Machine Operator Technician - $27 Base Rate

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Machine Operator – Ethanol Production Job Description

This role operates and monitors ethanol production equipment in a large, climate-controlled facility, ensuring safe, efficient, and continuous operations. You will troubleshoot mechanical issues, handle materials using forklifts, and use computer-based systems to manage the production process from start to finish. The position suits someone highly motivated, eager to learn, and comfortable working with both hands-on machinery and digital control systems.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor ethanol production equipment throughout the full process, from start-up to shutdown.
• Troubleshoot mechanical issues on conveyors, forklifts, pumps, valves, and related production equipment.
• Use a sit-down, gas-powered forklift to safely unload and move materials within the facility.
• Check and record temperatures of bearings and other critical components to ensure safe and efficient operation.
• Apply Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures to secure equipment during maintenance or troubleshooting activities.
• Use a Distributed Control System (DCS) to monitor operations, identify process needs, and determine the next tasks in the production sequence.
• Enter and update production and maintenance data using Microsoft Word and Excel, ensuring accurate and timely documentation.
• Follow established safety procedures and OSHA guidelines while working with chemicals and production equipment.
• Participate in operating boilers and supporting related systems as needed.
• Collaborate with team members on shift to coordinate tasks and maintain smooth production flow.
• Demonstrate strong problem-solving skills by explaining and executing step-by-step troubleshooting approaches for equipment and process issues.
• Continuously learn new processes, systems, and equipment, and apply this knowledge to improve performance and efficiency.

Essential Skills

• 2+ years of experience as a Chemical Operator or in a similar production or process role.
• 5+ years of safety experience working in environments governed by OSHA standards.
• 3–5 years of experience applying Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures in an industrial setting.
• 3+ years of mechanical troubleshooting experience in production, chemical, mixing, or related environments.
• Experience with machine operation in a manufacturing or process plant.
• Experience working with ethanol or other chemical production processes, or a strong willingness to learn this environment.
• Proficiency using a Distributed Control System (DCS) or similar computer-based control systems, or the ability to learn them quickly.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft applications, including the ability to navigate and enter data in Word and Excel.
• Ability to operate or learn to operate sit-down gas-powered forklifts, with at least 1 year of forklift experience.
• 1–2 years of experience operating boilers or related thermal systems.
• Strong motivation, eagerness to learn, and the ability to grasp complex processes and apply new information.
• Ability to clearly describe past troubleshooting experiences and walk through a process from start to finish.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in chemical, mixing, or production environments involving pumps, valves, and conveyors.
• Comfort working with computer-based monitoring and control systems in a production setting.
• Strong attention to detail when following safety procedures, including LOTO and other plant safety protocols.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and communicate clearly with coworkers and supervisors.
• Willingness to obtain and complete additional certifications, with opportunities to earn higher pay per certification.
• Flexibility to work rotating day and night shifts on a recurring schedule.

Why Work Here?

The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package and a schedule that supports work-life balance. You receive medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with company-paid life and disability coverage. A 401(k) plan with a 4% company match helps you build long-term financial security. Paid time off is generous and negotiable, and you enjoy eight company-paid holidays plus parental leave for all parents. The role provides competitive hourly pay with annual raises and the opportunity to earn additional hourly increases for each certification completed, up to five certifications. The rotating schedule provides roughly 100 or more additional days off per year compared to a typical Monday–Friday job, giving you substantial time for personal interests and family life.

Work Environment

The role is based in a larger, climate-controlled ethanol production facility with approximately 85 employees. You work in a team environment each day, collaborating closely with other operators and support staff. The position follows rotating 12-hour shifts: days from 5:45 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and nights from 5:45 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., with shifts rotating every six weeks. The schedule generally alternates between working Monday and Tuesday with Wednesday and Thursday off and then working Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, followed by a week where Monday and Tuesday are off, Wednesday and Thursday are worked, and Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are off. Personal protective equipment is required, including a hard hat, steel-toe footwear, and safety glasses, reflecting a strong safety culture and structured industrial environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Jefferson, WI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $45760.00 - $62400.00/yr.

-Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance -Company Paid Life Insurance -Company Paid Disability Insurance -401K with a 4% Company Match -Generous Paid Time Off - Negotiable -Company Paid Holidays - 8 Holidays -Parental Leave (Both M and F) -Pay up to $33+ an hour in the position alone -Annual raises -Gain $1.00/hr per certification completion: Up to 5 certs -This position allows for roughly 100+ more days off than your typical M-F job

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Jefferson,WI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 19, 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.

\nCompany 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.

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.