Chemical Operator

Redwood Materials; Reno (NV); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Redwood Materials is seeking a Chemical Operator in Reno, NV to safely run and monitor chemical processing systems on a continuously operating production line. You will own assigned equipment, follow standard work, and respond to alarms and process deviations with timely, data-driven actions.

This role emphasizes safety first, proper documentation, routine startup/shutdown, and collaboration with Engineering, Maintenance, and Manufacturing teams to ensure product quality and environmental and

Qualifications

• Basic understanding of chemical plant operations and safety practices.
• Ability to follow procedures precisely and maintain situational awareness.
• Willingness to learn and document operating conditions accurately.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor a continuously running production line using standard work and limits.
• Use data and alarms to make timely corrective actions and avoid deviations.
• Own equipment, inspect and document operating conditions and actions.
• Execute startups, shutdowns, and transitions per instructions.
• Communicate status and risks with engineering, maintenance, and manufacturing teams.

Skills

Safety mindset

Procedural discipline

Attention to detail

HMIs navigation

HAZWOPER cert

Communication

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Ignition HMIs

Process controls

Pumps & valves

Job description

About Redwood Materials

Redwood is localizing a global battery supply chain that seamlessly integrates recovery, reuse, and recycling - keeping critical minerals in circulation and driving the energy transition. Founded in 2017, we’re delivering low-cost and large-scale energy storage and producing battery materials in the U.S. for the first time, all from batteries we already have.

The Chemical Operator is a safety critical role responsible for the safe, disciplined operation of chemical processing systems in a continuously operating manufacturing environment. Operators are entrusted with real time decision making authority while on shift and are expected to actively monitor process conditions, identify risk, and take appropriate action to protect people, equipment, the environment, and product quality.

Chemical Operators take full ownership of their equipment and processes. They are expected to operate with a strong sense of accountability, follow standard work rigorously, elevate abnormal conditions early, and intervene when conditions are unsafe or outside of established operating limits. Safety is the top priority in every task and decision.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Safety, Risk Awareness, and Escalation

• Maintain an uncompromising commitment to personal, team, and process safety always.
• Proactively identify unsafe conditions, at risk behaviors, and abnormal process conditions; immediately correct when safe to do so and elevate when conditions exceed authority or capability.
• Follows all safety procedures, permits, and controls (including PPE, LOTO, and hazardous material handling) and actively reinforce safe behaviors within the team.
• Clearly communicate safety concerns, near misses, and abnormal events during shift handovers and through proper reporting channels.

Operational Discipline & Decision Making

• Operate, monitor, and control a continuously running production line using established procedures, standard work, and operating limits.
• Use process data, instrumentation, and alarms (temperature, pressure, pH, flow, etc.) to make informed decisions and take timely corrective actions.
• Recognize early indicators of process deviation or equipment degradation and respond before issues escalates.
• Maintain strict adherence to process limits and specifications; do not bypass safeguards or procedures.
• Execute startups, shutdowns, and transition deliberately and in accordance with approved instructions.

Equipment Ownership & Process Execution

• Own assigned equipment and process areas, ensuring they are operated, inspected, and maintained in a stable and compliant condition.
• Operate a wide range of chemical processing and material handling equipment, including but not limited to:
• Holding tanks, utility manifolds, and bulk material conveyance systems
• Centrifugal and metering pumps
• Heat exchangers, filters, centrifuges, and filter presses
• Kilns, evaporators, and wastewater treatment systems
• Perform routine field rounds, sampling, and basic troubleshooting activities.
• Accurately document operating conditions, deviations, and actions taken.

Sampling, Quality, and Communication

• Collect in process and finished product samples in accordance with procedures and verify results against expected parameters.
• Communicate process status, risks, and issues clearly with Engineering, Maintenance, and Manufacturing teams.
• Execute thorough, factual, and disciplined shift handovers to ensure continuity and shared understanding across shifts.
• Support troubleshooting, maintenance coordination, and continuous improvement efforts when required.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Basic working knowledge of chemical plant operations and process equipment (6 months of experience preferred).
• Demonstrated ability to follow procedures precisely while maintaining situational awareness and sound judgment.
• Strong attention to detail with accurate documentation and record keeping habits.
• Comfortable navigating complex HMIs (e.g., Ignition) to monitor, control, and troubleshooting processes.
• Knowledge of hazardous materials handling; HAZWOPER certification or ability to obtain certification.
• Willingness to speak up, elevate issues early, and challenge unsafe conditions respectfully.
• A passion for sustainability and contributing to a safer, more responsible manufacturing environment.

The position is full-time. Compensation will be commensurate with experience.

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