Junior Operator

Dow; Kendallville (IN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equitable and market-competitive base+

Annual bonus potential

Health & life insurance

Retirement program

Employee stock purchase program

Paid time off

On-site fitness facilities

Job summary

Dow in Kendallville, IN seeks an Operator to run assigned plant equipment safely and efficiently. You will monitor processes, perform tasks, and collaborate with the shift team to resolve issues and meet goals.

The role emphasizes operating discipline, maintenance tasks, and proactive problem solving in a real-world manufacturing setting. Applicants should have a high school diploma or GED, be 18+, prepared for off-shift work, and legally able to work in the United States.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• Must be 18 years or older at start date.
• Ability to drive a forklift.
• Willingness to work off-shift (3 PM–11 PM or 11 PM–7 AM).
• Authorized to work in the United States (no visa sponsorship).

Responsibilities

• Operate assigned equipment and plant areas safely and reliably.
• Monitor process conditions and key metrics; respond to issues.
• Perform scheduled operational tasks and address unplanned events.
• Collaborate with shift teams to balance workload and meet due dates.
• Relay effective handoffs between shifts and provide training as needed.
• Maintain area qualifications and complete training goals timely.
• Mentor and train others on process operation and discipline.
• Participate in root cause investigations when required.
• Utilize KPIs to optimize plant performance and identify improvements.
• Perform Autonomous Maintenance and basic repairs as permitted.
• Adhere to facility operating discipline and change management.

Skills

Forklift operation

Microsoft Word/Excel

Written and verbal communication

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Organizing and prioritizing

English proficiency

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

At Dow, we believe in putting people first and we’re passionate about delivering integrity, respect and safety to our customers, our employees and the planet.

Our people are at the heart of our solutions. They reflect the communities we live in and the world where we do business. Their diversity is our strength. We’re a community of relentless problem solvers that offers the daily opportunity to contribute with your perspective, transform industries and shape the future. Our purpose is simple - to deliver a sustainable future for the world through science and collaboration. If you’re looking for a challenge and meaningful role, you’re in the right place.

Dow has an exciting opportunity for an Operator in Kendallville, IN!

About You and This Role -

What you will do in this role

As an Operator, you will operate assigned equipment or areas of the Plant. You will perform and report on operational related activities per the Operations Dashboard (OPD)-Tasks List. You will also utilize discretionary time to enable sustainable performance results for the facility. The Operator also utilizes operations knowledge and experience, to proactively operate the plant in a safe, reliable and optimal manner. You will work with Shift Team members to efficiently anticipate and resolve unplanned events within the capabilities of the shift team and effectively escalates issues that cannot be resolved to the appropriate support roles. You may provide training to less experienced operators. This role requires established basic technical skills to perform a range of routine work activities using existing processes and methods. Note: Operator Progression is managed at the site level.

Responsibilities –

• Follows Operating Discipline policies, principles, procedures, standards and practices to ensure safe, reliable and efficient operation of assigned plant areas. Ensures adequate operating discipline is available for all planned and unplanned activities.
• Operates and field checks process equipment. Monitors process conditions, key performance metrics, equipment and control systems and makes appropriate decisions to maintain and/or achieve desired rates and conditions aligned with Plant/Site/Business goals.
• Performs scheduled operational and related tasks and tasks that arise as a result of resolving unplanned events.
• Works with shift team members and other shift teams to leverage skills and knowledge to balance workload ensuring assigned tasks are completed by due dates.
• Conducts effective shift relief, as defined in facility specific operating discipline and tools, to ensure effective communication and handoff to arriving shift team.
• Maintains qualification in assigned areas, per facility policy, and completes training goals in a timely manner. This includes using discretionary time to address skills and knowledge gaps.
• Mentors and trains new and existing operations personnel on process operation, troubleshooting and the use of operating discipline in alignment to plant's training process.
• Performs Immediate Response activities, as assigned.
• Initiates and documents preliminary investigations according to plant specific process/criteria and participates in formal and informal Root Cause Investigations for events involved in or by request.
• Tracks and utilizes the plant's key performance metrics on shift that are applicable to the Operating the Plant role to optimize operations and identify improvement opportunities. Uses process knowledge and skills to make improvements in plant performance and operating discipline. Proactively identifies improvements and opportunities utilizing the facility improvement processes, appropriate management of change processes and communication tools.
• Performs Autonomous Maintenance, including minor repairs and preventative maintenance, utilizing appropriate policies, procedures, processes and disciplines. Note: Subject to local agreements.

Qualifications -

• A minimum of a High School Diploma or other GED equivalent.
• Must be 18 years or older at the time of the start date, typically within 2 months of application date.
• Must be willing to drive a forklift.
• Must be willing and able to accommodate off-shift work schedule. (3-PM - 11 PM) or (11 PM -7 AM)
• A minimum requirement for this U.S. based position is the ability to work legally in the United States. No visa sponsorship/support is available for this position, including for any type of U.S. permanent residency (green card) process.

Preferred Qualifications -

• Process operations, manufacturing or other related experience preferred.

Physical Demands:

Willing and able to meet physical demands of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Repeatedly lifting up to 50 pounds
• Frequent bending and reaching, standing and walking for extended periods of time
• Climbing stairs and fixed ladders

Skills

• Computer Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft applications, such as Word and Excel, and have the ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Collaboration: Good interpersonal skills are required.
• Time management: It is essential that the individual should have the ability to prioritize their workload depending on significance and deadline
• Organizing, planning, and prioritizing work: A self-starter who can identify, prioritize and accomplish multiple tasks.
• English Language: Must be able to read, write, and speak English.

Additional Notes:

• Relocation assistance is not available for this position.
• This is an onsite position located in Kendallville, IN.

Benefits – What Dow Offers You

We invest in you.

Dow invests in total rewards programs to help you manage all aspects of you: your pay, your health, your life, your future, and your career.You bring your background, talent, and perspective to work every day. Dow rewards that commitment by investing in your total wellbeing.

Here are just a few highlights of what you would be offered as a Dow employee:

• Equitable and market-competitive base pay and bonus opportunity across our global markets, along with locally relevant incentives.
• Benefits and programs to support your physical, mental, financial, and social well-being, to help you get the care you need...when you need it.
• Competitive retirement program that may include company-provided benefits, savings opportunities, financial planning, and educational resources to help you achieve your long term financial-goals.
• Employee stock purchase programs (availability varies depending on location).
• Student Debt Retirement Savings Match Program (U.S. only).
• Dow will take the value of monthly student debt payments and apply them as if they are contributions to the Employees’ Savings Plan (401(k)), helping employees reach the Company match.
• Robust medical and life insurance packages that offer a variety of coverage options to meet your individual needs. Travel insurance is also available in certain countries/locations.
• Opportunities to learn and grow through training and mentoring, work experiences, community involvement and team building.
• Workplace culture empowering role-based flexibility to maximize personal productivity and balance personal needs.
• Competitive yearly vacation allowance.
• Paid time off for new parents (birthing and non-birthing, including adoptive and foster parents).
• Paid time off to care for family members who are sick or injured.
• Paid time off to support volunteering and Employee Resource Group’s (ERG) participation.
• Wellbeing Portal for all Dow employees, our one-stop shop to promote wellbeing, empowering employees to take ownership of their entire wellbeing journey.
• On-site fitness facilities to help stay healthy and active (availability varies depending on location).
• Employee discounts for online shopping, cinema tickets, gym memberships and more.
• Additionally, some of our locations might offer:
• Transportation allowance (availability varies depending on location)
• Meal subsidiaries/vouchers (availability varies depending on location)
• Carbon-neutral transportation incentives e.g. bike to work (availability varies depending on location)

Join our team, we can make a difference together.

About Dow

Dow (NYSE: DOW) is one of the world’s leading materials science companies, serving customers in high-growth markets such as packaging, infrastructure, mobility and consumer applications. Our global breadth, asset integration and scale, focused innovation, leading business positions and commitment to sustainability enable us to achieve profitable growth and help deliver a sustainable future. We operate manufacturing sites in 30 countries and employ approximately 36,000 people. Dow delivered sales of approximately $43 billion in 2024. References to Dow or the Company mean Dow Inc. and its subsidiaries. Learn more about us and our ambition to be the most innovative, customer‑centric, inclusive and sustainable materials science company in the world by visiting www.dow.com.

As part of our dedication to inclusion, Dow is committed to equal opportunities in employment. We encourage every employee to bring their whole self to work each day to not only deliver more value, but also have a more fulfilling career. Further information regarding Dow's equal opportunities is available on www.dow.com.

Dow is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and is committed to providing opportunities without regard for race, color, religion, sex, including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity, national origin, age, disability and genetic information, including family medical history. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may call us at 1-833-My Dow HR (833-693-6947) and select option 8.