Operator Trainee

Ketjen Corporation; Pasadena (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive benefits package

Diverse resources for professional and

Job summary

Ketjen Corporation is seeking an Operator Trainee at its Bayport Plant in Pasadena, TX. This entry-level position focuses on safely operating and monitoring chemical process equipment, with structured training and hands-on field experience to develop core technical and operational skills for a long-term career in process technology and continuous improvement.

The role emphasizes safety, learning complex processes, and building a career in operations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Process Technology degree or 2+ years in chemical manufacturing.
• Ability to learn operating procedures and safety requirements.
• Basic computer proficiency and ability to use digital systems.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
• Align with Ketjen’s core values: curiosity, care, collaboration, humility, accountability, and integrity.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor chemical processing equipment and related systems.
• Meet production targets and produce on-specification products.
• Record operating logs and perform basic quality checks.
• Support maintenance activities and coordinate troubleshooting.
• Follow safety, regulatory, and compliance requirements including PSM, OSHA, EPA, DOT and MOC.

Skills

Strong communication

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Ability to learn

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Process Technology degree

Tools

DCS/PLC systems

Forklift

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.

SUMMARY

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 an entry-level operations position responsible for safely monitoring, operating, and controlling chemical process equipment used in the manufacturing of FCC and HPC catalyst products. Through a combination of structured training, hands-on field experience, and control room operations, this role develops the technical and operational skills required for long-term success in chemical manufacturing. Based at our Bayport Plant in Pasadena, TX, the ideal candidate will bring a strong commitment to safety, a willingness to learn complex manufacturing processes, and an interest in building a long-term career in operations, process technology, and continuous improvement.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Safe Operations

• Operate and monitor chemical processing equipment, piping systems, tanks, reactors, dryers, pumps, compressors and related process systems
• Monitor process conditions using DCS systems, instrumentation, analyzers and field observations
• Perform startup, shutdown, normal operation and emergency response activities in accordance with procedures

Quality & Production

• Produce on-specification products while meeting production targets
• Collect samples and perform basic quality checks and operational calculations
• Maintain accurate operating logs and shift documentation

Maintenance & Reliability

• Support troubleshooting and coordinate maintenance activities
• Perform basic equipment inspections and operator care activities
• Identify abnormal conditions and initiate corrective actions

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all safety and regulatory requirements including PSM, OSHA, EPA, DOT and MOC requirements
• Participate in safety meetings, audits, emergency drills and continuous improvement initiatives
• Properly identify, handle and manage hazardous materials and waste streams
• Participate in emergency response team activities as required

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED
• Process Technology degree or at least two years of experience in chemical manufacturing, industrial operations, or a similar process manufacturing environment
• Ability to learn, understand, and follow operating procedures and safety requirements
• Basic computer proficiency and the ability to use digital operating systems, production software, and spreadsheets
• Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills
• Strong alignment with Ketjen’s core values: curiosity, care, collaboration, humility, accountability, and integrity

Preferred Qualifications

• 2 years of experience as a Process Operator in a continuous or batch chemical manufacturing environment
• Process Technology Degree
• Experience with DCS/PLC systems, industrial equipment, lockout/tagout, or permit-to-work systems
• Forklift or industrial equipment experience

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Must be willing to work rotating shifts, nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as required
• Work is performed both indoors and outdoors, including exposure to varying weather conditions

Benefits of Joining Ketjen

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