Machine Operator

Job Title: Machine Operator/ Chemical Technician

Job Description

This role focuses on the safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible operation of a specialty chemicals plant that produces powdered chemicals used in polymer and plastics applications, including products for wastewater treatment. You will operate and monitor production equipment, handle both liquid and solid chemicals, and support multi-step chemical processes in a highly technical, multi-level plant environment. The position requires strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, physical stamina, and the ability to follow detailed procedures and safety protocols while working both indoors and outdoors.

Responsibilities

• Operate plant machinery and equipment to support the efficient operation of the specialty chemicals plant, including utilities, bulk storage, and warehouse areas.
• Work with powdered chemicals used in polymer and plastics production, including chemicals used in wastewater treatment applications.
• Open and close valves, monitor instrumentation panels, read gauges, and accurately report all findings and process data.
• Perform repetitive tasks and remain in a stationary position for extended periods while monitoring processes and equipment.
• Dump 10-kilogram bags and larger containers of chemicals into vessels or other containers, using basic math skills to measure, track, and record plant data.
• Follow written and verbal procedures for chemical processing, batching, mixing, blending, calibration, filling, sealing, packing, packaging, and general production activities.
• Climb ladders and move between four levels of the facility to monitor and support multi-level chemical processes from mixing vessels through pump systems, valves, and storage areas.
• Operate forklifts, industrial scales, power tools, and hand tools, and perform manual duties that include heavy lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Perform minor maintenance and troubleshooting on mechanical equipment and instrumentation, addressing small defects and supporting mechanical and electrical issues as needed.
• Conduct inspections and quality checks on products and processes, including inspection, bagging, sealing, tablet handling, and general labor tasks.
• Handle chemicals safely, including both hazardous and non-hazardous materials, while adhering to all safety, environmental, and operating procedures.
• Stay current on operating procedures, emergency procedures, safety policies, and plant policies, and apply them consistently in daily work.
• Move throughout the premises and between buildings, often working in outdoor areas and being exposed to weather conditions, dust, noise, fluctuating temperatures, and flammable or toxic materials.
• Communicate effectively with all levels of staff and leadership, providing clear updates on equipment status, process conditions, and safety concerns.
• Work independently on assigned tasks while precisely following detailed verbal and written instructions.
• Support process manufacturing operations by performing mechanical functions, machine operation, batch mixing, chemical handling, filling, and general production duties.
• Maintain a strong safety record by following safe work practices, using appropriate equipment, and contributing to a safe and compliant work environment.

Essential Skills

• Experience in a manufacturing environment, ideally in process manufacturing involving multi-step processes and handling both liquids and solids.
• Mechanical aptitude and experience with mechanical equipment, machine operation, and general production processes.
• Ability to operate forklifts, industrial scales, power tools, and hand tools, or strong willingness and ability to learn.
• Capability to perform heavy lifting up to 50 pounds and handle 10-kilogram bags and larger containers.
• Comfort working at elevated heights and moving between four levels of a multi-story chemical plant.
• Ability to climb ladders frequently and work on metal grating platforms and outdoor structures.
• Strong basic math skills to measure, track, and monitor plant data, including batching, calibration, and blending activities.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks and remain in a stationary position for extended periods while maintaining focus and accuracy.
• Experience or comfort working in heavy industrial environments with exposure to dust, noise, fluctuating temperatures, and chemicals.
• Demonstrated track record of strong safety performance and reliable attendance in previous roles.
• Ability to follow detailed written and verbal instructions precisely and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong communication skills to interact effectively with colleagues at all levels within the facility.
• Willingness to work rotating shifts, including potential transition from 8-hour rotating shifts to 12-hour rotating shifts as business needs evolve.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience in chemical processing, chemical handling, chemical or batch mixing, blending, and batch mixer operation.
• Experience in process manufacturing environments involving multi-step chemical processes and both liquid and solid materials.
• Exposure to or experience with respirators or working in environments where respirators are used.
• Experience with calibration, inspection, quality checks, sealing, packing, packaging, bagging, filling, and tablet handling.
• Basic troubleshooting skills for mechanical equipment and instrumentation, with some electrical experience preferred for instrumentation support.
• Experience in heavy industrial roles, particularly those involving exposure to hazardous and non-hazardous chemicals, flammable and toxic materials, and highly technical processes.
• Familiarity with safety-focused environments and adherence to strict safety, environmental, and operating procedures.
• Openness to continued learning and development, including use of training tools and resources to build technical and process knowledge.
• Distribution-only experience is not considered transferable for this role; candidates should have backgrounds aligned with process or chemical manufacturing.

Why Work Here?

The organization offers a close-knit, family-style culture within a smaller plant setting, while still providing the stability and resources of a larger enterprise. Team members have access to a continued learning computer lab, enabling them to build knowledge on both industry-specific and broader business topics. The company provides multiple paid holidays, including for contract associates, supporting work-life balance and time away from work. Health, safety, and overall well-being are clear priorities, highlighted by access to onsite massage therapy at a low cost, reflecting a genuine commitment to caring for the whole person.

Work Environment

The work environment is a highly technical, multi-level chemical plant where processes run from top to bottom through vessels, pumps, and valves. The facility includes a clean room area that is air-conditioned, while the rest of the plant is not climate-controlled. Many platforms and walkways consist of metal grating, and a significant portion of the process takes place outside, requiring frequent movement between buildings and exposure to the elements. Team members work with various chemicals, both hazardous and non-hazardous, and may experience exposure to dry chemical materials, dust, noise, fluctuating temperatures, and flammable or toxic substances. The role requires regular climbing of up to four stories and ongoing physical activity throughout the plant, making physical fitness important. The plant currently operates 8-hour shifts that rotate between first and second shifts every two weeks, with the potential to expand to a third shift as staffing increases. The organization plans to transition to a 12-hour “Lego shift” schedule, rotating days and nights every two weeks with a pattern such as three days on, two days off, and two days on, providing extended weekends off as part of the rotation. Dress and personal protective equipment are aligned with a chemical plant environment, including work on metal platforms, outdoor areas, and production spaces where safety and proper handling of materials are essential.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of North Chesterfield, VA.

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $23.00/hr.

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.

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 North Chesterfield,VA.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 11, 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.

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.