Manufacturing Shift Team Lead

TAI; New Castle (DE); On-site; USD 108,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) with employer match

Profit sharing bonus

Job summary

TAI is seeking a Back Manufacturing Shift Team Lead in New Castle, Delaware for a full-time role. The position leads a 24/7 continuous chemical manufacturing operation, mentoring operators and technicians while ensuring safe, compliant performance and efficient production.

The role emphasizes hands-on operations, process troubleshooting, and collaboration with laboratory personnel to optimize production and drive operational excellence.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in chemical manufacturing or continuous process industries
• Hands-on operating/troubleshooting in 24/7 environment
• Experience with PSM facilities, permit-to-work, LOTO, MOC, investigations
• Supervisory experience in shift roles
• Strong communication and leadership skills
• Technical knowledge of process equipment and utilities

Responsibilities

• Provide frontline leadership for a 24/7 continuous manufacturing operation
• Lead shift personnel to ensure safe, compliant operations and target production
• Troubleshoot process challenges and assist operators and lab personnel
• Coordinate shift handoffs and communicate priorities across teams
• Support incident investigations and corrective actions
• Mentor and train new technicians and operators
• Promote safe work practices and a strong safety culture
• Ensure compliance with OSHA PSM and environmental requirements
• Provide technical guidance to operations and laboratory staff

Skills

Shift leadership

Safety leadership

Troubleshooting

Cross-functional coordination

Operations supervision

Process safety management

Mentoring/coaching

Education

Bachelor's in Chemical Eng / Mech Eng / related tech

Associate degree in technical discipline

Tools

SAP

Aspen

Microsoft Office

Job description

Back Manufacturing Shift Team Lead
Technical Services New Castle , Delaware Full-Time Nov 2, 2026

About the Role:

Join a critical leadership role within a continuous chemical manufacturing operation where you will lead shift activities, support safe and efficient plant performance, and serve as the primary resource for operational decision-making. As the Shift Team Leader, you'll work closely with operators and laboratory personnel to troubleshoot process challenges, optimize production, and drive operational excellence. This hands‑on position is ideal for a technical leader who enjoys mentoring teams while remaining actively involved in day‑to‑day plant operations.

About TAI:

TAI brings together engineering, construction, systems integration, on‑site services, and technical services — combining proven execution with trusted expertise to support clients across the entire project lifecycle. Team members at TAI are capable, well‑rounded, flexible, and optimistic. We have found that the best employees are the ones who recognize the importance of what they do and the ones who let that guide them in the actions they take. More than any skill, we seek people who make decisions that support the common good. We work for our clients, and we work for one another.

Here’s a glimpse into your day to day:

• We are seeking a Shift Team Lead to provide frontline leadership for a 24/7 continuous manufacturing operation.
• This role is responsible for leading shift personnel, ensuring safe and compliant operations, driving production performance, and supporting operational excellence.
• The ideal candidate will bring significant experience in chemical manufacturing, petrochemical processing, refinery operations, or other continuous process industries, along with strong leadership skills and a proven commitment to safety.
• Promote and reinforce safe work practices and a strong safety culture.
• Ensure compliance with site safety procedures, environmental requirements, and operating standards.
• Maintain working knowledge of OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) principles and unit safety requirements.
• Conduct safety observations, facility inspections, and compliance audits.
• Prepare and coordinate safe work permits for maintenance and contractor activities.
• Support incident investigations and implementation of corrective actions.
• Ensure shift activities comply with local, state, and federal regulatory requirements.
• Serve as the lead resource during assigned shifts and coordinate daily operational activities.
• Assist operators in troubleshooting process, equipment, and product quality issues.
• Support achievement of production targets while optimizing efficiency and minimizing waste.
• Coordinate shift priorities and ensure effective communication during shift handoffs.
• Provide guidance, coaching, and technical support to operations and laboratory personnel.
• Assist with onboarding and training of new technicians and operators.
• Promote accountability to established operating procedures and safety standards.
• Foster teamwork and effective communication across shifts and departments.
• Share best practices and serve as a technical resource for shift personnel.

You’ll be a perfect fit if you have:

• 3+ years of experience in chemical manufacturing, petrochemical processing, refining, specialty chemicals, industrial gases, or other continuous process manufacturing environments.
• Hands‑on experience operating and troubleshooting process equipment in a 24/7 continuous manufacturing environment.
• Experience working in Process Safety Management (PSM) facilities, including permit‑to‑work systems, LOTO, MOC, incident investigations, and regulatory compliance.
• Previous supervisory experience as a Shift Lead, Lead Operator, Senior Operator, Operations Supervisor, or similar leadership position.
• Demonstrated ability to lead shift operations, prioritize production activities, and coordinate cross‑functional teams.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, process equipment, utilities, and production systems.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills related to process, equipment, and product quality issues.
• Strong communication, leadership, and team development skills.
• Associate degree in a technical discipline or equivalent industrial experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in refinery, petrochemical, or other highly regulated PSM environments.
• Experience with hazardous chemical processes.
• Knowledge of distillation systems, reactors, tank farms, bulk chemical handling, utilities, or similar process operations.
• Experience training, mentoring, and developing operations personnel.
• Familiarity with SAP, Aspen, or other manufacturing management systems.
• Laboratory or quality control experience.
• HAZWOPER certification or equivalent safety training.Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical disciplin

Hours:

• 4-week Rotational Shift Cycle, Days and Nights

Compensation and Benefits:

• Pay: $120,000 maximum Annually (depending upon experience).
• Eligible for overtime pay
• Annual Profit Sharing Bonus (variable)
• PTO and Paid Holidays
• Health Benefits: Employee through family level coverage for medical, dental, and vision insurances. Company funded life and long‑term disability insurances. Short Term Disability, FSA, HSA, EAP, and supplemental life insurances (employee – family) are also available!
• 401(k)with employer match

Other Offerings:

• The opportunity to make a real impact on a variety of industry‑leading projects.
• The ability to balance your work and family activities.
• Flexible work schedule
• Work in a dynamic and collaborative environment that values creativity and innovation.
• A chance to learn and grow alongside some of the brightest minds in engineering.
• Professional Development, Tuition Reimbursement, and Association Membership Reimbursements.

Discover what makes TAI a top‑20 manufacturing partner, according to Engineering News‑Record (ENR), and one of the top‑50 fastest‑growing private companies in the Baltimore Business Journal. Learn more about us at https://www.tai.inc/