Chemical Operator

W3Global; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

W3Global is seeking a Chemical Operator in Pittsburgh to safely operate chemical processing equipment and support production activities in line with procedures, safety rules, and quality standards.

Depending on experience, responsibilities range from learning basic operations to independently managing process equipment, troubleshooting, training other operators, and coordinating shift activities while maintaining rigorous logs and ensuring product specifications.

Qualifications

• Experience in chemical processing or process operations preferred.
• Completion of a chemical/operator training program preferred.
• Strong mechanical and manual dexterity.
• Ability to follow detailed operating procedures.
• Ability to monitor equipment and production data.
• Commitment to safety and quality.
• Experience training operators and coordinating shifts for senior level.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor chemical processing equipment and supporting production activities.
• Safely load and unload materials into process equipment.
• Set up, operate, and adjust control devices.
• Monitor reactions and record data on changes in properties and composition.
• Adjust valves and controls to maintain temperature, pressure, and vacuum.
• Maintain logs of gauge readings, production activity, and malfunctions.
• Draw samples and test products to ensure specifications.
• Inspect equipment and report issues; assist with troubleshooting and maintenance.
• Identify opportunities to improve methods, equipment, and efficiency.
• Promote safety and quality initiatives; respond to emergencies as needed.
• Senior operators may coordinate shifts and train others.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Manual dexterity

Mathematics

Reading comprehension

Attention to detail

Safety awareness

Under pressure

Education

Chemical/operator training program

Job description

Job Summary

The Chemical Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating chemical processing equipment and supporting chemical production activities in accordance with established operating procedures, safety requirements, and quality standards.

Depending on experience level, the position may range from learning basic chemical processing operations to independently operating complex process equipment, troubleshooting equipment and processes, training other operators, and coordinating shift activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor a variety of chemical processing equipment, including:
  • Reaction systems
  • Distillation systems
  • Filters
  • Extractors
  • Autoclaves
  • Reactors
  • Pumps
  • Centrifuges
• Safely load and unload raw materials, intermediates, and finished products into and out of process equipment.
• Set up, operate, and adjust indicating and controlling devices.
• Monitor and record chemical reactions, including changes in chemical and physical properties and composition.
• Adjust valves and controls to maintain required temperature, pressure, and vacuum levels.
• Maintain accurate logs of gauge readings, production activity, and equipment malfunctions.
• Draw product samples and perform testing to ensure products meet specifications.
• Inspect equipment for malfunctions and mechanical defects and report issues appropriately.
• Support troubleshooting and, where qualified, perform maintenance and repair of chemical processing equipment.
• Identify opportunities to improve production methods, equipment performance, operating efficiency, and working conditions.
• Follow established operating procedures and maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Promote and support company safety and quality initiatives.
• Respond appropriately to emergency situations and immediately address or report activities that may pose a safety risk.
• Experienced operators may train other operations personnel in chemical process setup, equipment operation, safety, maintenance, and repair.
• Senior-level operators may coordinate chemical operations and employee activities during assigned shifts.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required & Preferred Qualifications

• Previous chemical processing, process operations, manufacturing, production, or equivalent industrial experience is preferred.
• Completion of a chemical/operator training program or equivalent experience is preferred for experienced-level positions.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity.
• Strong mathematical and reading skills.
• Ability to understand and follow detailed operating procedures.
• Ability to monitor equipment, process conditions, and production data accurately.
• Strong attention to safety and quality.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure.
• Senior-level candidates should have experience training operators, coordinating shift activities, troubleshooting processes, or supporting equipment maintenance.

Physical & Work Requirements

• Ability to occasionally lift up to 65 lbs. from the knees and waist.
• Adequate eyesight to perform required job functions.
• Ability to wear a respirator when required.
• Ability to work overtime and flexible hours when needed.
• Ability to work safely around chemical processing equipment and production environments.

Training

• New hires will complete required classroom training for RCRA General Awareness within the first 6 months of employment, with recurring training completed annually.
• 120 hours of on-the-job training will be completed within the first 90 days of employment.
• Training and responsibilities will vary based on the individual's experience and operator level.

Level Considerations

Chemical Operator - Trainee / II / III

Chemical Operator II

Experienced operator capable of independently operating chemical processing equipment and demonstrating competency with process controls, monitoring, documentation, sampling, and production activities.

Chemical Operator III

Senior-level operator with extensive chemical process equipment knowledge who may train other operators, coordinate shift activities, respond to emergency situations, troubleshoot equipment, and support maintenance and repair activities.