Machine Operator

Job Title:

Spray Dry Machine Operator Job Description The Spray Dry Machine Operator manufactures flavor products, including powders, spray-dried items, liquids, emulsions, and extracts, with a primary focus on the dry-blend goods department. This role follows detailed batch formulations, assembles ingredients with a strong emphasis on food safety, quality, efficiency, and accuracy, and operates equipment such as mixers, spray dryers, and blending tanks. The operator reads and verifies raw material labels, adheres to safety and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, and ensures that each batch meets the required quantity and labeling specifications. While prior experience in food manufacturing is helpful, candidates with a background in operating machinery in other environments can also succeed in this position. Responsibilities Operate spray-dry equipment, mixers, blending tanks, and related machinery to manufacture flavor products according to batch tickets and formulations. Assemble and mix batches of powders, spray-dried products, liquids, emulsions, and extracts while maintaining strict food safety and quality standards. Read, verify, and interpret labels on raw materials to ensure correct ingredients and quantities are used in each batch. Follow detailed production instructions and batch documentation to produce the correct finished product quantity with accurate label requirements. Monitor machinery during operation, make basic adjustments as needed, and report any equipment issues or irregularities to the appropriate personnel. Maintain a clean and organized work area by performing routine cleaning of equipment, tools, and production areas in alignment with GMP and sanitation standards. Handle and move raw materials and finished products, including lifting and transporting boxes and containers as required by department processes. Rotate through tasks such as moving boxes, zip-tying bags, and other production duties to support overall department efficiency. Adhere to all safety procedures, including proper use of personal protective equipment and compliance with facility rules such as no jewelry policies. Collaborate with team members, communicate effectively about production status, and support a cooperative, team-oriented work environment. Follow established GMP standards consistently, including hygiene, uniform requirements, and proper handling of food-grade materials. Document production activities accurately as required, including batch completion, materials used, and any deviations or issues encountered during the shift. Essential Skills Experience operating machinery in a production, manufacturing, or similar environment. Ability to operate and monitor machines such as mixers, spray dryers, and blending tanks. Comfort working in a team environment and consistently following GMP standards. Ability to read and understand labels, batch tickets, and written production instructions. Strong attention to detail to ensure accurate ingredient usage, batch assembly, and labeling. Capability to perform manual material handling, including lifting and moving boxes up to approximately 50 pounds. Willingness to work 2nd or 3rd shift schedules as required by production needs. Commitment to following safety procedures and maintaining a clean, food-safe work environment. Additional Skills & Qualifications Previous experience in food manufacturing or food production environments. background in batch mixing, machine operation, or general production work. Experience with cleaning and sanitation tasks in a manufacturing or GMP environment. Forklift experience or comfort working around material handling equipment. Familiarity with general labor tasks such as loading, unloading, and staging materials. Ability to adapt to rotating tasks and changing production priorities. Why Work Here? You will join an organization with a clear purpose of enriching lives and a mission focused on creating healthier, tastier, and more sustainable foods for people and the planet. The culture encourages listening to customers, freedom to innovate, investment in employee growth, responsibility to a better world, and doing what is right to build trust. You will have access to a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, virtual medical visits, short- and long-term disability, life and voluntary life insurance, pet insurance, a 401(k) plan, tuition reimbursement, health savings and flexible spending accounts, and holiday and vacation pay. The time-off program is generous and grows with tenure, starting at 15 days of paid time off and increasing up to 30 days for long-term employees, along with additional personal days and dedicated paid Volunteer Time Off to support charitable causes. Employees also benefit from fully paid pregnancy and parental leave programs and paid bereavement leave, reflecting a strong commitment to work-life balance, family support, and overall well-being. Work Environment This role is based in a food GMP manufacturing environment that produces flavors, which means there is a consistently strong aroma throughout the facility. The position involves working in the spray dry department, with available schedules including 2nd shift (2:00 pm-10:00 pm) and 3rd shift (10:00 pm-6:00 am), as well as spray dry department hours such as 1st shift, 1:00 pm-11:30 pm Monday through Thursday; 3rd shift, 9:00 pm-7:30 am Monday through Thursday; weekend night shift, 6:00 pm-6:30 am Friday through Sunday; and weekend day shift, 6:00 am-6:30 pm Friday through Sunday. Some openings may also be available on 1st shift, 6:00 am-2:30 pm. The work requires regular lifting and moving of materials: in the spray dry area, handling 50-pound boxes moved 10-15 feet every 10-30 minutes with rotating tasks such as zip-tying bags; in powders, moving 50-pound boxes 5-10 feet, ranging from approximately 6 to 40 boxes per shift; and in liquids, handling 25-30 pound, 5-gallon containers and maneuvering 55-gallon drums using a hand truck or dolly. The facility enforces strict GMP and safety standards, including wearing steel-toe shoes, hair nets, and company-provided uniforms, using assigned lockers for personal belongings, and following a no-jewelry policy. The environment is fast-paced, team-oriented, and focused on maintaining high standards of cleanliness, safety, and product quality. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Wauconda, IL. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $25.00/hr. 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 Wauconda,IL.

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 31, 2026. About Aerotek We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry - from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies' construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow. 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.