Operator Assistant
Aerotek, Chicago, IL, United States
Job Title: Operator Assistant
Job Description
The Operator Assistant supports production operations by setting up, operating, and maintaining machinery that shapes and deposits food products according to established schedules. This role helps ensure that all products meet strict quality, safety, and sanitation standards by following SQF, GMP, and Quality policies. The Operator Assistant also performs key tasks associated with Line Worker, Mixer Attendant, and Melter functions to keep production running smoothly and efficiently.
Responsibilities
Set up, operate, and maintain various production machinery and equipment to ensure performance meets or exceeds established standards.
Control equipment operations to regulate product size, speed, temperature, and consistency according to specifications.
Start up machines, observe operation, and monitor product color and weight to verify conformity to standards.
Apply knowledge of different products being manufactured, including required temperatures and viscosity levels.
Follow daily production schedules and adjust operations as needed to meet production targets.
Dismantle equipment, including extruders and conveyors, for cleaning in accordance with sanitation procedures.
Request and transfer raw materials from storage silos to daily production areas as required.
Enter recipe data accurately according to the production schedule.
Record raw material incoming numbers on production order sheets to maintain accurate traceability.
Adjust pre-refiner, refiner, and conch temperatures based on recipes and customer requirements.
Add fats, flavors, and emulsifiers to conches or horizontal tanks according to specified recipes.
Pump product from conches to finished or vertical tanks in line with the production schedule.
Perform basic and preventive maintenance on equipment and promptly report any needed improvements or repairs to supervision.
Verify the viscosity of finished products and make adjustments as needed to meet quality standards.
Sample finished products to support quality control and documentation requirements.
Fill drums and pails with finished products safely and accurately.
Cross‑train and perform all functions of Line Worker, Mixer Attendant, and Melter as operational needs require.
Comply with all company and department‑specific quality, safety, SQF, and GMP policies and procedures.
Maintain cleanliness and organization in all departmental areas and follow all GMP and safety regulations at all times.
Essential Skills
2+ years of machine operating or machine operating assistant experience within a manufacturing environment.
GMP operator experience with a strong understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices.
Hands‑on experience in machine operation, including setup, operation, and basic maintenance.
Experience with GMP labor in a production or manufacturing setting.
Experience with batch mixing and blending processes.
Ability to follow detailed recipes, production schedules, and standard operating procedures.
Capability to monitor and adjust processing parameters such as temperature, speed, and viscosity.
Strong attention to detail to ensure product quality, correct weights, and accurate documentation.
Commitment to safety, sanitation, and quality standards in a food production environment.
Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, production‑driven environment.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Previous experience working in a chocolate manufacturing or confectionery production facility is a plus.
Familiarity with SQF standards and food safety programs.
Experience with preventive maintenance practices in a production environment.
Ability to cross‑train and perform multiple production roles, including Line Worker, Mixer Attendant, and Melter.
Strong teamwork and communication skills to collaborate effectively with production and quality teams.
Willingness to learn new processes, equipment, and technologies to support continuous improvement.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chicago, IL.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Chicago, IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 7, 2026.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $20.00/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)
Equal Opportunity Employer
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.
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Job Description
The Operator Assistant supports production operations by setting up, operating, and maintaining machinery that shapes and deposits food products according to established schedules. This role helps ensure that all products meet strict quality, safety, and sanitation standards by following SQF, GMP, and Quality policies. The Operator Assistant also performs key tasks associated with Line Worker, Mixer Attendant, and Melter functions to keep production running smoothly and efficiently.
Responsibilities
Set up, operate, and maintain various production machinery and equipment to ensure performance meets or exceeds established standards.
Control equipment operations to regulate product size, speed, temperature, and consistency according to specifications.
Start up machines, observe operation, and monitor product color and weight to verify conformity to standards.
Apply knowledge of different products being manufactured, including required temperatures and viscosity levels.
Follow daily production schedules and adjust operations as needed to meet production targets.
Dismantle equipment, including extruders and conveyors, for cleaning in accordance with sanitation procedures.
Request and transfer raw materials from storage silos to daily production areas as required.
Enter recipe data accurately according to the production schedule.
Record raw material incoming numbers on production order sheets to maintain accurate traceability.
Adjust pre-refiner, refiner, and conch temperatures based on recipes and customer requirements.
Add fats, flavors, and emulsifiers to conches or horizontal tanks according to specified recipes.
Pump product from conches to finished or vertical tanks in line with the production schedule.
Perform basic and preventive maintenance on equipment and promptly report any needed improvements or repairs to supervision.
Verify the viscosity of finished products and make adjustments as needed to meet quality standards.
Sample finished products to support quality control and documentation requirements.
Fill drums and pails with finished products safely and accurately.
Cross‑train and perform all functions of Line Worker, Mixer Attendant, and Melter as operational needs require.
Comply with all company and department‑specific quality, safety, SQF, and GMP policies and procedures.
Maintain cleanliness and organization in all departmental areas and follow all GMP and safety regulations at all times.
Essential Skills
2+ years of machine operating or machine operating assistant experience within a manufacturing environment.
GMP operator experience with a strong understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices.
Hands‑on experience in machine operation, including setup, operation, and basic maintenance.
Experience with GMP labor in a production or manufacturing setting.
Experience with batch mixing and blending processes.
Ability to follow detailed recipes, production schedules, and standard operating procedures.
Capability to monitor and adjust processing parameters such as temperature, speed, and viscosity.
Strong attention to detail to ensure product quality, correct weights, and accurate documentation.
Commitment to safety, sanitation, and quality standards in a food production environment.
Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, production‑driven environment.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Previous experience working in a chocolate manufacturing or confectionery production facility is a plus.
Familiarity with SQF standards and food safety programs.
Experience with preventive maintenance practices in a production environment.
Ability to cross‑train and perform multiple production roles, including Line Worker, Mixer Attendant, and Melter.
Strong teamwork and communication skills to collaborate effectively with production and quality teams.
Willingness to learn new processes, equipment, and technologies to support continuous improvement.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chicago, IL.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Chicago, IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 7, 2026.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $20.00/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)
Equal Opportunity Employer
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.
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