Senior Chemical Operator 2nd Shift

Michelman Careers•Cincinnati, OH

About The Position

Senior Chemical Operators at Michelman serve as production experts and frontline mentors. They safely operate processing equipment and execute batch production while taking ownership of designated equipment and production areas. They model strong EHS, quality, and housekeeping practices; monitor operations for compliance with batch protocols and escalation procedures; and maintain effective shift communication. They ensure utility readiness, perform calibrations, and remain aware of work occurring within their assigned area. The role includes manufacturing cold blend, emulsion center, and reactor batches, and working independently in one or more areas such as wastewater treatment, packaging, extrusion operation, or material handling. Senior Chemical Operators guide team members, reinforce standard work, provide constructive feedback, and collaborate with Quality, Maintenance, and Engineering to resolve process issues and coordinate safe work. They also contribute to shift-level incident reviews, continuous improvement, and inventory accuracy. Michelman describes a values-focused work environment centered on integrity, respect, and success, with technical and professional growth, rigorous onboarding, and an empowered team environment. The company offers a salary, incentive, and benefits package. Candidates must complete a pre-employment drug test that includes testing for tobacco products; Michelman does not hire individuals who use tobacco products. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least 5 years of hands-on chemical manufacturing experience, including equipment ownership and batch ownership.
Demonstrated leadership guiding peers, supporting new-hire training, and reinforcing standard operating procedures.
Experience coordinating with Maintenance, Quality, or Engineering to resolve operational issues.
Strong understanding of safety systems, work permits, and area readiness for concurrent activities.
Ability to read and interpret safety data sheets, standard operating procedures, and production schedules.
Ability to recognize and mitigate chemical, mechanical, and environmental hazards and escalate concerns promptly.
Clear verbal and written communication skills for shift handovers, incident reporting, and process documentation.
Ability to prioritize multiple operational tasks and make timely decisions while maintaining safety, compliance, and product quality.
Basic troubleshooting skills for identifying and correcting process or equipment deviations.
Ability to work effectively and respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds and collaborate to solve problems.

Nice To Haves

Prior exposure to autonomous maintenance, continuous improvement initiatives, or shift leadership.

Responsibilities

Own assigned equipment and production areas, including maintaining equipment readiness and ensuring utilities are ready for unit operation.
Safely operate equipment and process systems in accordance with SOPs and safety, quality, and efficiency standards.
Manufacture batches according to work orders, adjust them as needed to meet specifications, and complete production documentation.
Load, unload, stage, and package materials according to instructions; verify raw material identity, lot codes, and quantities before production.
Monitor process parameters, record data in real time, and escalate abnormal conditions or trends.
Participate in shift handoffs and daily tier meetings to support production continuity.
Perform equipment calibrations according to gauge standards.
Record inventory transactions in the ERP system and participate in cycle counts to improve inventory accuracy.
Support product trials and help refine batch procedures.
Use checklists for equipment cleaning and sanitization, changeovers, line clearances, and task verification.
Guide operators, including new team members, by modeling standard work, reinforcing best practices, and providing constructive feedback.
Communicate with team leaders, support staff, and managers about safety, quality, and production concerns; complete required training and assessments on time.
Follow EHS and Quality policies, maintain clean and organized work areas, and participate in safety meetings and toolbox talks.
Lead or participate in shift-level near-miss and incident reviews; maintain awareness of work in the assigned area and help ensure concurrent activities are safe and coordinated.
Follow chemical handling procedures and hazard labels, segregate and dispose of waste according to environmental guidelines, stop unsafe work, and use required PPE.
Perform quality control tests, adjust batches to specifications, review batch records, follow deviation and escalation procedures, and collaborate with Quality to address product or customer issues.
Select an appropriate scale to confirm material weights before addition and support problem-solving to prevent or correct quality defects.
Identify opportunities to reduce scrap, waste, or energy use; participate in improvement activities and root-cause investigations; recommend SOP or work-instruction updates.
Authorize and monitor work permits, troubleshoot minor mechanical or instrumentation issues, perform preventive maintenance under autonomous maintenance guidelines, and submit maintenance work requests.
Prepare equipment for maintenance or projects and notify affected personnel about equipment status or area-access changes.