Lead Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Lead Operator

Job Description

The Lead Operator oversees semiautomatic equipment and processes used to produce and package chemical substances in an industrial or consumer products environment. This role works in a small chemical packaging site, combining production operation and material handling responsibilities. The Lead Operator follows detailed batch sheets and recipes, operates forklifts to move materials, and supports safe, accurate chemical processing and down-packing activities while helping guide expectations within their work area.

Responsibilities

• Tend equipment and semiautomatic processes used to produce and package chemical substances for industrial or consumer products.
• Work in a small chemical packaging site, performing both operator and material handling duties.
• Follow batch sheets and recipes to complete chemical formulations accurately and consistently.
• Lift and handle chemical bags weighing up to 50 pounds repetitively throughout the shift.
• Weigh and measure precise quantities of solids, powders, and liquids into heating vessels or blending tanks.
• Operate and adjust valves, monitor pressure levels, and oversee gaseous material systems during processing.
• Observe chemical reactions and monitor gauges, signals, and recorders to ensure processes remain within specified parameters.
• Document process conditions and any adjustments made, maintaining accurate production and process records.
• Inspect work areas and equipment regularly to detect leaks, malfunctions, or unsafe conditions.
• Shut down equipment when necessary and promptly notify maintenance or engineering teams of issues.
• Operate sit-down forklifts to move materials, including barrels, drums, vials, and totes, to and from equipment for down-packing and chemical processing.
• Handle materials in tight spaces using a forklift, maintaining high accuracy and control to avoid damaging packaging or storage containers.
• Manage the movement of finished goods and raw materials between the processing area and storage locations as required.
• Maintain mechanical and electronic systems related to vacuum levels and other process controls, within the scope of operational responsibilities.
• Respond to notifications from lab supervisors or other employees regarding process changes and implement adjustments as directed.
• Assist in managing expectations and workflow within the assigned area, supporting coordination and prioritization of tasks.
• Support a clean, organized, and safe work environment, recognizing that the work involves exposure to dirt, heat, and chemical materials.
• Use an RF scanner or similar devices, as needed, to support inventory tracking and material movement.
• Follow all safety procedures, including proper use of respirators, uniforms, and other personal protective equipment.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience operating sit-down forklifts safely and accurately in confined spaces.
• Strong depth perception and spatial awareness to handle totes on high racks without damaging packaging.
• Hands-on experience in material handling, including loading, unloading, and moving drums, barrels, vials, totes, and chemical bags.
• Demonstrated ability to follow detailed batch sheets, recipes, and production instructions for compounding, blending, mixing, batching, and batch making.
• Mechanical aptitude to work with valves, pressure systems, and mechanical equipment such as mixers and process vessels.
• Ability to monitor and interpret gauges, signals, and recorders, and to observe and respond to chemical reactions during processing.
• Comfort working in an inherently dirty, physically demanding job that involves repetitive lifting of up to 50 pounds.
• Capability to work safely in a hot environment, particularly during summer months, while maintaining accuracy and focus.
• Willingness and ability to wear a hooded respirator (“pamper”) for certain tasks as required.
• Attention to detail and a strong commitment to accuracy in measuring, weighing, and recording process data.
• Basic production and machine operating skills in a chemical or manufacturing setting.
• Ability to coordinate with maintenance, engineering, and lab personnel to address process changes or equipment issues.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in chemical production, packaging, or small-scale chemical processing environments.
• Familiarity with inventory processes and the use of RF scanners for tracking materials.
• Comfort working with vacuum-related mechanical and electronic systems within a production environment.
• Prior exposure to down-packing operations involving chemical bags, totes, and drums.
• Strong reliability and consistent attendance to support steady production schedules.
• Ability to communicate clearly with supervisors, lab staff, and maintenance teams regarding process conditions and required changes.

Why Work Here?

The organization offers a low-stress, production-focused environment where accuracy and consistency matter more than high-pressure targets. Many team members have built long-term careers here, reflecting a stable and supportive workplace. You will work with a well-established company in its field, benefit from clear procedures and expectations, and have the opportunity to develop practical skills in chemical processing, material handling, and equipment operation. The culture emphasizes reliability, safety, and teamwork, providing a setting where hands-on, detail-oriented work is valued.

Work Environment

This is a physically demanding, hands-on role in a small chemical processing and packaging plant. The work environment is inherently dirty, and the job involves regular exposure to dust, powders, and chemical materials. Temperatures can be high, especially during the summer, and you will perform repetitive lifting, with the heaviest lifts at 50 pounds and up to 27 such lifts per day. The facility uses large mixer-style equipment similar to industrial kitchen mixers, along with valves, pressure systems, and vacuum-related mechanical and electronic components. You will operate sit-down forklifts in tight spaces and may work with an RF scanner in a small plant connected to a warehouse located about a mile away for storage. Uniforms are provided to support cleanliness and protection, and certain tasks require wearing a hooded respirator. The role follows structured shifts, with openings on a day shift from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and a second shift from 4:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., supporting consistent production operations.

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

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $26.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Richmond,VA.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 10, 2026.

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.

Company Description

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.