability to maintain sanitation and cleanliness in a production environment.
Comfort using cleaning solutions such as 70% IPA while following appropriate safety and PPE requirements.
Why Work Here?
You join a highly regulated, professional manufacturing environment where quality, safety, and teamwork are core values. The assignment offers the possibility of converting to a longer-term role if business needs and individual performance align, providing a clear pathway to continued employment. You gain hands-on experience with pharmaceutical-style processes, GMP standards, and specialized equipment, building skills that are valuable and transferable across regulated industries. The culture emphasizes collaboration, proactive communication, and mutual support, giving you the opportunity to grow in a fast-paced setting while contributing directly to the production of health-related products.
Work Environment
The role is based in a pharmaceutical-style manufacturing facility that produces tablets and natural supplements. You work primarily in the compression area, where powders are loaded into hoppers and compressed into tablets using industrial presses. The environment is physically demanding and involves prolonged standing, frequent lifting, pulling, and manual scooping of powders, with approximately 2 pounds per scoop depending on powder density. Processes are more manual than automated, so you will regularly handle equipment setup, operation, and cleaning. You perform frequent in-process checks using instruments such as hardness testers and thickness gauges, and you follow GMP and SOP requirements throughout the shift. Cleaning is a regular part of the job and includes using 70% IPA and other non-toxic cleaning solutions, with removable parts taken to a washroom for thorough cleaning. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided and expected to be used consistently. The pace is fast, documentation is done on paper in real time, and the environment emphasizes safety, sanitation, and strict regulatory compliance.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Hayward, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $25.00/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 Hayward,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 30, 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.
