Chemical Operator

Job Title: Chemical Operator

Job Description

The Chemical Operator prepares and produces a variety of chemical compounds used in products such as shoe care, leather care, and horse care by accurately following batch tickets and process instructions. This role involves gathering and measuring raw materials, operating batching and mixing equipment, collaborating closely with quality control to ensure products meet specifications, and maintaining a clean and safe production area. The position offers a stable, first-shift schedule in a laid-back, family-oriented environment with strong opportunities for growth and long-term career development.

Responsibilities

• Review batch tickets and batch sheets carefully to understand processing requirements, materials, quantities, and procedures for each product.
• Gather and stage all required raw materials for each batch, ensuring accurate identification, handling, and traceability.
• Measure and weigh raw materials precisely according to batch specifications to maintain product quality and consistency.
• Add raw materials to drums, vats, and other processing vessels in the correct sequence and quantities as outlined in process instructions.
• Operate batching, mixing, blending, and compounding equipment to produce chemical products to the required specifications.
• Monitor the batching and mixing process, making necessary adjustments to ensure blends meet quality, consistency, and safety standards.
• Work closely with quality control personnel to test in-process and finished products and verify they meet all required specifications.
• Respond to QC feedback by adjusting batches when needed to bring products within specification before releasing them to packaging.
• Transfer finished product safely and efficiently to the packaging area once batches have passed QC testing.
• Clean and sanitize work areas, including drums, vats, mixers, and other containers and equipment used in the manufacturing process after each batch.
• Maintain an organized, safe, and efficient work area by following housekeeping, sanitation, and safety procedures.
• Follow all written procedures, batch records, and documentation requirements to ensure accurate production records.
• Collaborate with other chemical operators, packaging staff, and QC team members to support smooth production flow and meet daily output goals.
• Identify and report any equipment issues, material discrepancies, or process deviations to help maintain consistent production quality.

Essential Skills

• Experience with mixing, blending, and compounding chemical products in a manufacturing or similar environment.
• Ability to read, understand, and accurately follow batch tickets, batch sheets, and process instructions.
• Hands-on experience with batching, batch making, batch mixing, and working with batch records.
• Comfort working with chemicals, including paints, coatings, and inks in a production setting.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy when measuring and adding raw materials to ensure products meet specifications.
• Ability to operate and monitor mixing, blending, and compounding equipment safely and effectively.
• Capability to work closely with quality control to test products and adjust batches as needed to meet quality standards.
• Willingness and ability to perform thorough cleaning and sanitizing of equipment, drums, vats, and work areas after batches.
• Reliability and strong work ethic, including consistent attendance and commitment to following procedures and safety guidelines.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience in chemical manufacturing or working with paints, coatings, or inks.
• Familiarity with compounding and blending products for applications such as shoe care, leather care, or similar industries.
• Comfort working in an older facility and around paint, coating, or solvent-type odors.
• Interest in long-term career growth within a stable, family-oriented company environment.

Work Environment

This role is based in a chemical manufacturing facility that produces products such as shoe care, leather care, and horse care compounds. The facility and equipment are older, reflecting the company's long history and stability. The environment tends to be warmer, especially during the summer months, and is generally more comfortable in colder seasons due to the higher ambient temperature inside the plant. There is a noticeable paint, coating, or solvent-type odor in the production area, and employees must be comfortable working around these smells and in an older industrial setting. The position operates on a first-shift schedule, Monday through Friday, from 6:30 a.m. to approximately 3:00-3:30 p.m., with the option to start at 5:30 a.m. when overtime is needed. There is no weekend work. Chemical operators typically work alongside two or three other operators and collaborate regularly with packaging and quality control teams in a laid-back, supportive environment that emphasizes long-term employment and internal growth.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Milwaukee, WI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $30.00/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 Milwaukee,WI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 18, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

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.