Senior Chemical Operator 2nd Shift

Senior Chemical Operators at Michelman serve as both production experts and frontline mentors. In addition to safely operating processing equipment and executing batch production, they take ownership over designated equipment and production areas. They lead by example in EHS, quality, and housekeeping practices, while monitoring operations to ensure alignment with batch protocols, escalation procedures, and shift communication standards. They ensure utility readiness, perform calibrations, and maintain situational awareness of all work occurring within their zone.

Beyond task execution, Senior Chemical Operators guide newer team members, reinforce standard work, and provide constructive peer feedback. They collaborate cross-functionally with Quality, Maintenance, and Engineering to resolve process issues, authorize work permits, and ensure safe execution of concurrent activities. Senior Chemical Operators also play an active role in shift-level incident reviews, improvement initiatives, and inventory accuracy. They are trusted to uphold performance, coach accountability, and drive operational excellence on the floor.

Senior Chemical Operators manufacture cold blend batches, emulsion center batches, reactor batches, and work independently in one or more areas, including but not limited to wastewater treatment, packaging, extrusion operation, or material handling.

• Act as equipment and area owner, maintaining ownership over assigned equipment.
• 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.
• Manufacture batches per work orders and adjust as needed to meet specifications.
• Monitor and interpret process parameters, record data in real time, and elevate 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.
• Support product trials and help refine batch procedures.
• 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.
• Guide new and existing operators by modeling standard work and reinforcing best practices.
• 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.
• Lead or participate in shift-level near-miss and incident reviews.
• Maintain situational awareness of all work occurring within the assigned area. Ensure that concurrent activities do not create safety risks or operational conflicts.
• Review and follow hazard labels and…