Process Operator

Oleon; Conroe (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Oleon in Conroe, TX is seeking an Esterification Operator to join our chemical manufacturing team. You will operate esterification processes, monitor DCS, perform sampling and QC tests, and ensure safe, compliant operations.

The ideal candidate has a chemical engineering background or equivalent, 3 years of chemical manufacturing experience, and familiarity with SAP, process control systems, and documentation practices. Rotating shifts and strict safety culture are expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, or related technical discipline, or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor esterification processes via Siemens DCS per SOPs.

Skills

Batch processing

Chemical reactions

PSM

OSHA standards

Documentation

Teamwork

Communication

Safety procedures

Education

Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, or related technical discipline

High school diploma and equivalent work experience

Tools

SAP

Process control systems

Job description

At Oleon, we bring you natural chemistry. Ambitious, with both feet on the ground. That's who we are and that's how we will continue to grow. Our specialty lies in converting natural fats and oils into a wide range of oleochemical products. We offer them in a large variety of markets such as: cosmetics, nutrition, crop protection, industrial ingredients, lubricants, oilfield, coatings, detergents, and many more.

Oleon has over 1,000 employees worldwide in 10 different countries. Enthusiastic people who are completely in their element here at Oleon are more than welcome to join our team.

The Job

We are looking for an Esterification Operator for our Conroe, Texas plant.

Some of your main duties & responsibilities:

• Operate and monitor esterification processes through Siemens Distributed Control System (DCS) in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) and instructions from the Supervisor.
• Patrol units such as ester reactors, storage tanks, scrubbers, filters to inspect functionality and maintain efficiency.
• Oversee day-to-day operations of site utilities and wastewater treatment plant, ensuring efficiency and regulatory compliance
• Execute operational tasks (e.g., changeovers, basic troubleshooting) as directed by the Supervisor.
• Performs minor technical interventions to avoid production interruption or greater damage.
• Support shutdowns and start-ups based on the provided instructions.
• Draw process samples, register in LIMS system, and conduct basic analysis and quality control tests to ensure specifications are met.
• Perform material loading/unloading and stacking activities safely and accurately.
• Weigh in and weigh out isotanks, RTCs, and trucks using the site weighbridge.
• Maintain housekeeping standards in the plant and ensure a clean, organized work environment.
• Follow all health, safety, environmental (HSE), and housekeeping procedures; identify and report risks or unsafe behaviors.
• Stay informed about process updates and share operational knowledge with team members.
• Participate as a member of the intervention team in interventions or periodic exercises.

Who are we looking for?

You’ll succeed if:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, or related technical discipline OR High school diploma and equivalent work experience.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in chemical manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of batch processing, chemical reactions, and process safety management (PSM).
• Strong knowledge of OSHA and other relevant safety standards.
• Familiarity with SAP, process control systems, and documentation procedures
• Team player and open communication style
• Preferred Qualifications:
• Hands-on knowledge of esterification processes and associated equipment (reactors, heat exchangers, distillation systems, etc.).
• Ability to work a rotating shift schedule.

Next to your skills, it is your drive and motivation that will make all the difference!

What’s in it for you?

You will join a company with ambitious goals and a welcoming atmosphere. Both your personal development and work-life balance are equally important to us.

Oleon is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that embraces all forms of diversity. We ensure equal opportunities in our recruitment and integration processes and ensure that you can be yourself in our professional environment.

Oleon is a business unit of Avril, the industrial and financial leader in the French vegetable oil and protein sector.

Avril is present in consumer food, animal nutrition and expertise, renewable energy and chemistry, with a recorded revenue of 8 billion euro across 19 countries in 2023. The Group focuses its growth on a unique value-sharing model.

Avril and its 7 300 employees, driven by its purpose, "Serving the Earth", are committed to addressing climate change and population growth challenges.

Joining Avril means choosing to work in a company that harmoniously brings together performance and responsibility, innovation and humbleness, the group and individuals. Avril: there is another way.