Chemical Operator/Formulator

Aerotek; Chicago Heights (IL); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

Medical, dental & vision

401(k)

Paid time off

Job summary

Aerotek in Chicago Heights, IL seeks a Chemical Operator/Formulator to safely formulate and mix chemical batches up to 4,000 gallons. You will work across shifts, operate and monitor equipment, and maintain precise batch records. Training is provided to grow into full formulating responsibilities.

Join a safety‑focused team in modern facilities with competitive benefits. Eligible for weekly pay, medical/dental, 401(k), and paid time off as part of a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of manufacturing experience.
• Experience blending, formulating, chemical operating, or batch mixing.
• Experience in chemical or pharmaceutical environments preferred.
• Able to weigh and measure raw materials accurately for batch work.
• Ability to handle liquid and powder materials safely.

Responsibilities

• Attend daily safety meetings and follow all safety protocols.
• Review batch sheets to understand formulas and requirements.
• Formulate chemical batches by weighing and measuring materials.
• Handle liquids and powders from drums, totes, and bags safely.
• Operate reactors and ensure correct sequencing per instructions.
• Monitor gauges, controls, and HMIs to maintain conditions.
• Follow SOPs for mixing, blending, and chemical operations.
• Keep detailed batch production records and parameters.
• Work with batches up to 4,000 gallons, ensuring quality.
• Monitor pumps, mixers, milling machines, and Reactors.
• Notify maintenance for equipment issues promptly.
• Perform housekeeping while machines run and after batches.
• Communicate batch status to next shift and supervisors.
• Collaborate with a helper and grow into full responsibilities.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Blending & formulation

Chemical operations

HMI / control screens

Weighing & measuring

Safety protocols

Batch records

Communication

Tools

HMI control systems

Pumps

Milling machines

Reactors

Job description

Job Title: Chemical Operator/Formulator

Job Description

This role focuses on safely formulating and mixing chemical batches by following detailed batch sheets and standard operating procedures. You will handle both liquid and powder raw materials, operate and monitor production equipment, and maintain accurate production records for batches up to 4,000 gallons. The position requires close collaboration with teammates across multiple shifts and flexibility to support packaging, staging, and order preparation as needed. You will start with hands‑on labor tasks and receive full training from supervisors to become fully acclimated to the formulating and batch mixing responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Attend daily safety meetings and consistently follow all safety protocols and procedures.
• Receive and review batch sheets to understand formulas, ingredients, and production requirements.
• Formulate chemical batches by accurately weighing and measuring raw materials according to batch specifications.
• Handle liquid and powder raw materials from drums, totes, and bags in a safe and controlled manner.
• Pour and place materials into reactors, ensuring correct sequencing and adherence to process instructions.
• Check and monitor gauges, controls, and HMI/touch screen control panels to maintain proper operating conditions.
• Follow all standard operating procedures (SOPs) for mixing, blending, and chemical operations.
• Keep detailed and accurate records of batch production, including ingredients, quantities, and process parameters.
• Work with batches up to 4,000 gallons, ensuring consistency, quality, and adherence to specifications.
• Monitor running machinery such as pumps, mixers, and milling machines, and respond promptly to any issues.
• Notify maintenance immediately if equipment problems or abnormalities occur.
• Perform housekeeping duties while machines are running and after batches are completed, including sweeping and cleaning work areas.
• Communicate daily batch records and production status clearly to the next shift and supervisors.
• Work side by side with a helper, ensuring they understand basic job duties, safety requirements, and production expectations.
• Begin in labor‑focused tasks and progressively assume full responsibilities in formulating and batch mixing as training is completed.
• Assist with packaging, staging, and preparing orders when needed to support overall production and shipping operations.
• Collaborate with supervisors and team members to maintain an organized, safe, and efficient production environment.

Essential Skills

• At least 3 years of manufacturing experience.
• At least 3 years of experience in blending, formulating, chemical operating, or batch mixing.
• Experience working in chemical or pharmaceutical environments, preferred over food manufacturing.
• Hands‑on experience with HMI, touch screen, or control screen systems for operating equipment.
• Ability to accurately weigh and measure raw materials for batch formulation.
• Capability to safely handle liquid and powder materials from drums, totes, and bags.
• Proficiency in following standard operating procedures and safety guidelines.
• Ability to monitor gauges, controls, and machinery and respond appropriately to changes.
• Strong attention to detail for maintaining accurate and thorough batch records.
• Effective communication skills to coordinate with helpers, other shifts, and supervisors.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Prior experience working with large batch sizes, including batches up to 4,000 gallons.
• Familiarity with pumps, mixers, milling machines, and similar production equipment.
• Comfort working in both highly organized and fast‑paced, high‑volume production environments.
• Ability to multitask by performing housekeeping and support tasks while machines are running.
• Willingness to start with labor‑intensive tasks and grow into full batch mixing and formulating responsibilities.
• Flexibility to assist with packaging, staging, and preparing orders as operational needs require.

Why Work Here?

You will join a safety‑focused organization that invests in modern, temperature‑controlled facilities and maintains clean, organized production environments. The company offers strong employee benefits and provides thorough training from supervisors to help you grow into advanced batch mixing and formulating responsibilities. You will work with non‑harmful chemicals, benefit from clear processes and structure, and have the opportunity to contribute in both customized and high‑volume production settings. The culture emphasizes teamwork, communication across shifts, and a supportive environment where safety and operational excellence come first.

Work Environment

You will work in modern, temperature‑controlled chemical manufacturing facilities that include both production floors and warehouses. One site features a recently remodeled, very clean, and highly organized environment with a smaller workforce and fewer lines, kettles, fillers, and blenders, allowing for a more focused and orderly operation. The other site is larger, houses a few hundred employees across shifts, and runs more lines with higher production volume, which can create a fast‑paced and sometimes chaotic atmosphere. Both locations place a strong emphasis on safety and operate with non‑harmful chemicals. Operations at both sites include manufacturing products, bottling, staging, and shipping. One facility handles more customized orders and pallets, while the other focuses on continuous batches and repetitive client orders. Security checkpoints and multiple break rooms support a structured and comfortable workday. Standard schedules include first shift (7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Monday–Friday), second shift (3:30 p.m.–12:00 a.m., Monday–Friday), and third shift (11:30 p.m.–8:00 a.m., Sunday–Thursday). You will regularly use pumps, mixers, milling machines, reactors, and HMI/touch screen control systems while adhering to all safety and cleanliness standards. Direct Hire placement with excellent benefits starting on day 1 of employment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Chicago Heights, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.75 - $29.95/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Chicago Heights,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 30, 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.