Operator

Location: Elwood, IL 60421

About the role

The successful candidate will operate or tend equipment to control chemical changes or reactions in the processing of chemicals at Stepan Millsdale.

Responsibilities

• Move control settings to adjust equipment affecting speeds of chemical reactions, quality, and yields.
• Start pumps and operate control valves to wash and rinse reactor vessels, exhaust gases and vapors, regulate flow of oil, steam, air, and add products to blending vessels.
• Interpret chemical reactions visible through sight glasses, local instruments, gauges, or HMI/PLC monitors, and review laboratory test reports for process adjustments.
• Load and unload trailers, rail cars, totes, and drums.
• Perform material staging for production areas, tote washing, receiving, and storage of materials, including inventory consolidation.
• Operate valves to regulate flow of products or byproducts through agitator tanks, storage drums, or neutralizer tanks.
• Conduct equipment washouts as directed.
• Calculate material requirements or yields according to formulas.
• Monitor recording instruments, flow meters, panel lights, and other indicators, and listen for warning signals to verify conformity of process conditions.
• Control or operate chemical processes or systems of machines using panel boards, control boards, or semi-automatic equipment.
• Record operating data such as process conditions, test results, and instrument readings.
• Confer with technical and supervisory personnel to report or resolve conditions affecting safety, efficiency, product quality, or the environment.
• Draw samples of products and conduct quality control tests to ensure standards are met.
• Patrol work areas to prevent overflow of solutions in tanks and troughs.
• Notify maintenance and auxiliary personnel to correct equipment malfunctions and adjust power, steam, water, or air supplies.
• Perform regular product and raw material inventory.
• Gauge tank levels using calibrated rods.
• Defrost frozen valves using steam hoses.
• Regulate or shut down equipment during emergency situations as directed by supervisory personnel.
• Support all Environmental, Health, and Safety programs, policies, and regulations.
• Perform general housekeeping duties as assigned.
• Participate and maintain compliance-related activities, including internal and external audits for standards and certifications such as ISO 9001:2015, EFfCI, FSSC 22000, Kosher, Halal, RSPO, and ISCC+.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• 3 years of operator experience in a manufacturing environment with hazardous materials.
• Petro Chemical Certificate from Joliet Junior College (preferred).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Detail-oriented.
• Ability to work 12-hour rotational shifts, including weekends and holidays.

Pay

$42.08 per hour

Benefits

Union benefits through Teamsters Local 179.

About the company

Established in 1932, Stepan Company is a major manufacturer of basic and intermediate chemicals, including surfactants, polymers, and specialty ingredients for consumer, household, and institutional products such as laundry detergents, shampoos, and surface cleaners. Stepan has 19 global manufacturing locations and over 2,400 employees. The company is committed to safety, sustainability, and a diverse, inclusive work environment.