Job Description

Job Summary

The Chemical Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating chemical processing equipment in a manufacturing environment while following established operating procedures, safety requirements, and quality standards. This role involves setting up and operating process equipment, loading and unloading materials, monitoring chemical reactions, adjusting operating controls, maintaining production records, and performing product sampling and testing. The ideal candidate has strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and the ability to work safely with industrial processing equipment.

General Responsibilities

• Safely operate a variety of chemical processing equipment, including reactors, reaction systems, distillation systems, filters, extractors, autoclaves, pumps, and centrifuges.

• Load and unload raw materials, intermediates, and finished products into and out of processing equipment.

• Set up, operate, and adjust equipment controls and indicating devices to maintain proper process conditions.

• Monitor chemical reactions and identify changes in chemical and physical properties or product composition.

• Adjust valves and controls to maintain specified temperature, pressure, and vacuum levels.

• Monitor equipment performance and respond appropriately to changes or abnormalities in operating conditions.

• Maintain accurate production logs, gauge readings, shift records, and equipment malfunction documentation.

• Collect product samples and perform required testing to verify products meet established specifications.

• Identify equipment and process issues and recommend improvements to production methods and equipment performance.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.

• Follow established safety, quality, environmental, and operating procedures.

• Complete required classroom and on-the-job training within established timeframes.

• Support production and operational needs by performing other duties as assigned.

Must-Have Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Successful completion of an operator training program or equivalent prior experience.

• Previous experience in chemical processing, manufacturing, production, or industrial equipment operation, or relevant transferable experience.

• Strong mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity.

• Ability to safely operate, monitor, and adjust industrial processing equipment.

• Ability to understand and follow detailed operating, safety, quality, and environmental procedures.

• Ability to monitor process conditions, including temperature, pressure, vacuum, valves, and equipment controls.

• Ability to recognize equipment abnormalities and changes in operating conditions.

• Ability to maintain accurate production records, equipment readings, and operating documentation.

• Strong attention to detail, safety awareness, and reliability.

• Ability to occasionally lift up to 65 pounds.

• Ability to wear a respirator when required.

• Adequate eyesight to safely monitor equipment, gauges, controls, and product samples.

• Ability to work overtime and flexible hours based on production requirements.

• Ability to complete 120 hours of on-the-job training within the first 90 days.

• Ability to complete RCRA General Awareness classroom training within the first six months and recurring annual training.

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Chemical Operator, Chemical Process Operator, Process Operator, Batch Operator, Reactor Operator, or Chemical Processing Technician.

• Hands-on experience operating reaction systems, distillation systems, filters, extractors, autoclaves, reactors, pumps, or centrifuges.

• Experience in chemical manufacturing, specialty chemicals, pharmaceutical manufacturing, or industrial processing environments.

• Experience monitoring chemical reactions and recognizing changes in chemical and physical properties.

• Knowledge of temperature, pressure, and vacuum control systems.

• Experience setting up and adjusting process controls, indicating devices, valves, and gauges.

• Experience with product sampling, testing, and quality control procedures.

• Experience maintaining production logs, shift records, and equipment malfunction reports.

• Mechanical troubleshooting or industrial equipment maintenance experience.

• Experience identifying opportunities to improve production methods, equipment performance, and operational efficiency.

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.

• Previous experience working in highly regulated manufacturing or processing environments.

Work Schedule & Training

• Multiple shift opportunities are available, including 1st and 3rd shifts.

• Candidates with directly relevant chemical processing experience, similar equipment experience, or a Chemistry or Engineering degree combined with mechanical experience will receive priority consideration for 1st shift.

• Candidates with transferable manufacturing, production, or industrial experience from other industries will generally be considered for 3rd shift.

• Must complete 120 hours of on-the-job training within the first 90 days.

• Must complete RCRA General Awareness classroom training within the first six months of employment.

• Annual RCRA General Awareness refresher training is required.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is mechanically inclined, safety-conscious, dependable, and detail-oriented, with hands-on experience operating industrial or chemical processing equipment. They should be comfortable monitoring production processes, adjusting equipment controls, troubleshooting basic operational issues, maintaining accurate records, and following established safety and quality procedures.

Candidates with direct chemical processing experience and familiarity with equipment such as reactors, distillation systems, filters, pumps, and centrifuges are strongly preferred for 1st shift consideration. Candidates with a Chemistry or Engineering degree combined with practical mechanical experience may also be considered for 1st shift. Individuals with general manufacturing, production, or transferable industrial experience will primarily be considered for 3rd shift.

You should be proficient in:

• Heavy Material Handling
• Aerospace Manufacturing
• Chemical Processing
• Equipment Operation
• Mechanical Troubleshooting
• Pressure Control
• Process Monitoring
• Product Sampling
• Quality Control
• Temperature Control