Chemical Production Operator

About the role

The Operator will work on the production floor of Stepan’s chemical plant, controlling equipment and processes to ensure safe and efficient chemical reactions. This role involves monitoring reactors, adjusting control settings, and supporting product quality and yield.

Key responsibilities

• Operate and tend to processing equipment, adjusting control settings to manage reaction speed, quality, and yields.
• Start pumps, operate control valves, and manage washing and rinsing of reactor vessels.
• Interpret reaction data from sight glasses, local instruments, and HMI/PLC monitors.
• Load and unload trailers, rail cars, totes, and drums; stage materials and manage inventory.
• Regulate flow of products and by‑products through agitator tanks, storage drums, and neutralizer tanks.
• Conduct equipment washouts and calculate material requirements using provided formulas.
• Record operating data, instrument readings, and test results; draw product samples for quality control.
• Communicate with technical and supervisory staff to resolve safety, efficiency, or quality issues.

Required profile

• Ability to follow detailed operating procedures and safety guidelines.
• Strong attention to visual and instrument cues indicating process conditions.
• Basic math skills for calculating yields and material requirements.
• Willingness to work in a manufacturing environment with shift schedules.

Required skills

• Experience with HMI/PLC monitoring systems.
• Operation of control valves and pump systems.
• Reading and interpreting flow meters and other process instruments.
• Use of panel boards and semi‑automatic equipment.