CHEMICAL PROCESS OPERATOR JOB DESCRIPTION

When batch records go unverified or process parameters drift uncorrected, product quality fails, and regulatory standing erodes. The Chemical Process Operator exists precisely to prevent that outcome. Working within production facilities governed by EHS regulations, 5S standards, and GMP-aligned documentation requirements, this role owns the hands-on execution of chemical manufacturing operations, from solution preparation through equipment maintenance to quality testing. Operators work rotating shifts and report to operations supervision, functioning as the production floor's frontline quality and safety steward.

As the Chemical Process Operator, you are accountable for the safe, accurate, and on-schedule execution of chemical batch manufacturing processes, ensuring product quality and regulatory compliance at every production stage. You work within a shift-based operations team, supporting continuous production through precise documentation, proactive equipment monitoring, and direct coordination with maintenance, quality, and planning functions.

Career Impact: Hands-on experience with batch manufacturing, DCS operation, and process safety compliance builds a technically credible foundation for advancement into senior operator, process technician, or operations supervisor roles in the chemical processing industry.

Business Impact: The accuracy and vigilance of this role directly determine whether batches meet specification, environmental standards are upheld, and production schedules are delivered without costly disruptions or regulatory incidents.

Growth Opportunity: Exposure to syngas units, distillation systems, and compressor operations, alongside SOP revision and process improvement participation, expands both technical depth and cross-functional plant knowledge that is portable across the broader chemical manufacturing sector.

• Execute chemical batch manufacturing operations following approved work instructions, batch procedures, and production schedules.
• Monitor and record process parameters including temperature, pressure, flow rates, and levels throughout each production run.
• Collect in-process and final product samples, performing quality testing and resolving pH, conductivity, or out-of-spec results.
• Operate and maintain production equipment including mixers, pumps, agitators, valves, and distributed control systems.
• Perform basic preventive maintenance checks and first-line troubleshooting, escalating equipment malfunctions to maintenance as required.
• Maintain complete and accurate batch records, handover documentation, and inventory transactions in the ERP system.
• Identify, report, and respond to safety incidents, near-misses, and environmental concerns in compliance with site EHS policies.
• Review work instructions and standard operating procedures, recommending revisions and process improvements as observations arise.

• High school diploma or GED; associate's degree in a chemical, biological, or process technology field preferred.
• 2 or more years of experience in chemical processing, chemical handling, or industrial manufacturing operations.
• Working knowledge of safety data sheets, PPE requirements, and site EHS compliance standards.
• Demonstrated ability to perform unit conversions, ratio calculations, and basic analytical tasks with accuracy.
• Familiarity with batch record documentation and standard operating procedure adherence in a regulated production environment.
• Physical capability to stand for extended periods, climb stairs, lift materials, and wear full-face respirator equipment when required.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage competing priorities across concurrent production tasks.

• Prior experience operating distributed control systems or programmable logic control devices in a chemical or process manufacturing plant.
• Exposure to P&ID reading and the ability to support equipment lock-out/tag-out and work permit completion.
• Experience with ERP transaction processing for goods receipt, inventory transfer, or labor tracking in a production context.
• Certification or coursework in chemical processing technology, process safety management, or an equivalent technical training program.

• Batch record accuracy rate, measuring completeness and correctness of production documentation per shift.
• In-process quality pass rate, tracking the proportion of batches meeting specification without rework.
• On-time production completion, reflecting adherence to the daily production schedule across assigned runs.
• Safety incident and near-miss reporting rate, indicating proactive identification of floor-level EHS concerns.
• Preventive maintenance task completion rate, measuring timely execution of assigned equipment checks.
• Typical tools: ERP platforms (commonly SAP); process control systems (commonly DCS interfaces); productivity software (commonly Microsoft Excel, Word)

• Base Salary Range: $42,000 to $62,000 annually, depending on seniority and facility type
• Bonus: Shift differential and annual performance bonus common in this sector
• Equity: Not typically offered at this level
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage standard
• PTO: 10 to 15 days annually plus statutory holidays
• Common Perks: Safety gear allowance, shift scheduling flexibility, tuition assistance for technical certification

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Background screening, including criminal history review and, in some facilities, drug testing, is a condition of employment for this role. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process upon request. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

The Chemical Process Operator owns end-to-end batch production activities, including solution preparation, inline pH and conductivity testing, and ERP transaction execution within a biologics or chemical manufacturing setting. Reporting to the supervisor and partnering with planning and quality departments, this role ensures accurate documentation and continuous process improvement that sustains on-time delivery of compliant product.

Key Responsibilities

• Calculate the amount of material required per work instruction and batch procedure.
• Collect samples and perform inline testing of product, and resolve any pH and conductivity issues identified.
• Perform spiking of solutions and adjust the ratio of materials as needed.
• Maintain timely and accurate records of the production process.
• Label prepared solutions and buffers.
• Communicate inventory, planning, and quality issues to the supervisor or appropriate department partner.
• Safely dispose of materials and chemical/biological waste.
• Perform basic troubleshooting and repair of equipment, escalating to maintenance as required.
• Perform transactions in ERP systems such as goods issued, goods receipt, labor hour tracking, inventory transfers, and look-up.
• Review and recommend revisions to work instructions and SOPs.
• Recommend process improvements.
• Ensure labs are kept clean and up to 5S standards.
• Identify and report potential safety issues.
• Decontaminate, prepare, and isolate equipment for maintenance.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Associate's degree with a chemical or biological background.
• Chemical/biological processing certification preferred.
• 0–3 years of production experience.
• Solid math skills with the ability to convert units of measure and calculate ratios.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office tools, including Excel and Word.
• Knowledge of ERP systems; SAP experience is a plus.
• Basic analytical and detail-oriented skills.
• Business-level English proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing.
• Ability to manage and prioritize tasks.

Embedded within the operations team, the Chemical Process Operator delivers skilled execution of operator activities across batch production, preventive maintenance checks, and 5S compliance in a chemical processing plant. Working closely with cross-functional team members, this role drives reliable on-time delivery of quality product by maintaining rigorous safety standards and contributing to a proactive continuous improvement culture.

Core Functions

• Follow all relevant process-related documentation, including risk analyses, process instructions, and standard work documents.
• Support the operations team in the skilled execution of operator activities and adhere to the production schedule to ensure the on-time delivery of quality product.
• Complete all necessary batch sheets and handovers to ensure continuous production.
• Maintain adherence to 5S standards and cooperate and collaborate with other team members to continually drive the proactive operator programme.
• Participate in failure investigations and identify and report reliability issues within the plant.
• Carry out basic preventative maintenance checks and report incidents, near-misses, unsafe conditions, and sources of error promptly.
• Comply with safe working practices and PPE requirements, contributing to a healthy and safe working environment.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum of 4 GCSEs or equivalent at Grade A - C, including English, Maths, and Science.
• Previous experience in the chemical process industry preferred.
• High personal health and safety standards and an understanding of EHS and its importance in the workplace.
• Ability to work with efficiency and accuracy and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build positive working relationships and support other disciplines as required.

Reporting to plant leadership, the Chemical Process Operator shapes complex liquid and chemical batch manufacturing operations by running automatic and manual process equipment, conducting in-process quality testing, and performing first-line troubleshooting across a diverse equipment portfolio. Partnering with maintenance, safety, and quality teams, this role enables consistent product output and regulatory compliance that support uninterrupted plant operations.

Primary Duties

• Operate automatic and manual chemical process equipment of varying complexity in accordance with operating procedures, including programmable logic control devices.
• Perform complex liquid and chemical batch manufacturing, with familiarity with a variety of production machines that serve as internal suppliers or customers to the chemical operator.
• Operate equipment including, but not limited to, mixers, agitators, pumps, differential pressure cells and gauges, valves, and automated and manual delivery systems.
• Follow safety guidelines and rules strictly, verify that preventive measures are in place before operating, utilize SDS regularly, wear required PPE up to and including full-face respirators, and conduct monthly safety audits.
• Recognize safety concerns and escalate via established processes, and participate in the 5S programme.
• Perform quality control of product, including frequent in-process and final product quality testing, using strong attention to detail and multitasking.
• Respond to out-of-control points by following established action plans for process disruptions or adjusting equipment as appropriate for equipment disruptions.
• Identify and complete preventive maintenance at a basic level.
• Handle first-line troubleshooting of equipment malfunctions, computer program issues, and setting adjustments, involving appropriate experts as needed.

Skills & Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate's degree or higher preferred.
• Minimum of 2–3 years of work experience, training, or education in chemical process or chemical handling strongly preferred.
• Good written and verbal communication, interpersonal, organizational, numerical, and analytical skills.
• Proficient computer skills and ability to work with MS Office tools.
• Ability to wear PPE and quality protective equipment, including steel-toe shoes, gloves, hard hat, and full-face respirator as required.
• Ability to perform physical tasks including climbing stairs, bending, squatting, pushing, pulling, performing overhead work, and standing for extended periods.