Technician I
Aerotek, Minneapolis, MN, United States
Technician I
The Technician I supports pilot-scale chemical processing by assisting with the setup, operation, disassembly, and cleaning of process equipment and systems under the guidance of Process Development Engineers and the Process Development Engineering Manager. This role works hands-on in an industrial environment to prepare materials, operate mixing and processing equipment, document test conditions, and ensure safe and efficient execution of development trials.
Responsibilities
Review test paperwork, including test request forms, process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), and safety data sheets (SDSs), and seek clarification when needed.
Pull raw materials from storage using electric pallet jacks and load resin or other materials into mixers and process machines in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) and batch orders.
Perform basic plumbing tasks and run process utility lines such as hot oil, steam, water, and electrical connections to support testing activities.
Inspect and set up process equipment, instrumentation, and controls, including installing instrumentation, utility plumbing, valves, insulation, guarding, and other components as required.
Calibrate and operate mixing and processing equipment, feeders, and pumps to meet defined test parameters.
Monitor, inspect, and test equipment during operation, making adjustments and pressure changes as needed to maintain safe and optimal performance.
Conduct mechanical checkout of equipment and systems with Process Development Engineers and correct mechanical or setup issues as they arise.
Calibrate and operate process feeders and pumps to ensure accurate feed and product rates.
Accurately complete all required test paperwork, including recording equipment settings, feed rates, product rates, and other test conditions.
Collect and label samples during testing as directed by Process Development Engineers, ensuring proper handling and traceability.
Disassemble equipment and systems after testing, thoroughly clean components, and return them to appropriate storage locations.
Collect, weigh, and label all materials before and after testing to support mass balance and inventory tracking.
Assist Process Development Engineers in conducting material inventory counts before and after each test campaign.
Move drums and containers of finished product (up to approximately 180 pounds) onto pallets using appropriate material handling equipment, and operate a sit-down forklift to move finished pallets to shipping and storage areas.
Follow all safety procedures and use required personal protective equipment when working with chemicals, steam, and processing equipment.
Collaborate closely with Process Development Engineers and other team members to support continuous improvement and successful completion of pilot-scale trials.
Essential Skills
At least 1 year of experience in a chemical processing, blending, or mixing operation and testing environment.
Strong familiarity and high mechanical aptitude with hand tools and power tools used in industrial and processing environments.
Excellent communication skills to interact effectively with engineers and team members and to ask questions when test requirements are unclear.
Strong attention to detail when following SOPs, batch orders, and test documentation.
Excellent shop math skills, including working with basic fractions, unit conversions, measurements, and calculations related to scale-up and testing.
Demonstrated problem-solving and critical thinking skills to troubleshoot process and mechanical issues during setup and operation.
Ability to work with and around mechanical, pneumatic, and electrical systems and follow instructions related to repair and troubleshooting.
Capability to safely handle and move heavy containers (up to approximately 180 pounds) using appropriate material handling equipment.
Comfort working in an industrial chemical processing environment with heat, steam, and process equipment.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience operating forklifts or pallet jacks in an industrial or warehouse environment.
Experience handling hazardous materials in accordance with safety and regulatory requirements.
Prior experience with testing and sampling procedures in a laboratory or pilot plant setting.
Background in material handling, including loading, unloading, and staging materials for processing.
Ability to read and understand basic blueprints, PFDs, and P&IDs.
Familiarity with pneumatic and electrical troubleshooting in a process environment.
Experience working with calibration of feeders, pumps, and related process equipment.
Why Work Here?
You join a growing organization that offers excellent long-term growth and clear opportunities for promotion from within. The culture emphasizes an employee-friendly, team-oriented atmosphere where job titles matter less than collaboration, and ideas are welcomed from everyone regardless of tenure. The company provides uniforms with your name, offers steel-toe boot reimbursement after 30 days, and supports work-life balance with a one-hour lunch where 30 minutes are paid, so you work 7.5 hours but are paid for 8. Employees benefit from excellent medical and dental coverage, generous paid time off and vacation, and a collaborative environment that values continuous improvement and contributions from every team member.
Work Environment
This role is based in an industrial chemical processing facility focused on pilot-scale material processing systems and equipment. The standard schedule runs from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with occasional overtime that generally does not occur on weekends. The environment can become very hot during the summer months, although it does not get cold during that season, and involves exposure to steam and chemical processing operations. You will work across both lower and upper levels of the facility: loading materials and starting processes on the upper level, then moving to the lower level to test and sample product and palletize finished material. Movement between floors involves the use of forklifts, pallet jacks, and a freight elevator. Appropriate face masks and ventilation are provided due to chemical and steam processing. The company supplies uniforms for all employees and provides separate locker rooms. Steel-toe footwear is required, with reimbursement offered after a short period, reflecting a practical, safety-focused dress code suitable for hands-on industrial work.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of MINNEAPOLIS, MN.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $26.00/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 MINNEAPOLIS, MN.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 1, 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 Technician I supports pilot-scale chemical processing by assisting with the setup, operation, disassembly, and cleaning of process equipment and systems under the guidance of Process Development Engineers and the Process Development Engineering Manager. This role works hands-on in an industrial environment to prepare materials, operate mixing and processing equipment, document test conditions, and ensure safe and efficient execution of development trials.
Responsibilities
Review test paperwork, including test request forms, process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), and safety data sheets (SDSs), and seek clarification when needed.
Pull raw materials from storage using electric pallet jacks and load resin or other materials into mixers and process machines in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) and batch orders.
Perform basic plumbing tasks and run process utility lines such as hot oil, steam, water, and electrical connections to support testing activities.
Inspect and set up process equipment, instrumentation, and controls, including installing instrumentation, utility plumbing, valves, insulation, guarding, and other components as required.
Calibrate and operate mixing and processing equipment, feeders, and pumps to meet defined test parameters.
Monitor, inspect, and test equipment during operation, making adjustments and pressure changes as needed to maintain safe and optimal performance.
Conduct mechanical checkout of equipment and systems with Process Development Engineers and correct mechanical or setup issues as they arise.
Calibrate and operate process feeders and pumps to ensure accurate feed and product rates.
Accurately complete all required test paperwork, including recording equipment settings, feed rates, product rates, and other test conditions.
Collect and label samples during testing as directed by Process Development Engineers, ensuring proper handling and traceability.
Disassemble equipment and systems after testing, thoroughly clean components, and return them to appropriate storage locations.
Collect, weigh, and label all materials before and after testing to support mass balance and inventory tracking.
Assist Process Development Engineers in conducting material inventory counts before and after each test campaign.
Move drums and containers of finished product (up to approximately 180 pounds) onto pallets using appropriate material handling equipment, and operate a sit-down forklift to move finished pallets to shipping and storage areas.
Follow all safety procedures and use required personal protective equipment when working with chemicals, steam, and processing equipment.
Collaborate closely with Process Development Engineers and other team members to support continuous improvement and successful completion of pilot-scale trials.
Essential Skills
At least 1 year of experience in a chemical processing, blending, or mixing operation and testing environment.
Strong familiarity and high mechanical aptitude with hand tools and power tools used in industrial and processing environments.
Excellent communication skills to interact effectively with engineers and team members and to ask questions when test requirements are unclear.
Strong attention to detail when following SOPs, batch orders, and test documentation.
Excellent shop math skills, including working with basic fractions, unit conversions, measurements, and calculations related to scale-up and testing.
Demonstrated problem-solving and critical thinking skills to troubleshoot process and mechanical issues during setup and operation.
Ability to work with and around mechanical, pneumatic, and electrical systems and follow instructions related to repair and troubleshooting.
Capability to safely handle and move heavy containers (up to approximately 180 pounds) using appropriate material handling equipment.
Comfort working in an industrial chemical processing environment with heat, steam, and process equipment.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience operating forklifts or pallet jacks in an industrial or warehouse environment.
Experience handling hazardous materials in accordance with safety and regulatory requirements.
Prior experience with testing and sampling procedures in a laboratory or pilot plant setting.
Background in material handling, including loading, unloading, and staging materials for processing.
Ability to read and understand basic blueprints, PFDs, and P&IDs.
Familiarity with pneumatic and electrical troubleshooting in a process environment.
Experience working with calibration of feeders, pumps, and related process equipment.
Why Work Here?
You join a growing organization that offers excellent long-term growth and clear opportunities for promotion from within. The culture emphasizes an employee-friendly, team-oriented atmosphere where job titles matter less than collaboration, and ideas are welcomed from everyone regardless of tenure. The company provides uniforms with your name, offers steel-toe boot reimbursement after 30 days, and supports work-life balance with a one-hour lunch where 30 minutes are paid, so you work 7.5 hours but are paid for 8. Employees benefit from excellent medical and dental coverage, generous paid time off and vacation, and a collaborative environment that values continuous improvement and contributions from every team member.
Work Environment
This role is based in an industrial chemical processing facility focused on pilot-scale material processing systems and equipment. The standard schedule runs from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with occasional overtime that generally does not occur on weekends. The environment can become very hot during the summer months, although it does not get cold during that season, and involves exposure to steam and chemical processing operations. You will work across both lower and upper levels of the facility: loading materials and starting processes on the upper level, then moving to the lower level to test and sample product and palletize finished material. Movement between floors involves the use of forklifts, pallet jacks, and a freight elevator. Appropriate face masks and ventilation are provided due to chemical and steam processing. The company supplies uniforms for all employees and provides separate locker rooms. Steel-toe footwear is required, with reimbursement offered after a short period, reflecting a practical, safety-focused dress code suitable for hands-on industrial work.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of MINNEAPOLIS, MN.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $26.00/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 MINNEAPOLIS, MN.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 1, 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