Advanced Chemical Operator 2nd Shift [3pm-11:30pm]

Michelman•Deer Park, OH

22h

About The Position

Advanced Chemical Operators at Michelman are experienced production team members who safely and independently manufacture specialty chemical batches using a range of equipment including reactors, kettles, filtration systems, and utility operations. They follow standard operating procedures to prepare, adjust, and complete production orders while interpreting process data, identifying abnormalities, and escalating as needed. Advanced Chemical Operators are proficient in executing changeovers, cleaning procedures, and inventory transactions, and they help ensure smooth shift handoffs by documenting work clearly and communicating process conditions. In this role, Advanced Chemical Operators model strong compliance with safety, environmental, and quality requirements and are trusted to uphold operational discipline without constant supervision. While not formal leaders, they provide informal support to peers, share improvement ideas, and help refine work instructions based on hands-on experience. They collaborate with support teams to troubleshoot issues, submit maintenance requests, and contribute to root cause investigations when problems arise. Advanced Chemical Operators demonstrate sound judgment, high ownership, and a strong grasp of the production process. Advanced Chemical Operators manufacture cold blend batches, or emulsion center batches, or reactor batches, and work independently in one or more areas, including but not limited to wastewater treatment, packaging, extrusion operation, or material handling.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required
2 - 5 years of hands-on chemical or manufacturing environment, preferably with batch processing responsibilities.
Demonstrated ability to follow complex procedures and independently adjust equipment based on process data.
Experience coordinating with Maintenance, Quality, or Engineering teams to resolve operational issues.
Proven track record of safety, reliability, and consistent execution of standard work.
Prior experience in operating mixers, reactors, or filtration equipment in accordance with GMP and EHS standards.
Works effectively and respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and education levels, collaborating to solve problems and achieve shared goals.
Proactively identifies and acts on opportunities to improve safety, quality, efficiency, and personal performance, while following all established procedures and regulatory requirements.
Prioritizes and manages multiple operational tasks in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, making sound, time-sensitive decisions that maintain safety, compliance, and product quality.
Reads and interprets safety data sheets (SDS), standard operating procedures, and production schedules to execute tasks accurately.
Understands how daily activities and decisions affect production costs, yield, and overall business results, and uses this awareness to drive process efficiency and resource stewardship.
Recognizes and mitigates chemical, mechanical, and environmental hazards, escalating concerns promptly.
Communicates clearly in verbal and written form for shift handovers, incident reporting, and process documentation.
Applies basic troubleshooting methods to identify and correct process or equipment deviations, ensuring minimal disruption to operations.

Nice To Haves

Experience with ERP systems, quality control testing, or preventive maintenance is a plus.

Responsibilities

Act as equipment and area owner, maintaining ownership over assigned equipment.
Ensure readiness of utilities for unit operation (e.g., heat exchanger, hot-water-on-demand).
Follow SOPs to safely operate equipment including reactors, kettles, mixers, pumps, filtration, forklifts, and utilities.
Load, unload, and package materials per instructions, completing all documentation.
Manufacture batches per work orders and adjust as needed to meet specifications.
Monitor and interpret process parameters, record data in real time, and escalate abnormal conditions or trends.
Operate process systems (e.g., extruders, packaging lines, wastewater treatment, boiler) in compliance with safety, quality, and efficiency standards.
Participate in shift handoffs and daily tier meetings to support production continuity.
Perform equipment calibrations in accordance with gauge standards.
Record inventory transactions accurately in ERP.
Support product trials and help refine batch procedures.
Use checklists to perform equipment changeovers, line clearances, and task verifications.
Use checklists to prepare and perform equipment cleaning and/or sanitization, changeovers, line clearances, and task verifications.
Verify raw material identity, lot codes, and quantities before staging for production.