Chemical Operator

Bakelite•Louisville, KY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

As Chemical Operator at Bakelite, you’ll help us create a better tomorrow with sustainable and innovative chemistry today. Bakelite products are found everywhere, from stronger homes to safer automobiles. With over 100 years of history and strong customer relationships, the company engineers sustainable products to meet challenging demands. Joining the team means contributing to building a stronger, safer, better world. You will be an integral part of operations, ensuring facilities run safely and efficiently, gaining deep knowledge of chemical manufacturing processes, and playing a critical role in safety, quality, and operational excellence. This is a hands-on role where you will learn to operate a variety of chemical manufacturing equipment, including bagging systems, material handling, and batch and continuous process reactors. You will contribute to a safety-first culture by following practices like Lockout/Tagout, confined space entry, and PPE requirements. Ensuring product quality involves testing, monitoring, and adjusting production in real time using both automated (DCS/PLC) and manual systems. You will also collaborate on continuous improvement projects to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Bakelite offers a clear development path within manufacturing operations, allowing for career growth from material handling and packaging to mastering chemical reactors.

Requirements

High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Minimum 2 years of experience in a chemical plant, petrochemical, or industrial manufacturing environment.
Mechanical aptitude and ability to perform basic hand tool maintenance.
Troubleshooting and problem-solving experience in a manufacturing setting.
Ability to work in non-temperature-controlled environments, including outdoor and multi-level facilities in extreme conditions.
Ability to lift 55 lbs.
Willing and able to use PPE (safety shoes, hard hats, respirators, acid suits, SCBA, etc.).
Willing and able to work at heights with fall protection.
Willing and able to obtain HazMat certification if not already certified.
Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, SharePoint).
Good verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to work both independently and in team settings.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree or higher in Production Technology, Engineering Technology, or related field.
Certifications or training in HazMat, Fire Brigade, or Emergency Response.
Previous forklift certification.
Experience with SAP and process control systems (Delta V, Wonderware).
Prior experience maintaining production equipment in a chemical manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

Operate chemical manufacturing processes using both automated and manual control systems.
Monitor production data, identify trends, troubleshoot, and adjust operations in real time.
Conduct in-process and final product testing to ensure quality; operate and maintain testing equipment.
Safely handle dry and wet raw materials, including powders, flakes, and resins, and support shipping/receiving activities.
Perform minor maintenance using basic hand tools.
Follow all safety procedures, report concerns promptly, and comply with OSHA, PSM, and environmental regulations.
Collaborate on improvement projects that enhance safety, efficiency, and product quality.