Process Operator

Job Title: Process Operator

Job Description

This role focuses on monitoring and controlling key process parameters such as temperature, pH, and flow, performing in-house testing, and supporting both utility and fermentation operations in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and feed raw materials into the batch-making process according to established procedures.
• Monitor and control process parameters, including temperature, pH, and flow, to maintain optimal fermentation conditions.
• Perform in-house testing for pH and ethanol levels using an ethanol meter and other laboratory tools.
• Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) for ethanol and pH testing, including proper calibration of the ethanol meter.
• Operate control room systems and logic controllers to adjust and maintain process conditions.
• Check product temperature regularly and document readings to support quality control and traceability.
• Conduct quality control checks throughout the production process to ensure product meets specifications.
• Hook up and disconnect hoses safely and correctly to support material transfer and cleaning operations.
• Clean and maintain tanks, equipment, and work areas to support plant cleanliness and food safety standards.
• Perform general labor tasks as needed to support ongoing production and utility operations.
• Work both indoors and outdoors, including in varying weather conditions, to support plant operations.
• Climb ladders or equipment as required to access tanks, lines, or control points safely.
• Train on both utility operator and fermentation operator processes to provide coverage across functions.
• Handle some fermentation operator responsibilities when other operators are busy with additional duties.
• Multi-task effectively in a fast-paced, production-driven environment while maintaining attention to detail.
• Support plant performance goals related to customer complaints, budget adherence, and cleanliness.
• Be available to work overtime as needed to cover vacations, call-outs, and production demands.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 2 years of manufacturing experience, preferably in a fast-paced, production-driven food environment.
• Experience with control room operations and process monitoring.
• Working knowledge of biology and chemistry principles relevant to fermentation and food production.
• Ability to perform quality control testing, including pH and ethanol measurements.
• Experience using and calibrating meters and instruments, such as an ethanol meter.
• Ability to monitor and manage temperature, pH, and flow parameters during production.
• Comfort with general labor tasks, including cleaning tanks and maintaining equipment.
• Ability to climb and work at heights as needed for tank and equipment access.
• Skill in safely hooking up and disconnecting hoses for material transfer and cleaning.
• Capability to work in and out of the plant in varying weather conditions.
• Strong multi-tasking skills and ability to stay focused in a fast-paced environment.
• Resilience and ability to remain calm and not easily overwhelmed by changing priorities.
• Basic understanding of logic controllers and automated process control systems.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Familiarity with food safety and cleanliness standards in manufacturing environments.
• Comfort working 12-hour shifts on a rotating schedule, including days and nights.
• Willingness to cross-train in both utility and fermentation operator roles.
• Ability to work overtime as needed to support team coverage and production requirements.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail in monitoring and adjusting processes.
• Self-starter attitude with a willingness to take initiative and learn new processes.

Why Work Here?

Employees have clear opportunities to progress into other roles throughout the plant, allowing them to build long-term careers and expand their skills. The organization rewards development and performance with structured pay increases following successful training, a competitive 401(k) match, and monthly bonuses tied to quality, budget, and cleanliness metrics. Team members work within a culture that values continuous improvement, safety, and collaboration, while offering a schedule that provides extended periods of time off across the year.

Work Environment

The role follows a 3-on, 3-off rotating schedule, alternating between 6 a.m.–6 p.m. and 6 p.m.–6 a.m. shifts, resulting in working approximately half the days in a year due to the 12-hour shift structure. Work takes place in a manufacturing plant environment that includes both indoor and outdoor areas, with exposure to varying weather conditions. The position involves operating control room systems and logic controllers, performing hands-on tasks such as climbing, hooking up hoses, and cleaning tanks, and supporting both utility and fermentation operations. Employees must be available for overtime to cover vacations and call-outs, and they work within a production-driven food environment that emphasizes cleanliness, safety, and adherence to standard operating procedures.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Memphis, TN.

The pay range for this position is $21.50 - $21.50/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 Memphis,TN.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 3, 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.