Furnace Operator

PQ Corporation; Gurnee (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

PQ Corporation in Illinois is seeking a Furnace Operator to join our production team. You will start up and shut down equipment, operate processing and material handling systems, monitor outputs, and adjust rates to meet production goals.

You will perform quality control tests on samples, maintain safe and compliant plant operations, and document issues using standard systems. Physical ability to lift up to 60 pounds is required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in industrial production preferred.
• Good interpersonal skills and teamwork.
• Able to follow written and verbal instructions.

Responsibilities

• Operate furnace and related processing equipment per SOPs.
• Start up and shut down equipment to meet production needs.
• Monitor system outputs and adjust rates.
• Perform quality tests on process samples.
• Maintain safe and compliant plant operations.
• Document issues and results using standard systems.
• Coordinate emergency response as needed.

Skills

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Written & verbal communication

Computer literacy

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

PQ is a leading global provider of silicates, silicas and derivative products. PQ’s products are used in a wide variety of industrial processes and many customer products, from decorative paints to green cement, from clean drinking water to green tires and from toothpaste to biofuels and beer.

Job Description

The Furnace Operator is empowered to make decisions and take actions as required to meet daily and long-term goals. The Operator works under minimum supervision in a team environment to:

• Start up and shut down equipment in accordance with procedures while meeting production needs.
• Operate production processing and material handling systems, some by computer control.
• Monitor system outputs – including charts, gauges, flow indicators, and computer displays.
• Control, adjust rates as required to balance related process systems.
• Perform quality control tests on process samples for process control and assurance of product quality.
• Daily requirement is to lift up to 60 pounds. Stands or walks with intermittent climbing. Requires visual acuity.
• Exercises judgment, discretion, and rapid decision making in situations involving operational problems, unexpected occurrences, etc., often independently.
• Maintain safe working conditions and practices.
• Assure maintenance of environmental control of plant facility as dictated by permits and state regulations, including working with the environmental department for the safe and orderly disposal of hazardous waste.
• Communicate problems, instructions, observations, and request orally and in writing to team members and other departments.
• Operates the liquid sodium silicate plant. Schedules the batch making, reacting, and processing of liquid sodium silicate according to standard operating procedures (SOP’S). Responds to system alarms by determining problem and taking corrective action.
• Controls the processes through the use of statistical process control, to include:
  • Sampling and performing tests as needed.
  • Setting up and plotting data on control charts.
  • Diagnosing process and taking action as required.
• Performs key coordinating duties for emergency response situations; notifying and working with police, fire and ambulance personnel as required.
• Exhibits all skill requirements for production operations, operates any production equipment, and performs miscellaneous duties as needed.
• Performs quality control tests according to SPP’S to include:
  • Product Baume’
  • Product % Na2O
  • Product Ratio
  • Product LPC
  • Product Viscosity
  • Product Turbidity
• Communicates process problems, instructions, observations, and requests in writing through the use of established systems, including:
  • Production data sheets
  • ePac CMMS
  • Microsoft Outlook

Qualifications

• High school graduate or equivalent education
• Prior background working in industrial production, preferably a chemical processing facility is desirable
• Good interpersonal skills, works well in a team environment
• Able to follow written and verbal instruction
• Able to follow written and verbal instruction
• Able to demonstrate basic computer skills including Microsoft Office products

Additional Information

EHS Responsibilities

• Communicates, promotes and personally demonstrates Safety/Health (including PQP Principles) as #1 priority
• Participation in risk assessment audits as applicable
• Understand PQ Principles (PQP) and how they are implemented in the site organization, rules and procedures
• Completes HSE training requirements identified for the job in a timely manner