Job Title: 2nd Spray Dry Operator
Job Description
The 2nd Spray Dry Operator plays a key role in a GMP food manufacturing environment by safely operating spray dry machinery, accurately batching and mixing raw materials, and ensuring products are filled, packed, and labeled according to strict quality and safety standards. This position works on 2nd shift from 2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., with overtime as needed, and includes initial training on 1st shift (Monday-Thursday, 4:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.). The role requires strong attention to detail, comfort working with powders and liquids, and the ability to operate material handling equipment such as forklifts while following all safety and GMP procedures.
Responsibilities
Use the computer system to follow work orders and handle all related production documentation accurately.
Fill liquids and powders into tanks, ensuring correct quantities and adherence to formulas and batch instructions.
Use scales to obtain precise measurements of liquids and raw materials according to specified formulas.
Select the appropriate tank based on manufacturing requirements and batch size, following work order instructions.
Pick required raw materials from the raw material warehouse according to the formula and manufacturing requirements.
Scan raw materials using handheld barcode scanners to verify lot numbers and quantities for accuracy and traceability.
Stage raw materials and add them to the tank in the correct sequence and amounts as outlined in the manufacturing instructions.
Operate forklifts (stand-up and sit-down) as needed to move raw materials and finished product around the production floor and warehouse.
Retrieve raw materials from the warehouse and deliver them to the spray dry area to support compounding and batching activities.
Return unused or partially used raw materials back to the warehouse after usage by compounders, ensuring proper documentation and storage.
Conduct cycle counts on raw materials to maintain accurate inventory levels and support inventory control processes.
Operate spray dry machinery and related equipment safely and efficiently in a production environment.
According to sales orders, fill and pack finished product, ensuring accurate weight, proper use of specified sifter screens, and correct application of labels.
Follow GMP guidelines, safety procedures, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) at all times.
Use ERP systems and handheld barcode scanners to track materials, batches, and inventory movements as required.
Pay close attention to detail when reviewing batch records and documentation to ensure compliance and product quality.
Work collaboratively with other departments and remain open to cross-training and assisting in different areas as production needs require.
Wear and properly use required safety equipment, including respirator protection when needed, and follow lockout procedures and forklift safety protocols.
Lift and move materials and equipment up to 50 pounds, including large blenders and other production components.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in accordance with GMP and company standards.
Essential Skills
Experience receiving product using a forklift, including both stand-up and sit-down trucks.
Machine operation experience with spray dry machinery in a production or manufacturing environment.
Experience retrieving raw materials from a warehouse and delivering them to the spray dry or compounding area based on production needs.
Prior experience in compounding, blending, batching, or machine operation in a food or GMP-regulated environment.
Ability to operate a forklift safely and effectively.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, including lifting and handling large blenders and other equipment.
Ability to follow GMP, safety guidelines, and standard operating procedures consistently.
Ability to pay close attention to detail when reviewing batch records and production documentation.
Comfort working in environments with various smells and handling food or chemical ingredients.
Basic computer knowledge and the ability to handle written compounding materials and production documentation.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience using ERP systems and handheld barcode scanners for inventory and production tracking.
Experience working in a warehouse or logistics environment, with exposure to material handling equipment.
Training or familiarity with forklift safety, respirator protection, lockout procedures, and GMP requirements.
Experience with GMP food manufacturing, compounding, blending, batch making, and mixing processes.
Experience with material handling in a chemical, food, or related manufacturing environment.
Familiarity with standard operating procedures (SOPs) and batch-making documentation.
Ability to conduct cycle counting on raw materials and support inventory control activities.
Comfort working with spray dry processes and related equipment, supported by available training resources and visual guides.
Why Work Here?
Employees benefit from a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support their health, financial security, and long-term growth. Eligible team members have access to medical, dental, and vision coverage, including prescription drug benefits, along with Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts. Additional protection comes through short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, and accident and critical illness insurance. The company supports financial well-being with a 401(k) plan featuring company matching and an education savings plan. Work-life balance is encouraged through paid time off and paid holidays, while ongoing growth is supported with educational assistance and professional development opportunities. Employees also enjoy discounts and service recognition programs, reflecting a culture that values contribution, loyalty, and continuous improvement.
Work Environment
This role is based in a GMP food manufacturing environment that emphasizes cleanliness, safety, and adherence to strict quality standards. The position operates primarily on 2nd shift from 2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., with overtime as needed, and includes initial training on 1st shift (Monday-Thursday, 4:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.). The work involves operating spray dry machinery, handling powders and liquids, and working around various food and chemical ingredients, which may include noticeable smells. Team members regularly use forklifts (stand-up and sit-down), material handling equipment, scales, tanks, and ERP systems with handheld barcode scanners. The environment requires consistent use of GMP practices, safety procedures, and, when necessary, respirator protection and lockout protocols. The role is physically active, requiring the ability to lift up to 50 pounds and to move materials around the production floor and warehouse while maintaining a clean, organized, and compliant workspace.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of NORTHBROOK, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $26.00 - $28.00/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 NORTHBROOK,IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 18, 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 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.
