Chemical Plant Operator

Stepan Company; Elwood (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Chemical Operator to join their team. In this role, you will manage chemical processes, ensuring quality and safety in a collaborative environment. You will operate equipment, monitor reactions, and conduct quality tests, all while adhering to strict safety and environmental standards. This position offers a stable and growing career path in a company committed to sustainability and diversity. If you are detail-oriented and ready to make a difference, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Stable & Growing

Collaborative Environment

Make a Difference & Be Recognized

Committed to Safety & Sustainability

Value Driven Culture

Qualifications

• High School diploma required; 3 years of experience in a manufacturing environment preferred.
• Strong communication skills and attention to detail are essential.

Responsibilities

• Operate equipment to control chemical processes and ensure safety and quality.
• Monitor instruments and conduct quality control tests to meet standards.

Skills

Communication Skills

Attention to Detail

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

3 Years of Operators’ Experience

Petro Chemical Certificate

Tools

HMI/PLC

Control Valves

Flow Meters

Job description

Applicants must satisfy job qualifications including work authorization, residence and/or language skills for the country in which the job is located unless Company-sponsorship is specifically stated as available.

Job Description

The successful candidate will be responsible for operating or tending to equipment in order to control chemical changes or reactions in the processing of chemicals at Stepan Millsdale.

1. Moving control settings to make necessary adjustments on equipment units affecting speeds of chemical reactions, quality, and yields.
2. Start pumps and/or operate control valves to wash and rinse reactor vessels, to exhaust gases and vapors, to regulate the flow of oil, steam, air, and to add products to blending vessels.
3. Interpret chemicals reactions visible through sight glasses, on local instruments and gauges, or on HMI/PLC (Human Machine Interface/Programmable Logic Controller) monitors, and review laboratory test reports for process adjustments.
4. Load and unload trailers, rail cars, totes, and drums.
5. Perform material staging for the production areas, tote washing, receiving, and putting materials into storage locations, inventory consolidation.
6. Operate valves to regulate flow of products or byproducts through agitator tanks, storage drums, or neutralizer tanks.
7. Conduct equipment washouts as directed.
8. Calculate material requirements or yields according to formulas.
9. Monitor recording instruments, flow meters, panel lights, and other indicators, as well as listen for warning signals, in order to verify conformity of process conditions.
10. Control or operate chemical processes or systems of machines, using panel boards, control boards, or semi-automatic equipment.
11. Record operating data such as process conditions, test results, and instrument readings.
12. Confer with technical and supervisory personnel to report or resolve conditions affecting safety, efficiency, and product quality or the environment.
13. Draw samples of products, and conduct quality control tests in order to monitor processing, and to ensure that standards are met.
14. Patrol work areas to ensure that solutions in tanks and troughs are not in danger of overflowing.
15. Notify maintenance and other auxiliary personnel to correct equipment malfunctions, and to adjust power, steam, water, or air supplies.
16. Perform regular product and raw material inventory. Gauge tank levels, using calibrated rods.
17. Defrost frozen valves, using steam hoses.
18. Regulate or shut down equipment during emergency situations, as directed by supervisory personnel.
19. Support all Environmental, Health, and Safety programs, policies, and regulations.
20. General housekeeping duties as assigned.
21. Participate and maintain compliance related activities including internal and external audits for applicable standards and certifications such as ISO 9001:2015, EFfCI, FSSC 22000, Kosher, Halal, RSPO, ISCC+ and others.

Qualifications and Education

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• 3 years of operators’ experience in a manufacturing environment with hazardous materials.
• Petro Chemical Certificate from Joliet Junior College (preferred).
• Strong communication skills both written and verbal.
• Detail oriented.
• Work 12-hour rotational shifts, including some weekends and holiday work.

Starting hourly rate: $39.58. Rate will increase according to the collective bargaining agreement.

Established in 1932, Stepan Company is a major manufacturer of basic and intermediate chemicals including surfactants, polymers, as well as specialty ingredients that go into consumer, household, and institutional products such as laundry detergents, shampoos, and surface cleaners.

We celebrate diversity at Stepan and are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive environment. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Why Work At Stepan?

• Stable & Growing
• Collaborative Environment
• Make a Difference & Be Recognized
• Committed to Safety & Sustainability
• Value Driven Culture