Area Leader

Job Title: Operations Area Lead

Job Description

The Operations Area Lead is an hourly leadership role responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of an assigned processing area within a manufacturing facility. This position serves as a working leader who supervises a small team of operators and technicians while actively participating in daily plant operations. The role supports rotating shift schedules in a 24/5 manufacturing environment that is transitioning toward continuous 24/7 operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations within the assigned process area to ensure safe, stable, and efficient production.

• Promote a strong safety culture and enforce procedural discipline across all activities.

• Supervise and support approximately 2-3 operators or technicians, providing clear direction and coaching.

• Coordinate shift turnover activities to ensure effective communication and continuity between shifts.

• Monitor process conditions and equipment performance to identify deviations and maintain optimal operation.

• Utilize PLC and HMI systems to monitor and control plant operations.

• Coordinate regularly with engineering and quality teams to align on production, quality, and process improvement goals.

• Support troubleshooting activities to resolve process and equipment issues in a timely manner.

• Contribute to process optimization initiatives to improve efficiency, reliability, and product quality.

• Assist with incident investigations and root cause analysis to prevent recurrence and enhance safety.

• Revise and improve standard operating procedures (SOPs) and operational documentation as needed.

• Lead operator training and qualification activities to ensure team members are competent and compliant with procedures.

• Sign off on operator qualifications and track training progression for team members.

• Coordinate maintenance activities with maintenance personnel to minimize downtime and ensure equipment readiness.

• Maintain operational readiness, housekeeping standards, and a clean, organized work area.

• Support startup, shutdown, and process transition activities to ensure safe and controlled operations.

• Support contamination control measures and uphold high-purity manufacturing expectations.

Essential Skills

• Minimum 5 years of operations experience in chemical manufacturing, specialty chemicals, oil and gas, refining, industrial processing, or advanced materials manufacturing.

• Demonstrated operational leadership experience in a plant or industrial environment.

• Experience operating industrial process equipment such as reactors, pumps, compressors, or related systems.

• Experience troubleshooting industrial processes and resolving operational issues.

• Ability to interpret process and analytical data to make informed operational decisions.

• Strong communication skills to effectively lead teams and coordinate with cross-functional groups.

• Proven leadership skills with the ability to supervise, coach, and develop operators and technicians.

• Ability to work rotating shifts in support of a 24/5 operation transitioning toward 24/7 operations.

• Proficiency in using PLC and HMI systems to monitor and control operations.

• Strong focus on safety, quality control, and procedural compliance.

• Ability to manage production activities while maintaining safety and quality standards.

• Capability to work in industrial manufacturing environments, including around hot process equipment and corrosive chemicals.

• Ability to wear and properly use required personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators when necessary.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Background or experience aligned with roles such as Engineering Watch Supervisor (EWS), Reactor Operator (RO), Shutdown Reactor Operator (SRO), Engine Room Supervisor (ERS), Engineering Laboratory Technician (ELT), or Electrical Operator (EO), particularly in nuclear, naval reactor, power plant, submarine, aircraft carrier, or similar environments.

• Experience with process flow, production management, and machine operation in a manufacturing setting.

• Demonstrated skills in quality control and maintaining high-purity manufacturing standards.

• Strong leadership communication skills with the ability to influence and engage team members.

• Experience coordinating with engineering, maintenance, and quality teams in a cross-functional environment.

• Experience supporting contamination control programs and clean manufacturing practices.

• Comfort working in fast-paced, growing organizations with evolving processes and systems.

Why Work Here?

You will join a growing organization that partners on critical, high-impact projects, including work with major defense-related programs. The company offers stock options and a supportive leadership team that values safety, integrity, and continuous improvement. Team members benefit from a collaborative work environment, strong operational culture, and clear opportunities for rapid career growth and advancement.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Marion, IN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $85000.00 - $85000.00/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.

Health, dental, vision, 401k and paid PTO. Stock options

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Marion,IN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 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.