Chemical Operators at Michelman are responsible for safely processing specialty chemical products using a range of equipment including vessels, kettles, mixers, pumps, extruders, and utilities. They follow standard operating procedures (SOP) to prepare materials, load and unload batches, perform in-process testing, and record data in real time. Operators maintain area cleanliness, wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE), follow hazard labeling and waste disposal protocols, and ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards.
In this role, Chemical Operators are expected to ask questions, follow procedures, and escalate abnormalities to protect product quality and personal health safety and our environment. They participate actively in toolbox talks, audits, and tier meetings, and use digital tools to access work instructions and submit maintenance requests. Operators contribute to continuous improvement efforts by offering ideas, reducing waste, and participating in root cause analysis. They are key members of the production team who support a smooth shift-to-shift handoff and maintain high standards of accuracy, ownership, and reliability.
Chemical Operators work independently in wastewater treatment, packaging, extrusion operation, or material handling.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Access digital tools for just-in-time learning and job guidance.
- Ask clarifying questions to ensure task understanding and reduce operational risk.
- Communicate effectively with team leaders, support staff, and managers to address safety, quality, and production concerns.
- Complete required training, certifications, and assessments on time.
- Follow all EHS and Quality policies to maintain a safe and compliant workplace.
- Keep work areas clean and organized to meet housekeeping and GMP standards.
- Provide peers with constructive feedback to improve safety, quality, and efficiency.
- Actively engage in safety meetings and toolbox talks.
- Maintain situational awareness of all work occurring within the assigned area. Ensure that concurrent activities do not create safety risks or operational conflicts.
- Participate in shift-level near-miss and incident reviews.
- Review and follow hazard labels and chemical handling procedures.
- Segregate and dispose of waste materials per environmental guidelines.
- Stop work when undue health, safety, or environmental risks are present. Step back and get help before proceeding.
- Support safe work execution in coordination with Maintenance, Engineering, Project Teams, and peers.
- Wear required PPE in accordance with procedures and safety data sheets (SDSs).
- Perform quality control tests and adjust batches to meet specifications.
- Collaborate with the quality team to resolve product or customer issues.
- Review batch records and follow deviation and escalation procedures.
- Support problem-solving efforts to prevent or correct quality defects.
- Select appropriate scale to confirm material weights before addition.
- Identify and report ways to reduce scrap, waste, or energy use.
- Participate in continuous improvement activities.
- Participate in cycle counts to improve inventory accuracy.
- Share improvement ideas and recommend updates to SOPs or work instructions.
- Support root cause investigations (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone) as a subject matter expert.
- Identify and troubleshoot minor mechanical or instrumentation issues before escalation.
- Perform preventive maintenance tasks according to autonomous maintenance (AM) guidelines.
- Submit maintenance work requests.
- Prepare equipment for maintenance and/or projects.
- Notify affected personnel of changes in equipment status or area accessibility due to ongoing work or preparation activities.
- 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.
- High school diploma or GED required
- 0 – 3 years of manufacturing, production, or warehouse experience preferred.
- Experience in chemical processing is a plus, but not required.
- Entry-level applicants with strong mechanical aptitude and commitment to safety are encouraged to apply.
- Prior experience in operating production equipment, forklifts, and following SOP is desirable.
Michelman’s standard work hours for this role are 2nd shift [3pm-11:30pm].
Note: The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to the job. They are not construed to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.
Motivated by unwavering values, and ingrained with a passion for innovation, Michelman is a global developer and manufacturer of specialized sustainable chemistry used in industrial and agricultural coatings, digital printing, consumer packaging, and advanced composites for automotive and aerospace. From helping grow food and keep it fresh, to making vehicles lighter and more fuel efficient, to shielding our homes from the elements, Michelman‘s environmentally conscious solutions protect and enhance the materials that shape our world.
Michelman is proud of the values-focused work environment that we have crafted. We pride ourselves in our focus on our values of integrity, respect, and success. With our dedication to your technical and professional growth in addition to our rigorous onboarding experience, we guarantee that you will find yourself challenged in new ways. We offer an excellent salary, incentive, and benefits package in a dynamic, empowered team environment.
No phone calls, please. Michelman does not hire individuals who use tobacco products. All candidates will receive a drug test prior to beginning employment which will include a test for tobacco products.
For more information about Michelman, please visit https://www.michelman.com/.
It is Michelman, Inc. policy to seek and employ qualified persons in all jobs in a manner which will ensure equal employment opportunity as well as administer personnel actions in a manner as to not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation or disability. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Michelman is an Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Females/Disabled/Veterans
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
