Batch Operator

Sika; Ottawa (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k with Generous Company Match

Bonuses

Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits

Disability Insurance

Paid time off, paid holidays

Floating holidays + Paid VolunteerTime

Wellness/Fitness Reimbursements

Professional Development Opportunities

Employee Referral Program & More!

Job summary

Sika is seeking a Batch Operator at our Illinois manufacturing site. You will operate complex chemistry processes, execute daily production, and maintain safety and quality while working in a team.

Responsibilities include packaging and mixing operations, inventory checks, line changes, and ensuring product quality with SAP and PLC systems. Strong safety focus and willingness to train new staff are essential. Competitive benefits apply.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Must read, write, speak and comprehend English.
• 3+ years in an industrial/manufacturing environment.
• Strong math skills including fractions, decimals and percentages.
• Ability to troubleshoot processes and operate equipment.

Responsibilities

• Actively participate in Sika SAFE Program and follow safety practices.
• Oversee and operate packaging and mixing equipment per SOPs.
• Ensure product quality, weight tolerances and DOT labeling.
• Use PLC, observe meters, and control flow for transfers between tanks.
• Perform line changes and equipment adjustments; troubleshoot as needed.
• Inventory raw and packaging materials for daily production.
• Train new and temporary employees and support team collaboration.
• Work with SAP and PLC software to document and run processes.

Skills

English proficiency

Math skills

Team training

Safety awareness

SAP

PLC

Forklift operation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

SAP

PLC

Forklift

Job description

With more than 100 years of experience, Sika is a worldwide innovation and sustainability leader in the development and production of systems and products for commercial and residential construction, as well as the transportation, marine, automotive, and renewable energy manufacturing industries.

Sika is a specialty chemicals company with a globally leading position in the development and production of systems and products for bonding, sealing, damping, reinforcing, and protection in the building sector and industry. Sika has subsidiaries in 103 countries around the world, produces in over 400 factories, and develops innovative technologies for customers worldwide. In doing so, it plays a crucial role in enabling the transformation of the construction and transportation industries toward greater environmental compatibility. Approximately 33,000 employees generated CHF 11.20 billion in sales in 2025.

Job Description

Batch Operators are responsible for the daily operation of complex chemistry processes. Batch Operators execute daily production requirements, achieving safety, housekeeping, quality, rate objectives and participating in continuous improvement activities as directed. Batch Operators must be able to work independently within the framework of a team while demonstrating a positive attitude.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Actively participate in the plants Sika SAFE Program.
• Understand, comply, and regularly inspect the work area to ensure all safety policies and practices are followed and a high degree of industrial housekeeping is maintained at all times.
• Oversee and operate packaging equipment to ensure that all area specific functions conform to process and procedure specifications.
• Drive cultural change and initiatives which emphasize safety, communication, co-operation, development, teamwork, environmental compliance, quality, productivity and waste elimination.
• Perform inventory check of raw materials and packaging materials for daily production schedule.
• Oversee and operate mixing equipment to ensure that all area specific functions conform to process and procedure specifications.
• Ensure mixing equipment is running smoothly, within validated parameters, and in compliance with SOP’s.
• Ensure mixing processes are carried out and documented within a high level of compliance including but not limited to order of addition, mixing times, and other designated set points.
• Performs line change overs and simple-to-moderate equipment adjustments and troubleshooting.
• Understand, comply, and ensure that packaged products meet quality standards of customers including but not limited to product weight tolerances, overall appearance, DOT Labeling, and batch/identification numbers.
• Uses PLC and observes flowmeters and pressure gauges, turn valves, and start pumps to transfer fluid chemicals to or from specified tanks and to processing areas.
• Guide, assist and train new and temporary employees.
• Demonstrates ability to use a computer and various computer programs including SAP and PLC programs.
• To execute other projects or activities to-be-determined as directed by Plant Leadership.

Qualifications

Qualifications/Experience:

• Education: High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience: 3+ year experience in an industrial environment/manufacturing environment.
• Must be able to read, write, speak and comprehend English.
• Must have good math skills, including the ability to work with fractions, decimals and percentages.
• Must have the ability to develop process expertise in order to facilitate troubleshooting.
• Must be able to maintain an excellent attendance record.
• Must be flexible to work any shift and overtime as business requires.
• Must be self-motivated and able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Must be able to operate a forklift and other equipment as trained.

Additional Information

• 401k with Generous Company Match
• Bonuses
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits
• Disability Insurance
• Paid time off, paid holidays
• Floating holidays + Paid Volunteer Time
• Wellness/Fitness Reimbursements
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Employee Referral Program & More!

Sika fosters a culture of entrepreneurship, empowering each individual to make decisions, learn from experiences, and shape their own career path. The safety and well-being of employees are top priorities at Sika, with a strong commitment to open communication and maintaining a safe workplace. In addition, Sika actively contributes to the community and promotes sustainability by giving back, minimizing environmental impact, and embracing social responsibility.

Sika Corporation is committed to a work environment that supports, inspires, and respects all individuals that apply. As an equal opportunity employer Sika will consider all qualified applicants without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, national or ethnic origin, or other protected characteristics.

We offer competitive salaries, aligned with local market benchmarks and the specific scope and responsibilities of each role. Compensation is determined based skills relevant to the position, education and/or training. We are committed to fair and equitable pay practices in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.