Operator Trainee

Ketjen Corporation; Pasadena (TX); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive benefits package

Professional development resources

Job summary

Ketjen Corporation in Pasadena, TX, is seeking an Operator Trainee to monitor and control process units and equipment for batch or continuous operation, ensuring safe, on-spec production and timely results.

This role reports to the Supervisor General at the Bayport Facility and requires a Process Technology degree or 2 years of chemical manufacturing experience, plus strong communication, teamwork, and meticulous documentation.

Qualifications

• Process Technology degree or 2 years of chemical manufacturing experience, plus a High School Diploma or GED.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Computer skills including spreadsheet use.
• High level of attention to detail, procedures and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and control process units and equipment to ensure safe, efficient, on-spec production.
• Operate and inspect rotating and stationary equipment including pumps, compressors, reactors, and distillation columns.
• Perform product transfers, basic maintenance tasks, and operational calculations for flow, pressure, and temperature control.
• Interpret process diagrams, analyzer data, and computer trends to maintain optimal operating conditions.

Skills

Strong communication and collaboration

Computer skills including spreadsheets

High attention to detail and precise

Education

Process Technology degree

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Are you ready to move your career forward and help shape our company’s and customers’ futures?

If you aspire to challenge yourself, work with the best in the industry and join a successful team where you can make a meaningful contribution, then we invite you to join us at Ketjen Corporation, a provider of advanced catalyst solutions to leading producers in the petrochemical, refining, and specialty chemicals industries. Together, we can create a legacy marked by innovation, excitement, and energy.

About Ketjen

Ketjen Corporation is a provider of advanced catalyst solutions to leading producers in the petrochemical, refining, and specialty chemicals industries. Our company is driven by a strong set of core values: curiosity, care, collaboration, humility, accountability, and integrity. These values guide our decisions, shape our culture, and define how we work together to deliver exceptional value to our customers and communities.

About The Role

The Operator Trainee is responsible for monitoring and controlling equipment and instrumentation necessary for batch or continuous operation of chemical process units to produce quality and on specification products in a safe and timely manner. This role reports directly to the Supervisor General and is based in Pasadena, TX at our Bayport Facility.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Excellence

• Monitor and control process units and equipment (batch or continuous) to ensure safe, efficient, and on-spec production.
• Operate and inspect rotating and stationary equipment including pumps, compressors, reactors, and distillation columns.
• Perform product transfers, basic maintenance tasks, and operational calculations for flow, pressure, and temperature control.

Safety, Compliance & Quality

• Follow all company procedures and regulatory requirements (PSM, DOT, EPA, OSHA, MOC) to maintain a safe work environment.
• Sample and test products for quality control, properly handling hazardous or extreme-temperature materials.
• Identify, manage, and dispose of hazardous waste in accordance with company and government standards.

Technical & Process Support

• Interpret process diagrams, analyzer data, and computer trends to maintain optimal operating conditions
• Maintain accurate logs and records of shift activities, process changes, and production data.
• Support troubleshooting, maintenance coordination, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance reliability.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Must have a Process Technology degree or 2 years or more of experience in a chemical manufacturing role/environment and a High School Diploma or GED
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Computer skills including spreadsheet use
• High level of attention to detail, procedures and documentation

Preferred Qualifications

• 2 years' experience as a Process Operator in a chemical manufacturing environment.

Benefits Of Joining Ketjen

• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive benefits package
• A diverse array of resources to support you professionally and personally.