Machine Operator

Job Title: Machine Operator

Job Description

This role supports the safe and efficient mixing, processing, and manufacturing of chemicals in an industrial production environment. You will operate and monitor automated systems from a control room, manage the transfer of chemicals through piping and storage systems, and perform hands-on tasks on the production floor as needed. The position combines computer-based process control with physical material handling to ensure high-quality chemical products.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the mixing, processing, and manufacturing of chemicals in an industrial production facility.
• Unload chemicals from tanker trucks and rail cars by connecting hoses and pumping materials into designated storage tanks.
• Fill mixing tanks by routing base chemicals through piping systems from storage tanks to mixing vessels.
• Create new chemical products by accurately mixing chemicals in mixing tanks according to established procedures and formulas.
• Operate computer systems to transport, route, and mix chemicals through automated production systems.
• Monitor the transportation, routing, and mixing of chemicals using control room computer interfaces and instrumentation.
• Manually add chemicals to mixing tanks when required to meet process specifications or correct batch parameters.
• Test batch samples for quality and ensure products meet defined standards before release.
• Spend a significant portion of the shift working at a desk behind a computer system to operate and oversee automated production processes.
• Wear a respirator when working in close proximity to chemicals, typically for 10–30 minutes at a time depending on the duty or project.
• Adapt to periods of increased production demand, including working extended shifts when necessary to meet project deadlines.
• Participate in day-shift training (6:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m., Monday–Friday) to learn processes, safety procedures, and equipment operation before transitioning to the regular shift.
• Follow all safety protocols and standard operating procedures related to chemical handling, machine operation, and use of personal protective equipment.
• Perform general labor, material handling, and machine operation tasks as needed to support overall production.

Essential Skills

• Previous experience working in an industrial environment.
• Experience in general labor, production, manufacturing, or machine operation.
• Heavy industrial manufacturing, such as paper mills or foundries, or technical machine operation.
• Ability to operate and monitor machines and automated systems in a production setting.
• Comfort working with or around chemicals in a manufacturing environment, or willingness to learn chemical processes.
• Basic computer skills to operate control room systems and manage process flows.
• Capability to handle material handling tasks safely and efficiently.
• Ability to wear and work with a respirator for portions of the shift when required.
• Willingness and ability to work the regular 2:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. shift, Monday–Friday, and to train on a 6:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. schedule.
• Flexibility to work extended 12-hour shifts (2:00 p.m.–2:00 a.m.) during busy periods to meet project deadlines.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience in chemical manufacturing or working with chemicals is preferred but not required.
• Experience operating forklifts or similar material handling equipment.
• Strong attention to detail when following procedures for chemical mixing and quality testing.
• Ability to work effectively both in a control room environment and on the production floor.
• Willingness to learn and follow detailed safety and operating procedures.
• Interest in long-term employment and career growth within an industrial manufacturing setting.

Why Work Here?

You will join a stable industrial organization that values long-term employees and offers clear opportunities for growth in both responsibility and compensation. When hired directly, you can access a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health, financial security, and ongoing development. Benefits include health and dental coverage, healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts, life and disability insurance, business travel accident insurance, a retirement savings plan with 401(k) options, paid vacation, and education assistance to help you advance your skills and career.

Work Environment

The role is based within an industrial manufacturer, processor, and applicator of various types of chemicals. Most of your time will be spent in a control room that resembles an office setting, where you use computer systems to control the flow of chemicals through piping systems and mixing tanks. At times, you will work on the production floor in a more traditional industrial environment, where you may be in closer proximity to chemicals and will wear a respirator as required. The regular schedule is 2:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m., Monday–Friday, with the possibility of 12-hour shifts (2:00 p.m.–2:00 a.m.) during busy periods. Initial training takes place on a day shift from 6:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m., Monday–Friday. The environment combines desk-based computer work with hands-on industrial tasks, and appropriate personal protective equipment is used when working near chemicals.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Portland, OR.

The pay range for this position is $24.63 - $24.63/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Portland,OR.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 17, 2026.

About Aerotek

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 meets 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 solving for 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.

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.