R&D Pilot Plant operator

Ketjen Corporation; Pasadena (TX); On-site; USD 3,444,000 - 4,822,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive benefits package

Professional development resources

Job summary

Ketjen Corporation is seeking a Pilot Plant Operator in Pasadena, Texas to support catalyst preparations in the pilot plant for current and new product development. You will work with researchers and the plant supervisor to ensure quality data and efficient operations.

The role requires learning SOPs and safety requirements, plus the ability to operate equipment, run analyses, and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment. Overtime may be required.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Process Technology degree or 2+ years in chemical manufacturing.
• Ability to learn and follow operating procedures and safety requirements.
• Strong computer proficiency with production software and spreadsheets.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Train to perform catalyst preparations with minimal supervision.
• Manipulate spreadsheets and record process data for trials.
• Operate pilot plant equipment and support new product development.
• Maintain safety, document deviations, and support operations as needed.
• Handle physical tasks including 50 lb containers and forklift use.

Skills

Strong communication

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Multitasking

Adaptability

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Process Technology degree or 2+ years in chemical manufacturing

Tools

DCS/PLC systems

Industrial equipment operation

Lockout/Tagout systems

Spreadsheet software

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.

R&D Pilot Plant Operator

• Excited to grow your career?

We value our talented employees, and whenever possible strive to help one of our employees grow professionally before recruiting new talent to our open positions. If you think the open position, you see is right for you, we encourage you to apply!
Our people make all the difference in our success.
IMPORTANT: To apply, employee must not have been on a Performance Improvement Plan for the past 6 months. Additionally, the employee must have been in their current role for 12 months. If you have not been in role for 12 months, you must notify your current manager before applying for an internal position.
All employees will be asked to notify their current manager of their interest if they are identified and selected for an interview.

Job Summary

When you join the Ketjen team, you contribute to a better tomorrow. You will play a role in powering many of the world’s largest and most critical industries, from energy and communications to transportation and electronics. We are putting innovations to work to improve people’s lives and we want YOU to be a part of it.
Ketjen Corporation is currently seeking a Pilot Plant Operator to carry out catalyst preparations in the pilot plant in support of existing and new product development efforts.

Responsibilities

Train to work with minimal supervision, independently carrying out catalyst preparations in the pilot plant in support of existing and new product development efforts led by Researchers/chemists and the pilot plant supervisor. This includes manipulating spreadsheets, compounding FCC catalyst slurries, spray-drying, post processing, recording process data, and verifying the quality of catalyst preparations. Provide needed support to the plant for new product and technology trials, and other plant support as needed. Must be able to properly handle small scale analytical methods with training (such as LOI, viscosity measurements, pH meters, etc.) Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills are vital to this position. Knowledge and experience in equipment operation in addition to computer skills and an industrial background are preferred. Job requires daily handling of filled containers (50 lbs.), maneuvering of 55-gallon drums, use of a forklift, repair pumps, among other tasks. Some overtime will be required.

• Schedules are routinely published and worked through as agreed upon according to priorities.
• Pilot plant equipment is continually available in good working conditions, and expediently repaired and brought back online when needed.
• Procedures and other SOPs are closely followed, and deviations are explained and documented.
• Catalyst preparations are done with high productivity and quality, resulting in excellent customer satisfaction.
• Communication is effective and timely with pilot plant supervisors and all other customers including other researchers and manufacturing contacts.
• All work is carried out with no safety incidents, and potential safety issues are proactively dealt with.
• Raw materials are readily available and qualified for use.
• Pilot plant remains well-organized, neat, and clean at all times.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly adapt to rapidly changing priorities with good attitude.

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
• Solid computer proficiency and the ability to use digital operating systems, production software, and spreadsheets
• Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills
• Safe and responsible individuals, with a demonstrated ability to multitask, prioritize competing demands, and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to safely perform all physical demands associated with the role
• 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

Benefits Of Joining Ketjen

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

Apply today and help Ketjen unleash the POTENTIAL of advanced chemistry for industries that power the world.