Machine Operator Technician

Aerotek; Johnson Creek (WI); On-site; USD 46,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

Company Paid Life Insurance

Company Paid Disability Insurance

401K with 4% Company Match

Generous Paid Time Off

8 Company Holidays

Parental Leave

Pay up to $33+ an hour in the position

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking a skilled Machine Operator for an ethanol production facility in Johnson Creek, WI. The role involves operating and monitoring production equipment, troubleshooting mechanical issues, and handling materials with a forklift in a climate-controlled environment.

Applicants should have extensive OSHA safety experience, LOTO proficiency, and hands-on experience with DCS or similar control systems, plus strong data entry skills in Word/Excel.

Qualifications

• 2+ years as Chemical Operator or similar process role.
• 5+ years safety experience under OSHA standards.
• 3–5 years applying LOTO in industrial settings.
• 3+ years mechanical troubleshooting in production environments.
• Experience with ethanol or chemical production processes preferred or willingness to learn.
• Proficiency with DCS or similar control systems and MS Word/Excel.
• Ability to operate sit-down gas-powered forklifts with at least 1 year of experience.
• 1–2 years operating boilers or related thermal systems.
• Strong motivation, quick learner, and good problem-solving ability.
• Clear writing and communication of troubleshooting steps.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor ethanol production equipment from start-up to shutdown.
• Troubleshoot mechanical issues on conveyors, pumps, valves, and related equipment.
• Safely unload and move materials with a sit-down gas-powered forklift.
• Record temperatures and other data to ensure safe, efficient operation.
• Apply LOTO procedures to secure equipment during maintenance.
• Use a DCS to monitor operations and determine next production steps.
• Enter and update production data in Word and Excel accurately.
• Follow safety procedures and OSHA guidelines around chemicals.
• Operate boilers and related systems as needed.
• Coordinate with team on shift to maintain production flow.
• Explain and walk through troubleshooting steps for issues.
• Continuously learn new processes and apply improvements.

Skills

Chemical Operator

OSHA safety

LOTO procedures

Mechanical troubleshooting

DCS experience

Microsoft Word/Excel

Forklift operation

Boilers/thermal systems

Team collaboration

Process monitoring

Tools

DCS system

Forklift

Boilers

Job description

Machine Operator

Job Description

This role operates and monitors ethanol production equipment in a large, climate-controlled facility, ensuring safe, efficient, and continuous operations. You will troubleshoot mechanical issues, handle materials using forklifts, and use computer-based systems to manage the production process from start to finish. The position suits someone highly motivated, eager to learn, and comfortable working with both hands-on machinery and digital control systems.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor ethanol production equipment throughout the full process, from start-up to shutdown.
• Troubleshoot mechanical issues on conveyors, forklifts, pumps, valves, and related production equipment.
• Use a sit‑down, gas‑powered forklift to safely unload and move materials within the facility.
• Check and record temperatures of bearings and other critical components to ensure safe and efficient operation.
• Apply Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures to secure equipment during maintenance or troubleshooting activities.
• Use a Distributed Control System (DCS) to monitor operations, identify process needs, and determine the next tasks in the production sequence.
• Enter and update production and maintenance data using Microsoft Word and Excel, ensuring accurate and timely documentation.
• Follow established safety procedures and OSHA guidelines while working with chemicals and production equipment.
• Participate in operating boilers and supporting related systems as needed.
• Collaborate with team members on shift to coordinate tasks and maintain smooth production flow.
• Demonstrate strong problem‑solving skills by explaining and executing step‑by‑step troubleshooting approaches for equipment and process issues.
• Continuously learn new processes, systems, and equipment, and apply this knowledge to improve performance and efficiency.

Essential Skills

• 2+ years of experience as a Chemical Operator or in a similar production or process role.
• 5+ years of safety experience working in environments governed by OSHA standards.
• 3–5 years of experience applying Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures in an industrial setting.
• 3+ years of mechanical troubleshooting experience in production, chemical, mixing, or related environments.
• Experience with machine operation in a manufacturing or process plant.
• Experience working with ethanol or other chemical production processes, or a strong willingness to learn this environment.
• Proficiency using a Distributed Control System (DCS) or similar computer‑based control systems, or the ability to learn them quickly.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft applications, including the ability to navigate and enter data in Word and Excel.
• Ability to operate or learn to operate sit‑down gas‑powered forklifts, with at least 1 year of forklift experience.
• 1–2 years of experience operating boilers or related thermal systems.
• Strong motivation, eagerness to learn, and the ability to grasp complex processes and apply new information.
• Ability to clearly describe past troubleshooting experiences and walk through a process from start to finish.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in chemical, mixing, or production environments involving pumps, valves, and conveyors.
• Comfort working with computer‑based monitoring and control systems in a production setting.
• Strong attention to detail when following safety procedures, including LOTO and other plant safety protocols.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and communicate clearly with coworkers and supervisors.
• Willingness to obtain and complete additional certifications, with opportunities to earn higher pay per certification.
• Flexibility to work rotating day and night shifts on a recurring schedule.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Johnson Creek, WI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $45760.00 - $62400.00/yr.

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.

-Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance-Company Paid Life Insurance-Company Paid Disability Insurance-401K with a 4% Company Match-Generous Paid Time Off - Negotiable-Company Paid Holidays - 8 Holidays-Parental Leave (Both M and F)-Pay up to $33+ an hour in the position alone-Annual raises-Gain $1.00/hr per certification completion: Up to 5 certs

-This position allows for roughly 100+ more days off than your typical M-F job

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Johnson Creek,WI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 25, 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.