Machine Operator

This multi-skilled role focuses on operating and monitoring salad dressing mixing and milling equipment while maintaining strict quality, safety, and food defense standards. The Machine Operator accurately weighs and batches ingredients, oversees the mixing process from start-up to shutdown, and collaborates closely with other operators and line workers to ensure efficient, high-quality production in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate all salad dressing mixing and milling systems accurately and consistently according to established procedures.
• Weigh and measure all ingredients precisely and mix batches of raw materials in accordance with batch records.
• Perform start-up and shutdown of salad dressing mixing equipment while following all Safety, Quality, and Production guidelines.
• Set up materials, ingredients, and equipment required for daily mixing operations.
• Perform cleaning and sanitation of equipment and work areas in line with all sanitation and GMP guidelines.
• Work closely with baggers to ensure totes are changed in a timely manner to avoid production delays.
• Maintain accurate production and quality records, including batch documentation and related paperwork.
• Assist with changeovers on the production line, ensuring smooth transitions between products or batches.
• Verify that code dates on packaging match the job packet and production requirements.
• Inspect and monitor containers for correct fill, seal integrity, labeling, and overall quality.
• Tear down machines as required for cleaning, sanitation, or maintenance activities.
• Monitor and ensure that production speeds remain accurate and within specified targets.
• Utilize emergency stop (E-stop) functions when needed to address safety or equipment issues.
• Ensure the correct packs, containers, and packaging components are running for each assigned job.
• Collaborate with other salad dressing operators and line workers to maintain efficient workflow and product quality.
• Follow all food safety and food defense procedures while working in the mixing and production areas.

• 2–3 years of machine operation experience in a production or manufacturing environment.
• Experience in food manufacturing or a similar regulated production setting.
• Hands-on experience with batch mixing, blending, or compounding processes.
• GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) experience and the ability to consistently follow GMP guidelines.
• Ability to operate mixers, batching systems, and related processing equipment safely and efficiently.
• Comfort with heavy lifting and physical work in a fast-paced production environment.
• Ability to use pallet jacks to move materials and finished products as needed.
• Familiarity with variable frequency drives (VFDs) and basic equipment controls.
• Strong attention to detail for accurate weighing, batching, and code date verification.
• Basic recordkeeping skills to maintain production and quality documentation accurately.
• Willingness and ability to work 2nd shift (2:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m., Monday–Friday) and additional hours on Saturdays as needed, with the potential for 60–65 hours per week.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Prior experience in a GMP-regulated food production facility.
• Experience with mixing, batching, blending, and compound preparation in manufacturing.
• Comfort working with a variety of production equipment, including mixers, bottlers, and related machinery.
• Willingness to be cross-trained on multiple production processes and equipment.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with other operators, line workers, and quality personnel.
• Strong commitment to safety, quality, and food defense practices.

You will join a growing food manufacturing operation that is actively expanding and increasing headcount, creating opportunities to grow as the company evolves. The environment rewards reliability, teamwork, and a strong work ethic, offering the chance to develop new skills through cross-training on various production processes and equipment. You will work in a setting that values consistent quality, safety, and adherence to industry-leading GMP standards, providing a stable and structured workplace for long-term career development.

Work Environment

The role is based in a large, fast-paced food production warehouse that manufactures salad dressing, mustard, and related products. You will work around mixers, bottling lines, shipping and receiving areas, and quality control stations, handling batching, mixing, and machine operation throughout the shift. This is a GMP environment where you must wash hands before working, wear proper personal protective equipment, and strictly follow GMP and food safety guidelines. Hair nets and beard nets are mandatory, along with other required PPE. The position is on 2nd shift, typically 2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with Saturdays worked as needed and the possibility of extended hours up to 60–65 hours per week. The facility operates at a brisk pace and requires standing, moving, and handling materials for most of the shift, including some heavy lifting and frequent interaction with production machinery.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Manteno, IL.

The pay range for this position is $44720.00 - $46800.00/yr.

10 holidays, 1 week of vacation, 6 sick days, free dental, free vision, 50% 401K

This is a fully onsite position in Manteno,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on May 8, 2026.

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.