Senior Plant Operator

1020 Solenis LLC US; Suffolk (VA); On-site; USD 64,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401K

Job summary

Solenis is seeking a Senior Plant Operator to apply advanced technical knowledge and operational expertise to support safe and efficient production on site. This role will collaborate with Maintenance, Lab, Engineering, and Material Handling to maximize equipment performance and ensure production targets are met.

The position supports the commissioning and startup of a new plant, and the first 1–2 years will run Monday–Friday daytime, transitioning to a rotating 12‑hour shift schedule.

Qualifications

• High School diploma, proficient in math and English.
• Strong knowledge of hazardous chemical handling.
• Good communication, organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to follow direction and communicate across departments.

Responsibilities

• Operate plant to meet productivity targets safely.
• Monitor processes and adjust control parameters.
• Perform routine rounds and participate in shift turnover.
• Maintain first-pass quality and accurate documentation.
• Support commissioning and startup of a new plant.

Skills

Hazardous chemical handling

Communication

Organization

Problem-solving

Education

High School diploma

Tools

Microsoft Office

DeltaV / PLCs

Data Historians

Job description

Solenis is a leading global provider of water and hygiene solutions. The company’s product portfolio includes a broad array of water treatment chemistries, process aids, functional additives, cleaners, disinfectants, and state-of-the‑art monitoring, control and delivery systems. These technologies are used by customers to improve operational efficiencies, enhance product quality, protect plant assets, minimize environmental impact, and create cleaner and safer environments.

Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, the company has 78 manufacturing facilities strategically located around the globe and employs a team of over ~23000 professionals in >160 countries across six continents.

Solenis is a 2025 Best Managed Company Gold Standard honoree. For additional information about Solenis, please visit www.solenis.com or follow us on social media.

The VFA Senior Plant Operator will apply advanced technical knowledge and operational expertise to support safe and efficient production. This role will work closely with other shifts and site departments such as: Maintenance, Lab, Engineering, and Material Handling to maximize equipment performance and ensure production targets are met. The position is responsible for meeting production goals, while maintaining high safety and environmental performance. This role will support the commissioning and startup of a new plant on site. While the role will eventually transition to a rotating 12‑hour shift schedule, the first 1–2 years will be worked on a Monday–Friday daytime schedule.

Principal Accountabilities

• Operate plant to meet productivity targets and handle chemicals charges in a safe manner as defined by standard procedures.
• Monitor process and adjust control parameters with the control systems.
• Conduct routine rounds and actively participate in shift turnover.
• Maintain process control to ensure First Pass Quality is achieved.
• Perform a complete and detailed turnover and ensure that all required documentation is complete and accurate.
• Maintain and restock supplies and raw materials as necessary for the assigned process area.
• Ability to lift 55 pounds, excessive walking, bending, continuous climbing of stairs, operate a forklift and cleaning equipment.
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping in work area.
• Serve as process expert in safety reviews.
• Be actively involved in Safety Programs in any of the following roles: auditor, implementer of corrective actions, attend meetings, etc.
• Train others to have familiarity with these programs (OEL, Safety audits, Site Safety Committee, 5S, regulator audits, etc.).
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions with minimal direct supervision to meet daily goals.
• Understand and operate within Federal and State regulations pertaining to safety and environmental requirements (EPA programs, RCRA and DOT) and OSHA.
• Other duties as assigned/requested.

Success Criteria

• Ability to recognize hazards and change behaviors to support a Zero incident mindset for self and others.
• Achieving stated throughput targets in accordance to the production schedule, while maintaining safety, quality, and productivity rates.
• Ability to complete the site Hazwoper certification and join the Emergency Response Team, perform duties in all types of PPE up to an incapsulated suit, able to work in confined spaces and not afraid of heights.
• Stay clean shaven for respirator usage.
• Ability to operate within a high paced, team‑focused production area and continually progress to learn all aspects of the plant.
• Have a full working knowledge of the equipment and processes associated with the plant and packaging.
• Pursue all aspects of waste minimization to ensure products are properly disposition, and understanding the waste process to handle generation as regulated.
• Ability to understand and operate the plant within Federal and State regulations pertaining to Waste management (EPA programs, RCRA and DOT) and OSHA.

Qualifications

• High School diploma, proficient in math, written and spoken English.
• Strong knowledge of hazardous chemical handling.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to follow direction and communicate across multiple departments.

Preferred knowledge/skills

• Deep understanding and experience with chemical manufacturing process equipment including reactors, distillation columns, and automation.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Distributed Control Systems/PLCs (DeltaV), and Data Historians.

We understand that candidates will not meet every single desired qualification. If your experience looks a little different from what we’ve identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we’d love to learn more about you.

At Solenis, we understand that our greatest asset is our people. That is why we offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits which include medical, dental, vision & 401K, and numerous opportunities for professional growth and development. So, if you are interested in working for a world‑class company and enjoy solving complex challenges, whether in the lab or the field, consider joining our team.

Solenis is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

The expected compensation range for this position is between $63,830.00 and $93,610.00 plus discretionary bonuses. The exact compensation may vary based on your skills, experience and other factors permitted by law.