Sulfonation Operator

Responsibilities

• Operate or tend equipment to control chemical changes or reactions in processing chemicals at Stepan Millsdale.
• Move control settings to adjust equipment units affecting speeds of chemical reactions, quality, and yields.
• Start pumps and/or operate control valves to wash and rinse reactor vessels, exhaust gases and vapors, regulate the 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 putting materials into storage locations; conduct 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; 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 product samples and conduct quality control tests to monitor processing and ensure standards are met.
• Patrol work areas to ensure solutions in tanks and troughs do not overflow.
• Notify maintenance and ancillary staff 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 applicable standards and certifications such as ISO 9001:2015, EFfCI, FSSC 22000, Kosher, Halal, RSPO, ISCC+ and others.

• 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 range: $42.08 per hour

Union Benefits through Teamsters Local 179

• Stable & Growing
• Collaborative Environment
• Make a Difference & Be Recognized
• Committed to Safety & Sustainability
• Value Driven Culture

We celebrate diversity at Stepan and are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive environment. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.