Lead Operator

Aerotek; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Aerotek seeks a Lead Operator to oversee semiautomatic equipment and chemical processing in a small packaging site. This role blends production operations and material handling, following batch sheets and recipes, and supporting safe, accurate processing.

The candidate will operate forklifts, monitor valves and gauges, document process conditions, and maintain safety and cleanliness while ensuring production schedules.

Qualifications

• Experience in chemical production, packaging, or small-scale chemical processing environments.
• Familiarity with inventory processes and the use of RF scanners for tracking materials.
• Comfort working with vacuum-related mechanical and electronic systems within a production environment.
• Prior exposure to down-packing operations involving chemical bags, totes, and drums.
• Strong reliability and consistent attendance to support steady production schedules.
• Ability to communicate clearly with supervisors, lab staff, and maintenance teams regarding process conditions and required changes.

Responsibilities

• Tend equipment and semiautomatic processes used to produce and package chemical substances for industrial or consumer products.
• Work in a small chemical packaging site, performing both operator and material handling duties.
• Follow batch sheets and recipes to complete chemical formulations accurately and consistently.
• Lift and handle chemical bags weighing up to 50 pounds repetitively throughout the shift.
• Weigh and measure precise quantities of solids, powders, and liquids into heating vessels or blending tanks.
• Operate and adjust valves, monitor pressure levels, and oversee gaseous material systems during processing.
• Observe chemical reactions and monitor gauges, signals, and recorders to ensure processes remain within specified parameters.
• Document process conditions and any adjustments made, maintaining accurate production and process records.
• Inspect work areas and equipment regularly to detect leaks, malfunctions, or unsafe conditions.
• Shut down equipment when necessary and promptly notify maintenance or engineering teams of issues.
• Operate sit-down forklifts to move materials, including barrels, drums, vials, and totes, to and from equipment for down-packing and chemical processing.
• Handle materials in tight spaces using a forklift, maintaining high accuracy and control to avoid damaging packaging or storage containers.
• Manage the movement of finished goods and raw materials between the processing area and storage locations as required.
• Maintain mechanical and electronic systems related to vacuum levels and other process controls, within the scope of operational responsibilities.
• Respond to notifications from lab supervisors or other employees regarding process changes and implement adjustments as directed.
• Assist in managing expectations and workflow within the assigned area, supporting coordination and prioritization of tasks.
• Support a clean, organized, and safe work environment, recognizing that the work involves exposure to dirt, heat, and chemical materials.
• Use an RF scanner or similar devices, as needed, to support inventory tracking and material movement.
• Follow all safety procedures, including proper use of respirators, uniforms, and other personal protective equipment.

Skills

Chemical production

Forklift operation

Quality & safety awareness

Tools

RF scanners

Valves & gauges

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Lead Operator

Job Description

The Lead Operator oversees semiautomatic equipment and processes used to produce and package chemical substances in an industrial or consumer products environment. This role works in a small chemical packaging site, combining production operation and material handling responsibilities. The Lead Operator follows detailed batch sheets and recipes, operates forklifts to move materials, and supports safe, accurate chemical processing and down-packing activities while helping guide expectations within their work area.

Responsibilities

• Tend equipment and semiautomatic processes used to produce and package chemical substances for industrial or consumer products.
• Work in a small chemical packaging site, performing both operator and material handling duties.
• Follow batch sheets and recipes to complete chemical formulations accurately and consistently.
• Lift and handle chemical bags weighing up to 50 pounds repetitively throughout the shift.
• Weigh and measure precise quantities of solids, powders, and liquids into heating vessels or blending tanks.
• Operate and adjust valves, monitor pressure levels, and oversee gaseous material systems during processing.
• Observe chemical reactions and monitor gauges, signals, and recorders to ensure processes remain within specified parameters.
• Document process conditions and any adjustments made, maintaining accurate production and process records.
• Inspect work areas and equipment regularly to detect leaks, malfunctions, or unsafe conditions.
• Shut down equipment when necessary and promptly notify maintenance or engineering teams of issues.
• Operate sit-down forklifts to move materials, including barrels, drums, vials, and totes, to and from equipment for down-packing and chemical processing.
• Handle materials in tight spaces using a forklift, maintaining high accuracy and control to avoid damaging packaging or storage containers.
• Manage the movement of finished goods and raw materials between the processing area and storage locations as required.
• Maintain mechanical and electronic systems related to vacuum levels and other process controls, within the scope of operational responsibilities.
• Respond to notifications from lab supervisors or other employees regarding process changes and implement adjustments as directed.
• Assist in managing expectations and workflow within the assigned area, supporting coordination and prioritization of tasks.
• Support a clean, organized, and safe work environment, recognizing that the work involves exposure to dirt, heat, and chemical materials.
• Use an RF scanner or similar devices, as needed, to support inventory tracking and material movement.
• Follow all safety procedures, including proper use of respirators, uniforms, and other personal protective equipment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in chemical production, packaging, or small-scale chemical processing environments.
• Familiarity with inventory processes and the use of RF scanners for tracking materials.
• Comfort working with vacuum-related mechanical and electronic systems within a production environment.
• Prior exposure to down-packing operations involving chemical bags, totes, and drums.
• Strong reliability and consistent attendance to support steady production schedules.
• Ability to communicate clearly with supervisors, lab staff, and maintenance teams regarding process conditions and required changes.

Why Work Here?

The organization offers a low-stress, production-focused environment where accuracy and consistency matter more than high-pressure targets. Many team members have built long-term careers here, reflecting a stable and supportive workplace. You will work with a well-established company in its field, benefit from clear procedures and expectations, and have the opportunity to develop practical skills in chemical processing, material handling, and equipment operation. The culture emphasizes reliability, safety, and teamwork, providing a setting where hands-on, detail-oriented work is valued.

Work Environment

This is a physically demanding, hands-on role in a small chemical processing and packaging plant. The work environment is inherently dirty, and the job involves regular exposure to dust, powders, and chemical materials. Temperatures can be high, especially during the summer, and you will perform repetitive lifting, with the heaviest lifts at 50 pounds and up to 27 such lifts per day. The facility uses large mixer-style equipment similar to industrial kitchen mixers, along with valves, pressure systems, and vacuum-related m