Production & Maintenance Specialist

Stepan Oilfield Solutions; Elwood (IL); On-site; USD 86,000 - 116,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary Bonus

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401K with Match

Profit Sharing

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Short-Term and Long-Term Disability (S

E/T

Job summary

Stepan Company in Elwood, IL is seeking a Production Specialist to facilitate planning and execution of production and maintenance activities, ensuring efficient project delivery. You will own work instruction development and operator training in the area.

The role requires 5 years in chemical processing with strong troubleshooting, planning, and on-call readiness. The position emphasizes safety, cross-functional collaboration, and compliance with multiple standards.

Qualifications

• 5 years chemical processing experience in operations and supervision.
• Strong understanding of chemical unit operations and safety.
• Ability to facilitate troubleshooting and lead meetings.
• Excellent problem-solving and multi-tasking skills.
• On-call availability for emergencies and shutdowns.

Responsibilities

• Provides work permits.
• Audits area maintenance and construction activities with the area EH&S Generalist.
• Develops and coordinates safety plans with EH&S prior to special activities.
• Supports behavior-based safety initiatives in the area by demonstrating safety expectations and participates in EHS investigations where applicable.
• Performs process or equipment troubleshooting alongside the Production Day Leader and hourly representative.
• Serves as a key production participant in maintenance area team meetings.
• Contributes to prioritization of daily and weekly maintenance activities.
• Plans, communicates, and executes equipment preparation for planned maintenance and capital project work with the production team.
• Works with the maintenance planner and team leader to coordinate emergency repair plans for process equipment.
• Provides backup support to the Production Day Leader as needed.
• Coordinates PSSR plans for turnarounds.
• Participates in area team meetings (Safety, Quality, etc.).
• Oversees, coordinates, and reports on training for new employee qualification testing.
• Oversees and coordinates work instruction development, improvements, and revalidation in cooperation with area Production Engineers.
• Oversees and coordinates training, skills development, and certifications for hourly area personnel.
• Supports PLAS and MOS systems and processes through implementation of meeting tactics, completion of follow-up actions, and coordination of improvements with engineering teams.
• Facilitates meetings to coordinate construction and other activities with plant personnel.
• Participates on capital project teams for scope development, evaluation of alternatives, and identification of cost savings opportunities.
• Develops, implements, and documents plans to reduce construction activity costs.
• Communicates with personnel, customers, and outside contractors.
• Participates in cross-functional collaboration across the organization.
• Investigates and tracks spending in SAP and CMMS.
• Implements maintenance prioritization processes.
• Coordinates and plans efforts between Operations, Maintenance, Projects, and PPIC.
• Participates in and maintains compliance-related activities, including internal and external audits for applicable standards and certifications such as ISO 9001:2015, EFfCI, FSSC 22000, Kosher, Halal, RSPO, ISCC+, and others.

Skills

Chemical processing

Operations supervision

Troubleshooting

Planning

Team meetings

On-call emergencies

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Associate's or bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

Stepan Company in Elwood, IL is seeking a Production Specialist to facilitate planning and execution of production and maintenance activities, ensuring efficient project delivery. You will own work instruction development and operator training in the area.

The role requires 5 years in chemical processing with strong troubleshooting, planning, and on-call readiness. The position emphasizes safety, cross-functional collaboration, and compliance with multiple standards.