Process Operator - Engineer in Training

Hydrite; Town of Cottage Grove (WI); On-site; USD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking problem-solvers for its Operations Management Rotational Program. As a Process Operator, you will gain hands-on experience in a chemical plant, learning from seasoned professionals while ensuring smooth production operations. This foundational role emphasizes teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement, setting the stage for future leadership opportunities. With rotations across various functional areas, you will develop a well-rounded skill set that prepares you for a successful career in manufacturing. Join a company that values growth and offers a supportive environment for your professional journey.

Benefits

401k and profit sharing

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Adoption assistance

Legal services insurance

Scholarship awards for children of employees

Summer picnic

Community giving events

Free family wellness coaching

Qualifications

• Preferred degrees in engineering or chemistry with internship experience.
• Strong problem-solving and teamwork skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor chemical processes, ensuring safety and compliance.
• Record and input production data, troubleshooting equipment issues.

Skills

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Basic troubleshooting

Education

Degree in Chemical Engineering

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Degree in Industrial Engineering

Degree in Chemistry

Degree in Supply Chain Management

Degree in General Business

Tools

Chemical treatment machines

Database management systems

Job description

And we are looking for problem-solvers to join our growing team.

OPPORTUNITY

As a new process operator in the first year of the Operations Management Rotational Program (OMRP), you’ll receive hands-on experience right on the manufacturing floor. This foundational 9–12-month rotation is all about learning the day-to-day operations of a chemical plant—from understanding equipment and processes to following strict safety protocols. You’ll be working alongside experienced operators, supervisors, and engineers, building technical skills while getting a real feel for what it takes to keep production running smoothly.

Throughout this first rotation, you’ll also be introduced to continuous improvement practices, basic troubleshooting, and the importance of teamwork in a fast-paced environment. It’s a great balance of learning the ropes, being coached by mentors, and gradually taking on more responsibility. This early experience is setting the stage for future rotations, where you’ll have the chance to explore other areas like supply chain, EHS, and eventually step into more leadership-focused roles.

Process Operator Responsibilities:

• Fill out the daily and weekly inspections check sheets as assigned.
• Fill out all vessel batch logs, reports, manifests, check sheets, etc. as assigned.
• Operate processes (adjusting variables such as temperature, pressure, feed rate, sampling, etc.) in accordance with SOPs; notify shift supervisor or senior operator of deviations from the SOPs.
• Record information, such as ingredients, weights, and temperature, and input into the database.
• Store, retrieve, mix, and monitor chemicals used in the production process.
• Troubleshoot issues with production equipment and processes.
• Monitor chemical treatment machines and instruments, including flow meters and machine dials, to ensure machinery is always operating correctly.
• Respond to warning signals and alarms that indicate issues have arisen, taking all necessary precautions to prevent accidents or injuries.
• Monitor the chemical process using controls, panel boards, and other input devices to operate the manual and semi-automatic machinery.
• Take chemical samples and perform tests to ensure the process is progressing properly.
• Regulate or turn off machines in emergency situations and follow all instructions from supervisory staff quickly and precisely.
• Perform auxiliary tasks such as tank transfers, bulk truck or railcar loading/unloading, container emptying and filling, dumping bags and supersacks, sampling, pump outs, etc.

Program Career Path and Rotations: 3-4 total (approx.)

• Rotation 1 – up to 12 months: Foundational 6–12-month rotation as a Process Operator, learning the business and manufacturing processes. This serves as the groundwork for future rotations.
• Rotation 2 – 6-9 months: The second rotation will focus on broadening participants’ skills through a developmental assignment in an elective area, such as Process Engineering, Supply Chain, Maintenance, or EHS. This rotational experience will take place at the participant’s assigned site.
• Rotation 3 – 6-9 months: In the third rotation, participants will further expand their expertise by completing another elective rotation in a different functional area, such as Process Engineering, Supply Chain, Maintenance, or EHS.
• Rotation 4 – up to 12 months: The final rotation will focus on leadership development. Participants will take on a leadership role. Examples include Production Supervisor, QC Supervisor, Maintenance Supervisor, Process Manager, etc.

Preferred Experience:

• Degrees and Experience Levels: Preferred degrees include Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial), Chemistry, Supply Chain Management, and/or General Business. Preferred completion of at least one internship or co-op related to manufacturing, engineering, supply chain or business.

BENEFITS

Benefits and perks include 401k and profit sharing, medical/dental/vision/life insurance, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, adoption assistance, legal services insurance, scholarship awards for children of employees, summer picnic, community giving events, free family wellness coaching including nutritionist and fitness coach.

WANT TO STAY CONNECTED? FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Interested in building your career at Hydrite? Get future opportunities sent straight to your email.

Apply for this job