Kitchen Operator

Aerotek; United States; On-site; USD 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking a Kitchen Operator in the Chicago area, based in Niles, IL. The role focuses on batch production of caramel and confectionery, following strict GMP, HACCP, and sanitation standards.

You will operate kettles, mixers, cookers, pumps, and record production data to ensure quality and safety. The ideal candidate has at least 2 years of production experience, ability to lift up to 50 pounds, and familiarity with food safety practices.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of production experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to operate batch mixers and other food production equipment such as kettles, cookers and pumps.
• Experience in food manufacturing or food production operations.
• Strong attention to detail in performing quality checks and recording production data.
• Comfort wearing GMP attire as required in a food manufacturing facility.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Comfort working near ovens, kettles, and other heated equipment.
• Understanding of basic food safety and sanitation practices.
• Ability to follow established recipes, procedures, and production specifications accurately.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and measure ingredients according to recipes and production specs.
• Operate kettles, mixers, cookers, pumps and other kitchen processing equipment safely.
• Monitor cooking temperatures, viscosity and batch quality for consistency.
• Cook, mix and transfer caramel and confectionery to production lines as required.
• Record batch information, production data and quality check results clearly.
• Perform equipment set-up and changeovers for different products.
• Troubleshoot equipment to minimize downtime.
• Follow all GMP, HACCP and sanitation procedures.
• Clean and sanitize equipment, utensils and work areas.
• Communicate with production, quality and maintenance for smooth operations.
• Assist with inventory management and ingredient staging.

Skills

Production experience

Operate batch mixers

Food manufacturing

Quality data recording

GMP attire

Lift 50 pounds

Heated equipment

Food safety

Follow recipes

Job description

Kitchen Operator

The Kitchen Operator plays a key role in a food manufacturing environment by preparing ingredients, operating kitchen processing equipment, and ensuring that all products meet quality and food safety standards. This position focuses on efficient batch production of caramel and other confectionery items while maintaining strict compliance with safety, sanitation, and Good Manufacturing Practices.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and measure ingredients accurately according to established recipes and production specifications.
• Operate kettles, mixers, cookers, pumps, and other kitchen processing equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
• Monitor cooking temperatures, viscosity, and batch quality throughout the production process to ensure consistent product standards.
• Cook, mix, and transfer caramel and other confectionery products to production lines as required.
• Record batch information, production data, and quality check results clearly and accurately.
• Perform equipment set‑up and changeovers to support different products and production runs.
• Conduct basic troubleshooting on kitchen processing equipment to minimize downtime.
• Follow all food safety, GMP, HACCP, and sanitation procedures at all times.
• Clean and sanitize kitchen equipment, utensils, and work areas to maintain a hygienic production environment.
• Communicate effectively with production, quality, and maintenance teams to ensure smooth and efficient operations.
• Assist with inventory management and ingredient staging to support continuous production flow.
• Maintain a safe work environment by following all company safety policies and reporting any hazards or concerns promptly.

Essential Skills

• At least 2 years of production experience in a manufacturing or similar environment.
• Ability to operate batch mixers and other food production equipment such as kettles, cookers, and pumps.
• Experience in food manufacturing or food production operations.
• Strong attention to detail in performing quality checks and recording production data.
• Comfort wearing GMP attire as required in a food manufacturing facility.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Comfort working near ovens, kettles, and other heated equipment.
• Understanding of basic food safety and sanitation practices.
• Ability to follow established recipes, procedures, and production specifications accurately.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• 2+ years of food mixing or batch mixing experience.
• Experience working with baking, dairy, or confectionery equipment.
• Ability to communicate in more than one language (bilingual).
• Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), HACCP, and other food safety standards.
• Experience in quality checking within a production environment.

Why Work Here?

Employees benefit from a comprehensive healthcare package that typically includes medical coverage and likely dental and vision options, along with a 401(k) retirement plan to support long‑term financial security. The organization promotes work‑life balance through paid time off and other time‑off benefits, and offers disability coverage to provide additional peace of mind. The culture emphasizes safety, cleanliness, and teamwork in a professional food manufacturing setting.

Work Environment

This role is based in a clean food manufacturing environment that prioritizes hygiene and adherence to GMP standards. Team members work in proximity to ovens, kettles, and other heated equipment and are required to wear appropriate GMP attire such as protective clothing and gear. The setting involves regular lifting of up to 50 pounds and working around batch mixers, cookers, and other food processing equipment, with a strong focus on safety, sanitation, and efficient production.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your jobclassification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may besubject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefitsavailable 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)

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $23.00/hr.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Niles,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 17, 2026.

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.

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.