Distillation Operator

Job Title: Distillation Operator (Open to candidates with Blending Technician experience)

Pay: Depending on experience & interview

Shift: 12 hour shifts (both day and night shift available)

Location: Lakeland, FL area

Candidates must have experience with either blending or distillation to be considered for this position.

Job Description

This role combines hands-on forklift operation with batch blending and material handling in a chemical manufacturing environment. You will execute batch blending operations using liquid and semi-volatile raw materials, operate distillation and processing equipment, and support a GMP-compliant production process. The position requires strong attention to detail, adherence to safety and quality standards, and comfort working around citrus-based chemicals and fragrances.

Responsibilities

• Execute batch blending operations using liquid and semi-volatile raw materials such as terpenes, citrus oils, aldehydes, and alcohols.
• Follow batch sheets, formulations, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure accurate weighing, addition, and mixing of ingredients.
• Operate fractional distillation units, wiped film evaporators, and short-path distillation systems as part of the production process.
• Monitor and adjust key process parameters, including temperature profiles, reflux ratios, vacuum levels, and flow rates, to maintain optimal operating conditions.
• Manage and operate supporting utilities and equipment such as boilers, condensers, chillers, heat exchangers, and reboilers for distillation operations.
• Set up, operate, and clean tanks, reactors, piping, pumps, distillation columns, and blending machines in accordance with GMP and safety standards.
• Perform batch blending and chemical formulation processing, including batching, batch mixing, and completion of batch documentation.
• Apply in-process quality control practices to ensure products meet GMP and ISO standards and internal quality requirements.
• Handle and process terpene and essential oil materials, including citrus-based chemicals, in a safe and controlled manner.
• Operate a forklift to move raw materials, intermediate products, and finished goods throughout the facility.
• Support chemical manufacturing activities by operating process equipment and following chemical safety guidelines.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area, including proper cleaning and preparation of equipment between batches.
• Collaborate with team members and follow direction from production leadership to meet production schedules and output targets.
• Accurately document production activities, process parameters, and quality checks in accordance with GMP and ISO requirements.

Essential Skills

• Proven forklift operating experience in a manufacturing or warehouse environment.
• Hands-on experience with distillation operations or distillation processes, including fractional, vacuum, and steam distillation.
• Experience with batch blending and chemical formulation processing.
• Ability to operate process equipment such as distillation units, wiped film evaporators, short-path distillation systems, tanks, reactors, pumps, and blending machines.
• Familiarity with GMP-compliant manufacturing and in-process quality control practices.
• Understanding of chemical safety principles and safe handling of liquid and semi-volatile raw materials.
• Ability to follow batch sheets, formulations, and SOPs with strong attention to detail.
• Comfort working with terpene, essential oil, and fragrance materials, including citrus-based chemicals.
• Capability to monitor and adjust process conditions such as temperature, vacuum, and flow rates.
• Basic knowledge of equipment such as condensers, heat exchangers, chillers, boilers, and reboilers.
• Ability to complete batch documentation accurately and consistently in a GMP or GMP/ISO environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in a GMP or GMP/ISO manufacturing environment.
• Exposure to DCS or other process control systems for monitoring and adjusting process parameters.
• Experience in chemical manufacturing, fragrance, or essential oil processing.
• Experience with quality control procedures in a production setting.
• Willingness to work at a newer production site and contribute to establishing best practices and standards.

Why Work Here?

You will join a growing operation at a new site, offering the opportunity to work with modern equipment and help shape efficient, high-quality production processes. The environment values safety, quality, and continuous improvement, giving you the chance to deepen your skills in chemical processing, blending, and forklift operation. You will work within a structured GMP framework that supports professional development and fosters teamwork, reliability, and accountability.

Work Environment

This role is based at a new manufacturing site operating in a non-climate-controlled facility, where temperatures may vary with the seasons. The production area has a strong citrus and orange smell due to terpene, essential oil, and fragrance processing. You will work around industrial process equipment, including distillation units, tanks, pumps, condensers, heat exchangers, boilers, chillers, and blending machinery, and will regularly operate a forklift to move materials. The position follows 12-hour shifts, either 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., depending on scheduling needs. Appropriate industrial work attire and use of required personal protective equipment are expected to ensure safety and comfort in this production environment.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lakeland, FL.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $25.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Lakeland,FL.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 10, 2026.

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.