Operator Trainee - Conway, NC

About the Role

As an Operator Trainee at Bakelite, you’ll help create a better tomorrow with sustainable and innovative chemistry. You’ll ensure high-quality standards that help our organization consistently meet production goals and enhance overall operational efficiency. You’ll be a key member of a dynamic team built on open communication, trust, and transparency, collaborating to carry out various manufacturing tasks such as operating machinery, monitoring production processes, and ensuring quality control.

At Bakelite, you’ll build a meaningful career supported by ongoing learning and development through our well-established training and certification program. You’ll play a critical role in safety and reliability by adhering to all plant health, safety, and environmental guidelines and troubleshooting equipment issues.

Responsibilities

• Loading and unloading raw materials and finished goods in accordance with customer and chemical specifications.
• Training and skill development to advance in production, learning to operate and monitor chemical reaction processes to manufacture polymer resins, industrial chemicals, and raw materials.
• Monitoring equipment and performing minor troubleshooting to ensure optimal production and minimal downtime.
• Using a computer to document data such as shipping and receiving information and manufacturing processes.
• Working in outside weather conditions as well as in an industrial environment, at heights, and in confined spaces.
• Adhering to all plant health, safety, and environmental guidelines, policies, and procedures by wearing necessary Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), including hard hats, safety glasses, face shields, chemical suits, respirators, ear plugs, hearing protection, steel-toe boots, or safety shoes.
• Meeting and exceeding production goals while maintaining a focus on safety, meeting the physical and safety requirements of the job, and working a rotating shift schedule in a 24/7 operation, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Experience operating a forklift.
• At least two (2) years of continuous employment in the last four (4) years preferred.
• One (1) year or more of experience in an industrial, warehouse, military, farming, construction, mechanical, or production environment.
• One (1) year or more of experience using a computer or tablet to record information and for data entry of record keeping documentation, shipping and receiving information, or manufacturing processes documentation.

About Bakelite

With more than 100 years of history and strong customer relationships, Bakelite boldly engineers sustainable products to tackle the world’s most challenging demands. Our commitment includes:

• Shaping the future as part of a diverse, global team.
• Championing associates through continued learning and development, allowing you to pave your personal career path.
• Protecting the planet through sustainable processes and products that grow profitability while improving environmental impact.
• Prioritizing safety as a 24/7 mindset to ensure everyone returns home safely.
• Caring for associates with competitive compensation, robust benefits, and support at every career step.

Location

This role is located in Conway, a small town in eastern North Carolina, within 100 miles of Richmond, Norfolk-Virginia Beach, and the Raleigh-Durham area. The Conway team has strong ties to the local community, including sponsorship of the town’s annual charity golf tournament and active participation in the volunteer Conway Fire Department. Nearby attractions include the Roanoke River, home to diverse wildlife, and the Roanoke Canal Museum and Trail, which highlights the historical significance of the canal system.