Chemical Manufacturing Technician

Ascensus Specialties•Newburyport, MA

82d•$24 - $26•Onsite

About The Position

The Chemical Manufacturing Technician supports the safe and efficient production of specialty chemical products through reactor-based manufacturing operations. The role prepares reactors and processing equipment, charges raw materials, monitors production processes, transfers materials, and supports manufacturing activities from batch initiation through completion. It is a hands-on position involving equipment setup, material handling, and work in indoor and outdoor environments, including varying weather conditions throughout the year. The Technician maintains accurate production records and complies with safety, environmental, and quality requirements. The position works in a specialty chemical manufacturing facility with reactors, pumps, piping systems, drums, totes, and other industrial equipment. Employees spend a significant part of each shift setting up reactors, transferring materials, staging equipment, and supporting production. The standard schedule is Sunday through Thursday or Tuesday through Saturday, on 8-hour shifts. Employees assigned to this schedule are eligible for a 10% shift differential. Overtime may be required to support production schedules and business needs.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Basic understanding of chemical safety practices and industrial work environments.
Mechanical aptitude and ability to safely use hand and power tools.
Ability to learn and operate chemical processing equipment, including high-pressure systems.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining accurate records.
Ability to follow written procedures and work instructions.
Strong commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and quality standards.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout manufacturing and facility areas; occasionally sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, or reach.
Ability to frequently climb ladders, platforms, and stairs and to lift, carry, push, pull, or move materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
Ability to frequently operate material-handling equipment such as hand trucks, drum carts, and pallet jacks.
Ability to work in varying temperatures, humidity levels, and noise conditions.
Must be medically qualified to wear respiratory protection and comply with the Ascensus Specialties Respiratory Protection Program.
Must be capable of wearing required PPE, including respirators, safety glasses, chemical-resistant clothing, gloves, and safety footwear.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree or technical training in Chemistry, Chemical Technology, Industrial Maintenance, Manufacturing Technology, or a related field.
0–2 years of experience in chemical manufacturing, laboratory operations, industrial production, or handling hazardous materials.

Responsibilities

Prepare, inspect, assemble, configure, and operate reactors, pumps, transfer systems, hoses, piping, and associated production equipment.
Charge raw materials into reactors and process vessels according to batch instructions and operating procedures.
Monitor manufacturing process parameters, including temperature, pressure, agitation, and flow rates.
Transfer materials involving drums, totes, process vessels, and production equipment.
Collect process samples and perform routine production checks.
Complete reactor cleanout, equipment changeovers, and batch turnaround activities.
Support production schedules and manufacturing campaigns to meet customer demand.
Assist with process troubleshooting and identify opportunities for operational improvements.
Prepare charts, logs, and manufacturing reports related to production activities.
Assemble and disassemble production equipment for manufacturing operations.
Perform routine inspections, cleaning, and preventive maintenance.
Conduct leak checks and verify equipment readiness before operation.
Identify equipment problems and communicate issues to supervision and maintenance personnel.
Support maintenance activities and equipment repairs as needed.
Keep tools and work areas clean, organized, and safe.
Receive, stage, transfer, and store raw materials, intermediates, and finished products.
Verify material identities, lot numbers, quantities, and documentation.
Operate authorized pallet jacks, drum-handling equipment, and other material-handling devices.
Assist with inventory transactions and inventory accuracy activities.
Ensure materials are labeled, stored, and handled according to company procedures.
Perform occasional outdoor facility maintenance, including snow and ice removal.
Maintain accurate production records and comply with safety, environmental, and quality requirements.

Benefits

Eligible to participate in the 2026 Ascensus Bonus Plan, with a target of 5% of base annual wage; eligibility and payouts depend on corporate financial results and site-specific EHS, Quality, and Production metrics, and new-hire potential is prorated based on active hire date.
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
Life and AD&D insurance.
Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
401(k) company match: 100% match up to the first 3% of employee contributions and 70% match on contributions between 3% and 6%.
Accrued and frontloaded time-off benefits are available for use after 90 days of employment; first-calendar-year allotments are prorated based on hire date.
Vacation and floating holidays are frontloaded annually based on standard professional tenure brackets.
Sick leave accrued in compliance with Massachusetts state regulations.
Nine paid company holidays, paid at 8 hours each, plus 24 hours of floating holidays per calendar year.
Employee Assistance Program available immediately upon hire.
Eligible for a 10% shift differential when assigned to the stated schedule.
Eligible for overtime compensation as a non-exempt, hourly employee.