Chemical Processing Operator

BWX Technologies; Jonesboro (AR); On-site; USD 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plans

Professional development

Job summary

BWX Technologies, Inc. is seeking a Chemical Processing Operator to support safe and efficient processing of depleted uranium materials in a controlled industrial setting.

You will work with operations supervision, radiological control, engineering, and maintenance teams to meet production goals while upholding strict safety standards. On-site in Jonesborough, TN, the role requires following procedures, handling hazardous materials, and using PPE.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Five or more years of experience in chemical processing, manufacturing, or industrial operations.
• Experience with hazardous materials; DU or radiological environment experience preferred.
• Ability to follow detailed procedures in a highly regulated environment.
• Basic understanding of process systems and industrial equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to wear required PPE and work in controlled or radiological environments.
• Proficiency in basic computer applications for data entry and recordkeeping.

Responsibilities

• Operate chemical processing equipment and systems per procedures and work instructions.
• Monitor process parameters to ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Safely handle, transfer, and process depleted uranium and related materials.
• Label, store, and track materials to meet regulatory and site requirements.
• Follow safety, radiological, environmental, and operational procedures.
• Use PPE and adhere to contamination control and hazardous material handling standards.
• Record data and report production status to supervision.
• Maintain logs, batch records, and operational documentation.
• Support maintenance activities, including shutdowns, startups, and equipment isolations.
• Collaborate with supervisors, engineers, maintenance, and radiological control personnel.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Follow procedures

Teamwork

Basic computer skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree preferred

Tools

Basic computer applications

Job description

At BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BWXT), we are People Strong, Innovation Driven. A U.S.-based company, BWXT is a Fortune 1000 and Defense News Top 100 manufacturing and engineering innovator that provides safe and effective nuclear solutions for global security, clean energy, environmental restoration, nuclear medicine and space exploration. With more than 7,800 employees, BWXT has 14 major operating sites in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. We are the sole manufacturer of naval nuclear reactors for U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers. Our company supplies precision manufactured components, services and fuel for the commercial nuclear power industry across four continents. Our joint ventures provide environmental restoration and operations management at a dozen U.S. Department of Energy and NASA facilities. BWXT’s technology is driving advances in medical radioisotope production in North America and microreactors for various defense and space applications. For more information, visit www.bwxt.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram.

Welcome to BWXT
We believe in empowering our employees and cultivating a dynamic workplace that fosters growth and collaboration. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting your career, you'll find opportunities to challenge yourself, learn from seasoned experts, and contribute to nuclear innovation. We require a diverse range of skills to support our work in the markets that drive our business and welcome candidates from all backgrounds and life stages who are passionate about making a difference.

Position Overview:

As our Chemical Processing Operator, you will support safe and efficient chemical processing operations involving depleted uranium materials in a controlled industrial environment. You will work closely with operations supervision, radiological control, engineering, and maintenance teams to meet production objectives while upholding strict safety, environmental, and regulatory standards. This role is essential to maintaining consistent and compliant chemical processing activities within HPDU operations.

Location:

On-site in Jonesborough, Tennessee.

Your Day to Day as a Chemical Processing Operator:

• Operate chemical processing equipment and systems in accordance with established procedures and work instructions.
• Monitor process parameters such as temperature, pressure, flow, and chemical concentrations to ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Safely handle, transfer, and process depleted uranium (DU) and associated chemical materials.
• Ensure proper labeling, storage, and tracking of materials to meet regulatory and site requirements.
• Follow all safety, radiological, environmental, and operational procedures while performing assigned tasks.
• Utilize required personal protective equipment (PPE) and adhere to contamination control and hazardous material handling standards.
• Perform work in accordance with approved procedures, permits, and Radiological Work Permits (RWPs).
• Participate in pre‑job briefings and job hazard analyses to ensure safe work execution.
• Monitor equipment performance and report abnormal conditions or equipment issues.
• Support maintenance activities, including system shutdowns, startups, and equipment isolations.
• Maintain accurate logs, batch records, and operational documentation.
• Record process data and report production status to supervision.
• Keep work areas clean and organized per housekeeping and contamination control requirements.
• Follow proper waste handling and disposal practices.
• Respond to process upsets, alarms, and abnormal conditions in accordance with procedures.
• Report incidents, near misses, or unsafe conditions promptly.
• Collaborate with supervisors, engineers, maintenance, and radiological control personnel.
• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts and operational excellence initiatives.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Five or more years of experience in chemical processing, manufacturing, or industrial operations.
• Experience working with hazardous materials; DU or radiological environment experience preferred.
• Ability to follow detailed procedures in a highly regulated environment.
• Basic understanding of process systems and industrial equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to wear required PPE and work in controlled or radiological environments.
• Proficiency in basic computer applications for data entry and recordkeeping.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Technical training or associate degree preferred.
• Technical certifications in chemical processing or industrial operations.
• Experience working in nuclear, radiological, or highly regulated environments.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans.
• Flexible work schedules and paid time off to promote a healthy work-life balance (as applicable for each role).
• Professional development opportunities, including mentorship programs and sponsorship for continuing education.
• An inclusive atmosphere that celebrates new perspectives and supports collaboration across generations.
• The chance to be part of a mission-driven organization making a positive impact on the future of energy.
• Opportunities for continuous learning and training to grow throughout your career.

Pay:

Pay: $25.96 - $39.42

The starting hourly rate for this position in Tennessee (US-TN) at the start of employment is expected to be between $25.96 and $39.42 per hour. The hourly rate offered is based on local job market factors and other objective business considerations. Subject to these considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, such as a full range of medical, retirement, and/or other benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided at such time the selected job candidate receives an offer of employment. If hired, the selected job candidate will be employed 'at-will,’ unless employed at a location and in a position subject to a collective bargaining agreement. The company further reserves the right to modify the hourly rate (as well as any other discretionary payment, compensation, or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or applicable department/team performance, and other market factors.

As a federal government contractor, BWX Technologies, Inc. and any subsidiaries, affiliates and related entities (“BWXT” or the “Company”) complies with all federal, state, and local laws and customer requirements regarding health and safety protocols. As such, all BWXT new hires will be required to adhere to applicable Company health and safety requirements within the workplace as a condition of employment.

All candidates must be U.S. citizens. Selected applicants are required to successfully complete a pre-employment check and drug screening. In addition, the position may require the ability to obtain and maintain applicable federal eligibility requirements for access to classified/sensitive information or matter which involves an extensive criminal and financial background investigation, drug test, previous employment, and reference verifications.

BWXT is committed to the concept of Equal Employment Opportunity. We have established procedures to ensure that all personnel actions such as recruitment, compensation, career development, benefits, company-sponsored training and social recreational programs are administered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, protected veteran or other protected status.