Machine Operator

Job Title: Operator I

Job Description

The Operator I ensures that high-quality products are consistently produced by safely operating and monitoring manufacturing equipment, handling raw materials, and supporting quality control activities. This role focuses on blending high-volume cellulose powder, packaging finished products, and maintaining a clean, compliant, and safety-focused production environment while collaborating closely with quality and operations teams.

Responsibilities

• Receive raw materials and partner with quality control to test materials and products according to established procedures.
• Mix and blend high-volume cellulose powder using industrial blenders and related processing equipment.
• Monitor manufacturing processes and equipment performance throughout the shift to ensure consistent product quality and output.
• Start up, shut down, and internally clean process equipment following defined procedures and safety guidelines.
• Continuously monitor equipment and instrumentation safely and with minimal guidance, including mills, blenders, shakers, PLCs, water systems, pumps, extruders/dispersers, forklifts, and hand trucks.
• Ensure all production and process documentation is accurate, complete, and compliant with cGMP requirements.
• Follow all safety and quality protocols, including the use of required personal protective equipment such as uniforms, hairnets, beard covers, safety glasses, hardhats, and hearing protection.
• Perform basic equipment maintenance and support minor improvements to optimize performance and reliability.
• Identify and communicate opportunities for continuous improvement in safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Carry out general housekeeping tasks such as sweeping, mopping, and cleaning equipment with detergents to maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Perform inspection and quality checks on products and processes as needed.
• Assist with troubleshooting equipment and process issues to minimize downtime and maintain production flow.
• Support batch mixing, chemical mixing, and general production activities as directed by the shift supervisor.
• Complete other related tasks as assigned by management to support overall production goals.

Essential Skills

• 1–2 years of consistent job tenure per place of employment, demonstrating reliability and commitment.
• Previous machine operating in a production or manufacturing environment.
• Experience with machine operation and monitoring in general production settings.
• Ability to perform batch mixing, including handling powders and chemical mixing processes.
• Basic troubleshooting skills for mechanical and process-related issues.
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to work with power tools and mechanical systems.
• Familiarity with quality assurance practices, inspection, and documentation in a production environment.
• Ability to follow cGMP-compliant documentation practices accurately and consistently.
• Proficient math skills to perform measurements, calculations, and basic data recording.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Ability to lift and move up to 50 lbs on a regular basis.
• Ability to work safely with industrial equipment such as mills, blenders, shakers, PLCs, water systems, pumps, extruders/dispersers, forklifts, and hand trucks.
• Comfort working in a structured, safety- and quality-driven manufacturing environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience as a machine operator, batch operator, or similar role in chemical or industrial manufacturing.
• Experience in chemical manufacturing or chemical mixing processes.
• Strong attention to detail when monitoring processes, recording data, and completing documentation.
• Ability to work effectively with minimal guidance while maintaining high safety and quality standards.
• Solid general production experience, including inspection and quality checks.
• Demonstrated initiative and self-discipline with a desire to build a long-term career in manufacturing.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills to collaborate with a small production team and shift supervisors.

Why Work Here?

The organization offers a strong, team-oriented culture where colleagues support one another and maintain a work-first mindset while still enjoying time together outside of day-to-day tasks. Once hired as a permanent employee, you can participate in an annual profitability bonus tied to overall company performance, creating a shared sense of achievement. There is a clear advancement path from Operator I to Operator II, Operator III, and Team Leader, with pay increases at each level, supporting long-term career growth. For eligible night shift employees, an additional shift premium recognizes the demands of working overnight. The company values initiative, self-discipline, and a long-term career focus, providing a stable environment where motivated individuals can grow and develop over time.

Work Environment

The role is based in a climate-controlled manufacturing facility where materials are kept within specific temperature ranges to meet customer specifications. The position operates on the starch line within a 2-2-3 schedule, working either 5:45 AM–6:15 PM or 5:45 PM–6:15 AM, depending on assigned day or night shift. Most daily interaction occurs within a close-knit team of approximately four people, with direction and job responsibilities provided by a shift supervisor. The environment is production-focused and temperature controlled, with a strong emphasis on safety, quality, and teamwork. Required attire includes uniforms and appropriate personal protective equipment such as hairnets, beard covers, safety glasses, hardhats, and hearing protection, which are provided. The role involves regular physical activity, including lifting up to 50 lbs and working around industrial equipment and machinery in a clean, well-maintained facility.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Indianapolis, IN.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $22.00/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 Indianapolis,IN.

This position is anticipated to close on May 14, 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.