Job Title: Formulator II
Job Description
The Formulator II processes raw materials and chemicals according to detailed batch records to produce high-quality finished products in a manufacturing and chemical plant environment. This role operates mixing and measuring equipment, verifies material quantities, and supports quality control by preparing samples for laboratory testing. The position requires strong attention to detail, physical stamina, and the ability to follow procedures precisely while working safely on a fully on-site, 2nd shift schedule.
Responsibilities
- Read and interpret batch records and recipes to ensure accurate formulation of products.
- Measure and weigh raw materials and chemicals using scales, balances, and measurement equipment to confirm correct quantities.
- Operate mixers, tanks, and other formulation machinery to blend raw materials into final products.
- Use RF scanners and related equipment to track materials, inventory, and production steps.
- Lift, move, and position large bags of raw materials, using cranes and other equipment as needed to load materials into tanks.
- Push material out of bags using large mixing devices and ensure all product is properly transferred into processing equipment.
- Climb stairs and access elevated platforms to monitor and operate equipment at the top of tanks.
- Monitor tank levels and process parameters using computer systems and control panels, making adjustments as needed.
- Collect product samples during and after mixing and deliver them to the laboratory for quality control testing.
- Check balances and records to verify that the correct type and amount of raw materials were added for each batch.
- Complete and sign off on documentation and production records to confirm compliance with batch instructions and quality standards.
- Follow written and verbal instructions carefully while working independently and with minimal supervision.
- Report issues, discrepancies, or safety concerns promptly and accurately to maintain a safe and efficient operation.
- Maintain a clean and organized work area in accordance with plant and safety requirements.
- Adhere strictly to safety procedures, including proper use of respirators, uniforms, and personal protective equipment.
- Perform other work-related duties as assigned to support production, utilities, and related operations.
- Collaborate with a small formulation team, contributing to a focused, head-down work environment while supporting team goals.
Essential Skills
- 24 years of manufacturing experience, with longer tenure preferred.
- Hands-on experience as a machine operator, utility technician, or production technician in a manufacturing or chemical production environment.
- Ability to read and follow batch records, recipes, and production instructions accurately.
- Proficiency in measuring and weighing chemicals and raw materials using scales, balances, and other measurement equipment.
- Experience with chemical mixing, formulation, and mixer operation.
- Basic math skills to calculate, verify, and adjust material quantities and measurements.
- Familiarity with RF scanners for tracking materials and production activities.
- Strong attention to detail and accurate reporting of production data and observations.
- Ability to follow instructions carefully and work independently with minimal supervision.
- Demonstrated dependability and reliability in attendance, performance, and following through on tasks.
- Physical strength and stamina, including the ability to lift or move up to 50 pounds regularly.
- Comfort working around moving equipment, mechanical parts, fumes, airborne particles, chemicals, and biological hazards.
- High School Diploma or GED.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Prior experience in chemical production, formulation, or similar plant environments.
- Experience with quality control processes, including sample collection and coordination with laboratory staff.
- Ability to use computer-based systems to monitor and control tank levels and process conditions.
- Comfort operating cranes and other material-handling equipment for large bags and containers.
- Strong initiative and a go-getter mindset while remaining open to learning and not presenting as a know-it-all.
- Ability to learn quickly, listen actively, and collaborate effectively with a small, reserved, and focused team.
- Willingness to work contract-to-hire (CTH) or direct placement (DP) depending on business needs.
- Flexibility to adjust start times within the 2nd shift window (typically between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.) based on workload.
- Comfort working in a family-like, values-driven culture that emphasizes responsiveness, attitude, proactivity, integrity, dependability, and safety.
Why Work Here?
Employees join a culture that feels like family, where leaders and teammates foster comfort, compassion, and support, enabling people to perform at a high level. The organization emphasizes core values of being responsive, maintaining a positive attitude, staying proactive, acting with integrity, being dependable, and prioritizing safety. The Des Moines site has experienced significant growth over the last several years, adding multiple buildings while preserving a close-knit, family-like atmosphere. Team members benefit from a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone is encouraged to feel safe, valued, and given the opportunity to succeed, with clear pathways for long-term growth and stability through contract-to-hire and direct placement options.
Work Environment
This is a fully on-site role within a manufacturing and chemical plant facility in Des Moines, Iowa. The position is on 2nd shift, typically Monday through Friday, with start times generally between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., and 8- to 10-hour shifts depending on workload. The environment includes moving equipment, mechanical parts, and exposure to fumes, airborne particles, chemicals, and biological hazards. Teams are small, with 23 people on each formulation team, and the culture is more reserved, with employees focused on their work in a head-down manner. You will use mixers, tanks, RF scanners, scales, measurement equipment, and computer systems to monitor and control production processes. Dress requirements include full uniforms, steel-toed boots, hair nets, and appropriate personal protective equipment such as respirators due to chemical exposure. You will be expected to shower after your shift as part of safety and hygiene protocols.
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 $21.75 - $21.75/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.