Machine Operator

Job Title: Refinery Technician

Job Description

The Refinery Technician operates and monitors glycerin refinery equipment to achieve production targets safely and efficiently. This role uses Distributed Control Systems (DCS) to manage plant operations, performs routine quality checks, handles chemicals in accordance with strict safety protocols, and supports preventive maintenance activities on field equipment. The technician works closely with production and maintenance teams to maintain optimal process performance and product quality in a dynamic industrial environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate refinery equipment and systems, including Distributed Control Systems (DCS), to manage glycerin refinery plant operations and maintain production targets and efficiency.
• Monitor process parameters, alarms, and equipment status, and make timely adjustments to ensure stable and optimal plant performance.
• Collect product and process samples from designated sampling points and deliver them promptly to the laboratory for quality testing.
• Support quality control efforts by following established sampling procedures and responding to laboratory feedback to adjust process conditions as needed.
• Handle and fill chemicals based on production requirements, ensuring accurate dosing and adherence to all safety and handling protocols.
• Conduct preventive maintenance tasks on field equipment, such as inspections, basic adjustments, cleaning, and minor repairs, to reduce downtime and improve reliability.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and report equipment issues or abnormalities, and communicate promptly with maintenance and supervisory personnel.
• Use hand tools, production tools, and machine operating equipment safely and correctly during daily operations and maintenance tasks.
• Operate forklifts and other material handling equipment as needed to move materials, chemicals, and products safely within the facility.
• Perform inspections of equipment, production lines, and work areas to ensure proper operation, cleanliness, and compliance with plant standards.
• Follow all plant safety procedures and guidelines, especially when handling hazardous materials, working at heights, entering confined spaces, or working around high-temperature and pressurized equipment.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, including production and cleanroom environments, to support safe and efficient operations.
• Collaborate with other production operators and team members on all shifts to coordinate activities and support continuous plant operations.
• Adhere to company policies regarding personal protective equipment (PPE), dress code, and safe work practices at all times.
• Document operational activities, observations, and issues accurately, and communicate relevant information during shift handovers.

Essential Skills

• Experience operating production or refinery equipment in an industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency using Distributed Control Systems (DCS) or similar control systems to monitor and adjust process operations.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to understand how mechanical systems and equipment operate.
• Hands-on troubleshooting skills for identifying and addressing basic mechanical and process issues.
• Experience with quality control activities, including sampling, inspection, and supporting laboratory testing.
• Ability to operate forklifts and other material handling equipment safely, in accordance with site procedures.
• Experience with machine operating and use of hand tools in a production or construction environment.
• Comfort working in cleanroom or controlled environments when required by production processes.
• Valid driver's license.
• Basic computer proficiency for operating control systems, entering data, and completing documentation.
• Ability to routinely lift up to 75 lbs as part of daily job duties.
• Comfort working at heights and in confined spaces as required by plant operations.
• Ability to work safely around chemicals, pressurized steam, dust, heat, noise, and fumes.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to following safety procedures and operational instructions.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience in a refinery, chemical plant, or similar process manufacturing environment.
• Experience in mechanical, construction, or industrial maintenance work.
• Experience with inspection activities and production line monitoring.
• Familiarity with cleanroom protocols and contamination control practices.
• Interest in continuing education or training, including potential tuition support opportunities.
• Willingness to learn advanced process control and equipment maintenance techniques.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills to collaborate effectively with a small production team.
• Reliability and flexibility to work rotating 12-hour shifts, including nights and weekends as scheduled.

Why Work Here?

Employees benefit from a comprehensive package that supports both professional growth and personal well-being. The organization offers a 5% 401(k) match after one year of employment, helping you build long-term financial security. You start with three weeks of paid time off, seven paid holidays, and flex days to support work-life balance. Annual wage increases and end-of-year cash bonus opportunities recognize your contributions and performance. There are clear promotion opportunities, with evaluations typically occurring within 6–12 months, and advancement possible in as little as six months. In addition, there is potential access to tuition support, creating a strong pathway for career development and skill enhancement.

Work Environment

This role follows a 12-hour rotating shift schedule from 6:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., supporting continuous plant operations. You work in a climate-controlled facility but must also be comfortable working both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions. The environment includes exposure to chemicals, pressurized steam, dust, heat, noise, and fumes, and may require work in confined spaces and at heights. You join a team of roughly ten production operators on each shift, fostering close collaboration and teamwork. The dress code is casual, with steel-toed boots required, along with a hard hat, safety glasses, and additional personal protective equipment as needed. Uniforms are provided after a period of employment, and the facility emphasizes strict adherence to safety standards and PPE usage to ensure a safe working environment.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Ames, IA.

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $22.00/hr.

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.

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)

This is a fully onsite position in Ames,IA.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 28, 2026.

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

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.

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 meet 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 in solving 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.