Formulator/mixer

Job Title: Formulator 1st Shift Job Description

The Formulator plays a key role in safely processing raw materials and chemicals to produce high-quality finished products in a manufacturing plant. This position follows detailed batch records and recipes, operates formulation and mixing equipment, measures and verifies raw materials, and collects samples for quality control testing. The role is highly hands-on and physical, requiring regular lifting, climbing stairs to access tank tops, and working with a computer interface to monitor and control tank levels. The Formulator also completes production documentation accurately and performs additional work-related duties as assigned while working in a chemical plant environment with full protective uniform and respirator.

Responsibilities

• Read and follow batch records and recipes to ensure accurate formulation of products.

• Measure, weigh, and verify raw materials and chemicals using scales and measurement equipment to confirm correct amounts are added.

• Operate mixing and formulation equipment, including mixers, tanks, and related machinery, to combine raw materials into finished products.

• Use machines and tools to assist in dispensing and transferring raw materials into tanks, including pushing material out of large plastic bags with a mixing device.

• Safely operate lifting and handling equipment, such as cranes, to move large bags and containers of chemicals.

• Climb stairs and access elevated platforms to monitor and add materials at the top of tanks as required by the process.

• Use computer systems and control interfaces to operate, monitor, and adjust tank levels and process parameters.

• Take product samples during or after mixing and deliver them to the laboratory for quality control testing.

• Review and check balances and measurement readings to ensure the correct type and amount of raw material has been added.

• Accurately complete and sign off on production documents, batch records, and other required paperwork to maintain traceability and compliance.

• Follow detailed instructions, standard operating procedures, and safety guidelines at all times.

• Work independently while maintaining strong attention to detail and reporting any issues, deviations, or abnormalities in the process.

• Maintain a clean and organized work area in and around the formulation and mixing equipment.

• Collaborate with team members on a small formulation team to support production goals and resolve issues as they arise.

• Demonstrate physical strength and stamina to lift or move up to 50 pounds and perform physically demanding tasks throughout the shift.

• Adhere strictly to all safety, health, and environmental regulations, including the proper use of respirators, uniforms, and personal protective equipment.

• Remain open to performing other work-related duties as assigned to support overall plant operations.

Essential Skills

• 24 years of manufacturing experience preferred, with evidence of longer tenure in previous roles.

• Experience in machine operation, utility technician work, or production technician roles, particularly involving mixing or formulation.

• Ability to read and interpret batch records, recipes, and production instructions accurately.

• Proficiency in measuring and weighing chemicals and raw materials using scales and other measurement equipment.

• Basic math skills to calculate quantities, verify measurements, and confirm correct material amounts.

• Experience with chemical mixing, formulation, or chemical production processes.

• Ability to use RF scanners and related production technology as needed.

• Strong attention to detail for reporting, documentation, and quality checks.

• Ability to follow instructions carefully and work independently with minimal supervision.

• Demonstrated dependability, including reliable attendance and consistent performance.

• Physical ability to lift or move up to 50 pounds and perform repetitive, physically demanding tasks.

• High School Diploma or GED.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience as a mixer operator, formulation technician, or production technician in a chemical or manufacturing environment.

• Familiarity with quality control processes, including sampling and working with a lab to verify product quality.

• Comfort working around moving equipment, mechanical parts, fumes, airborne particles, chemicals, and biological hazards.

• Strong initiative and a go-getter mindset while remaining open to learning and feedback.

• Ability to listen, learn quickly, and collaborate effectively with a small, focused team.

• A reserved, heads-down working style that fits well in a production-focused environment.

• Commitment to safety, integrity, dependability, and proactive problem-solving.

Why Work Here?

You will join a growing site that has expanded significantly in recent years while maintaining a close, family-like culture. The environment emphasizes comfort, compassion, and support from both leaders and teammates, enabling employees to perform at a high level. The culture centers on core values of responsiveness, positive attitude, proactivity, integrity, dependability, and safety, and it is intentionally diverse and inclusive so everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered to succeed. You will benefit from a stable, on-site role in a national organization that still feels local and connected, with opportunities to grow your skills and transition from contract-to-hire as you demonstrate your capabilities.

Work Environment

This is a fully on-site role in a manufacturing and chemical plant environment located in Des Moines, Iowa. You will work around or near moving equipment, mechanical parts, fumes, airborne particles, chemicals, and potential biological hazards. The formulation team typically consists of 23 people who work in a focused, heads-down manner to meet production goals. The primary shift described is a 2nd shift, Monday through Friday, with start times between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. for 8- to 10-hour shifts, and there may also be schedules such as MondayThursday shifts during certain seasons. This opportunity is structured as contract-to-hire or potentially direct placement, depending on business needs. The dress code requires full uniforms, steel-toed boots, hair nets, and other personal protective equipment, including a respirator mask due to chemical exposure, and employees are asked to shower after their shift. The work is physically demanding and involves climbing stairs, lifting materials, and working on elevated platforms while using computers, RF scanners, scales, and other measurement and production equipment.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $21.00/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)

Job Type & Location

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

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 2, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Des Moines,IA.

About Aerotek

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.