Chemical Operator - Trainee - Louisville, KY

Bakelite; Riverside Gardens (KY); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Robust benefits

Career development

Job summary

Bakelite is seeking a Chemical Operator to keep our Louisville, KY manufacturing lines running safely and efficiently. You’ll operate automated and manual equipment, monitor production data, and perform in-process testing to ensure quality.

You'll follow safety procedures (Lockout/Tagout, PPE) and contribute to continuous improvement projects that enhance safety, efficiency, and product quality. A 2+ year background in chemical manufacturing is preferred, with hands-on tools experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience in a chemical plant, petrochemical, or industrial manufacturing environment preferred.
• Must be able to lift 55 lbs and work in non-temperature-controlled environments.
• Must pass background check, drug screen, and physical exam.
• Must be at least 18 years old.

Responsibilities

• Operate chemical manufacturing processes using both automated and manual control systems.
• Monitor production data, identify trends, troubleshoot, and adjust operations in real time.
• Conduct in-process and final product testing to ensure quality; operate and maintain testing equipment.
• Safely handle dry and wet raw materials, including powders, flakes, and resins, and support shipping/receiving activities.
• Perform minor maintenance using basic hand tools.
• Follow all safety procedures, report concerns promptly, and comply with OSHA, PSM, and environmental regulations.
• Collaborate on improvement projects that enhance safety, efficiency, and product quality.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Troubleshooting

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Problem solving

MS Office basics

Education

High School Diploma / GED

Associate degree

Tools

SAP

DeltaV

Wonderware

Job description

Chemical Operator: The Impact You’ll Have On The Organization and World

• You’ll be part of operations that keep our facilities running safely and efficiently. You’ll gain deep knowledge of our chemical manufacturing processes and play a critical role in ensuring safety, quality, and operational excellence.

• You’ll be a hands-on operator. You’ll learn to run a wide variety of chemical manufacturing equipment—from bagging systems and material handling to batch and continuous process reactors.
• You will help keep our people safe. You’ll follow safety-first practices and procedures (like Lockout/Tagout, confined space entry, and PPE requirements) while contributing to a culture that puts safety above all.
• You’ll ensure quality products. You’ll test, monitor, and adjust production in real time to maintain product quality, using both automated (DCS/PLC) and manual systems.
• You will be part of continuous improvement. You’ll collaborate with the team on projects and initiatives that make our processes safer, more efficient, and more sustainable.
• You’ll grow your career. From material handling and packaging to mastering the complexities of chemical reactors, you’ll have a clear development path within our manufacturing operations.

It’s Better with Bakelite: Our Commitment Back to You

• You’ll Help Shape Our Future. As a Bakelite associate, you’re part of a diverse, global population creating the next generation of the company and we expect you to put your fingerprint on it.
• We Champion Our Associates. At Bakelite, you don’t just climb the career ladder – you pave your personal path through continued learning and development.
• Together, We Will Protect the Planet. From our processes to our products, we are focusing on the opportunities that both grow our profitability as a company, and improve and protect the planet.
• Safety is a Core Value. At Bakelite, safety is a 24/7 mindset. We are all safe today to ensure we are able to show up tomorrow – for our families and friends, for each other and for our communities.
• We Care. Plain and simple, we care about our associates. From the top on down, we place a high value on our culture and the associate experience. We offer competitive compensation, robust benefits and support our associates every step of their career.

Life in Louisville:

Louisville is Kentucky’s biggest city and the “Gateway to the South.” It’s located on the Ohio River and is just over the Indiana border.

• Louisville is home to the Kentucky Derby, an annual horse race with a long history that takes place at Churchill Downs.
• There are lots of attractions to explore in downtown Louisville, including the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, where Major League Baseball bats are produced.
• Louisville was named among the top 50 Best Places to Live in 2024 by U.S. News & World Report.
• Love to travel? You’re minutes from the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, where you can hop a flight to anywhere in the world.

• Learn more about Louisville

What Does a Typical Day Look Like?

Here are your primary responsibilities:

• Operate chemical manufacturing processes using both automated and manual control systems.
• Monitor production data, identify trends, troubleshoot, and adjust operations in real time.
• Conduct in-process and final product testing to ensure quality; operate and maintain testing equipment.
• Safely handle dry and wet raw materials, including powders, flakes, and resins, and support shipping/receiving activities.
• Perform minor maintenance using basic hand tools.
• Follow all safety procedures, report concerns promptly, and comply with OSHA, PSM, and environmental regulations.
• Collaborate on improvement projects that enhance safety, efficiency, and product quality.

What is Needed to be Successful in this Role (Required Skills/Abilities):

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in a chemical plant, petrochemical, or industrial manufacturing environment preferred.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to perform basic hand tool maintenance.
• Troubleshooting and problem-solving experience in a manufacturing setting.
• Ability to work in non-temperature-controlled environments, including outdoor and multi-level facilities in extreme conditions.
• Must pass a proficiency exam, physical abilities test, drug screen, background check, and physical exam.
• Ability to lift 55 lbs.

Willing and able to:

• Use PPE (safety shoes, hard hats, respirators, acid suits, SCBA, etc.).
• Work at heights with fall protection.
• Obtain HazMat certification if not already certified.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, SharePoint).
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and in team settings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher in Production Technology, Engineering Technology, or related field.
• Certifications or training in HazMat, Fire Brigade, or Emergency Response.
• Previous forklift certification.
• Experience with SAP and process control systems (Delta V, Wonderware).
• Prior experience maintaining production equipment in a chemical manufacturing environment.