• Machine Operator

    Aerotek (Richmond, VA)


    Job Title: Chemical Plant Technician

    Job Description

    Join our team as a Chemical Plant Technician, where you will play a vital role in the efficient operation of our specialty chemicals plant. You will work with powdered chemicals used in the polymer-making process, which are essential in plastics and waste water treatment plants.

    Responsibilities

    + Ensure the safe, environmentally sound, and efficient operation of the chemicals plant, including utilities, bulk storage, and warehouse.

    + Operate plant machinery and equipment, perform repetitive tasks, and remain stationary for extended periods.

    + Open and close valves, monitor instrumentation panels, and report findings from gauges.

    + Handle 10-kilo bags and utilize basic math skills to track and monitor plant data.

    + Climb ladders and operate forklifts, lifting up to 50 lbs.

    + Stay current on operating procedures, emergency procedures, safety, and policies.

    + Move between buildings, often exposed to weather conditions, and follow verbal and written instructions precisely.

    + Communicate with all levels of staff and management effectively.

    + Use forklifts, industrial scales, power tools, and hand tools, and perform equipment maintenance as needed.

    + Troubleshoot minor maintenance defects and utilize some electrical experience for instrumentation.

    Essential Skills

    + Experience in machine operation, mechanical functions, and chemical processing.

    + Knowledge in chemical or batch mixing, calibration, blending, and chemical handling.

    + Ability to perform heavy lifting, inspection, sealing, and general labor tasks.

    + Experience in process manufacturing and handling both liquids and solids.

    Additional Skills & Qualifications

    + Previous chemical experience is not required, but candidates must have a manufacturing background, ideally in process manufacturing.

    + Experience in a heavy industrial role is preferred.

    + Candidates should have a track record of perfect safety and no attendance issues.

    + Experience with respirators or working in environments where they are used is a plus.

     

    Why Work Here?

     

    Our organization offers a family-like atmosphere with a focus on health and safety. Employees have access to continued learning opportunities and enjoy multiple paid holidays. We prioritize the well-being of our associates by providing onsite massage therapy at a nominal cost.

     

    Work Environment

     

    The work environment includes a clean room that is air-conditioned, while the rest of the plant is not. The plant features metal grading platforms and exposure to elements when moving between buildings. The role involves physical fitness, as the plant is multi-leveled, requiring climbing and movement throughout. Employees will work with hazardous and non-hazardous chemicals, encountering dust, noise, fluctuating temperatures, and flammable materials. The position currently runs 8-hour shifts, rotating every two weeks between first and second shifts. A future schedule will involve 12-hour shifts with a rotating 3 on, 2 off, 2 on pattern, switching between days and nights.

     

    Job Type & Location

     

    This is a Contract to Hire position based out of North Chesterfield, VA.

     

    Pay and Benefits

     

    The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $23.00/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 North Chesterfield,VA.

     

    Application Deadline

     

    This position is anticipated to close on Dec 16, 2025.

    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.