Chemical Scale Up Tech

Element Solutions Inc; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

Element Solutions Inc in Kentucky is seeking a Chemical Scale-Up Technician to bridge R&D and production, translating lab-scale innovations into full-scale manufacturing. You will maintain equipment, support safety and process compliance, and collaborate with engineers to optimize performance. The role emphasizes reliability and continuous improvement in a regulated chemical environment.

Qualifications

• Detail-oriented and methodical with strong problem-solving skills.
• Hands-on and practical, comfortable with tools and equipment.
• Safety-driven in a regulated chemical environment.
• Strong communicator able to collaborate across teams.
• Adaptable and proactive, responsive to priorities.
• Curious with continuous improvement mindset.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine, preventive, and corrective maintenance on mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation equipment.
• Diagnose equipment failures, identify root causes, and implement repairs.
• Support emergency breakdown response to minimise downtime.
• Assist engineers with installation, testing, and commissioning of new equipment.
• Provide input during design reviews and maintain records.
• Partner with operations to optimise performance and support shutdowns.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Hands-on

Safety-driven

Communication

Adaptable

Curious and improvement-focused

Tools

CMMS software

Job description

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We are seeking a hands-on, detail-oriented Chemical Scale-Up Technician to join our dynamic team. This role is ideal for someone with a strong background in chemical processing and a passion for translating lab-scale innovations into full-scale manufacturing. You’ll be instrumental in bridging the gap between R&D and production, ensuring processes are safe, efficient, and scalable.

What will you be doing?

As an Engineering Technician, you will play a key role in ensuring our production processes and equipment run smoothly. Your responsibilities will include:

Equipment Maintenance & Troubleshooting

• Perform routine, preventive, and corrective maintenance on mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation equipment.
• Diagnose equipment failures, identify root causes, and implement effective repairs.
• Support emergency breakdown response to minimise production downtime.
• Assist engineers with installation, testing, and commissioning of new equipment and modifications.
• Provide technical input during design reviews and improvement initiatives.
• Maintain accurate documentation, drawings, and maintenance records.

Process & Safety Compliance

• Ensure all work complies with site safety standards, regulatory requirements, and safe operating procedures.
• Participate in risk assessments, permit-to-work activities, and continuous safety improvement programs.
• Conduct routine equipment inspections and report deviations or hazards.

Operational Support

• Partner with operations teams to optimise equipment performance and reliability.
• Support shutdown planning and execution activities.
• Work collaboratively with suppliers, contractors, and cross-functional teams.

Who are You?

You’ll succeed in this role if you are:

• Detail-oriented and methodical, with strong problem-solving skills.
• Hands-on and practical, comfortable working with tools and equipment.
• Safety-driven, with a strong appreciation for working in a regulated chemical environment.
• A strong communicator, able to collaborate with engineers, operators, and external partners.
• Adaptable and proactive, ready to respond to changing priorities or urgent maintenance needs.
• Curious and improvement-focused, always looking for ways to enhance reliability and efficiency.

What competencies will you need?

• Technical Expertise: Solid understanding of mechanical, electrical, or instrumentation systems.
• Fault Diagnosis: Ability to troubleshoot complex equipment issues quickly and effectively.
• Safety Awareness: Strong knowledge of safe work practices, permit systems, and risk control in industrial environments.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to work across engineering, maintenance, and production teams.
• Planning & Prioritisation: Skilled at managing workload, planning maintenance tasks, and responding to urgent issues.
• Documentation & Reporting: Accurate record-keeping and ability to interpret technical drawings and manuals.
• Continuous Improvement Mindset: Experience with lean practices, reliability engineering, or process optimisation is a plus.
• Computer Literacy: Comfortable using CMMS systems, digital tools, and standard office applications.

We are Offering...

Innovative - At ESI, we are committed to solving the complex and evolving needs of our customers through innovation and high-quality standards. We are focused on bringing cutting edge and environmentally sustainable solutions to the market. Our people are the critical resource required to make that happen. We support your success by creating a strong, inclusive culture, competitive total rewards, and an appropriate work-life balance.

Socially Responsible - We care about what you care about. We respect the individual differences that make up our unique expanding organization. We prioritize both sustainability and social impact in both our business operations and our local communities through our various ESI Cares initiatives and the ESI Foundation. There are many ways to get involved from employee network groups that support your interests and sense of belonging to paid volunteer days.

Rewarding Performance - We are a performance driven culture where every individual has the opportunity to contribute through their actions and judgment. We strive to reward those who choose excellence through both recognition and compensation. Those who demonstrate good judgement, positive attitude, solid work ethics and ambitious objectives will see their responsibilities grow along with their compensation. Salary range this role is between $28.90 and $37.36 per hour DOE and Education