Electrician

Synthomer; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Discretionary global bonus scheme

Learning and development opportunities

Job summary

Synthomer is seeking a skilled Plant Electrician to oversee the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of electrical systems in our chemical processing facility. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in industrial electrical maintenance and familiarity with safety standards in hazardous environments.

Join a collaborative team committed to innovation and sustainability, and help ensure safe operations in our manufacturing processes. This is a full-time role based in Pennsylvania, offering a competitive salary and benefits.

Qualifications

• Experience in industrial electrical maintenance in chemical or refinery environments.
• Strong knowledge of NEC and NFPA 70E.
• High level of mechanical and electrical aptitude.

Responsibilities

• Install, maintain and troubleshoot electrical systems in a chemical processing environment.
• Follow safety standards due to hazardous materials and classified areas.
• Support new installations and capital projects.

Skills

Electrical maintenance

Troubleshooting

Instrumentation knowledge

Process control systems

Mechanical and electrical aptitude

Knowledge of hazardous locations

Education

Journeyman papers or equivalent education

Tools

PLC systems

SCADA systems

Voltage testing equipment

Job description

Synthomer is a leading supplier of high-performance, highly specialised polymers and ingredients that play vital roles in key sectors such as coatings, construction, adhesives, and health and protection. Headquartered in London, UK, the company employs nearly 3,900 people across five innovation centres of excellence and more than 29 manufacturing sites worldwide.

At our innovation centres in the UK, Germany, China, Malaysia and Ohio, USA we collaborate closely with customers to develop new and sustainable products. Since 2021 we have held the London Stock Exchange Green Economy Mark, recognising our contribution to a more sustainable, low‑carbon economy.

The Plant Electrician is responsible for the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of electrical systems and equipment in a chemical processing environment. This role requires strict adherence to safety standards due to hazardous materials, classified areas and continuous operations.

Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Strictly follow all plant safety procedures, including LOTO, confined space and hot work permits.
• Comply with NEC, NFPA 70E, OSHA and plant‑specific safety standards.
• Work safely in hazardous (classified) locations such as Class I, II and III environments.
• Utilise intrinsically safe equipment and understand explosion‑proof installations.

Electrical Troubleshooting & Repair

• Diagnose, isolate and repair faults on 480V, 4160V and 25kV three‑phase systems.
• Troubleshoot electrical issues on process‑critical equipment, minimising downtime.
• Maintain and repair:
  • Switchgear and substations
  • MCCs (Motor Control Centers)
  • Transformers and feeders
  • Provide emergency support during plant upsets, outages and shutdowns.

Instrumentation & Process Control

• Troubleshoot and maintain process instrumentation, including pressure, flow, level and temperature transmitters, control valves and positioners.
• Calibrate and verify instruments for process accuracy and safety.
• Support distributed control systems (DCS), PLCs and SCADA systems.

PLC, Automation & Drives

• Troubleshoot and maintain PLC‑based control systems and automated processes.
• Assist with programme modifications and diagnostics.
• Maintain and repair VFDs, soft starters and motor controls.
• Work with industrial communication systems (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profibus where applicable).

Equipment Maintenance

• Disassemble, inspect and repair pumps, compressors and agitators (electrical components).
• Maintain motors and motor generator sets.
• Inspect bearings, brushes and rotating equipment parts.
• Perform motor testing (megger, winding resistance, etc.).

Installation & Electrical Work

• Install and run conduit in corrosive and hazardous environments.
• Pull and terminate low and medium‑voltage cables.
• Install and maintain explosion‑proof and intrinsically safe systems.
• Build and modify control panels and field junction boxes.

Preventive & Predictive Maintenance

• Perform routine preventive maintenance on critical process equipment.
• Conduct predictive maintenance, including infrared thermography and vibration monitoring where applicable.
• Maintain detailed maintenance logs and compliance records.

Power Distribution Systems

• Maintain and troubleshoot plant power distribution systems.
• Safely perform switching operations for medium‑voltage systems.
• Understand redundant power systems and backup generation.

Turnarounds, Shutdowns & Projects

• Participate in planned plant shutdowns (turnarounds).
• Support new installations, capital projects and upgrades.
• Co‑ordinate with engineers, operators and contractors.
• Perform root‑cause failure analysis and implement corrective actions.

Work Environment

• Work in harsh industrial conditions, including heat, chemicals and noise.
• Use ladders, scaffolding and mobile elevated work platforms.
• Wear required PPE, including FR clothing, respirators and chemical protection when necessary.

Qualifications

• Experience in industrial electrical maintenance, preferably in chemical, petrochemical or refinery environments.
• Strong knowledge of hazardous location classifications (Class I, Div 1 & 2), NEC and NFPA 70E.
• Experience with instrumentation, process control systems and DCS/PLC environments.
• High level of mechanical and electrical aptitude.
• Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic skills.
• Journeyman papers or equivalent education and experience are required.

Core Competencies

• Strong initiative and ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills.
• Effective team collaboration with operations and engineering.
• Ability to interpret P&IDs, one‑lines, schematics and loop diagrams.

Global Benefits Overview

• Competitive, market‑aligned compensation.
• Discretionary global bonus scheme.
• Discretionary Long‑Term Incentive Plan for senior positions.
• Company car or car allowance – varies by region and role.
• Healthcare – tailored to regional locations.
• Parental leave and family support – maternity, paternity, adoption aligned with regional policies.
• Working options – flexibility where it matters, based on role and business needs.
• Learning and development opportunities – training, online platforms, buddy/mentorship programmes, Internal Synthomer University with L&D offers.
• Wellbeing support – employee assistance programme, mental health resources, wellbeing initiatives.
• Retirement / pension contributions – plans vary by country.
• Culture of inclusion – where everyone can thrive.
• Performance culture, global reward and recognition programmes.