Universal Chemicals and Coatings, LLC (UNICHEM) has been a market-leading formulator of high-performance custom industrial coatings, laminating adhesives, and container linings since 1967. The company has built its reputation on a strong foundation of science and research, with deep expertise in process technology, resin science, value-added engineering, and industrial market insights. UNICHEM's interdisciplinary, problem-solving approach delivers tailored solutions to customers across the industrial drum and pail markets and coil-applied industrial coatings segments. UNICHEM is a business unit of PRO-SET Formulated Resin Systems, LLC (PFRS), a global platform delivering high-performance formulated resin and polymer solutions for demanding applications across marine, aerospace, defense, electronics, energy, and advanced manufacturing markets. PFRS's core expertise spans infusion, laminating, tooling, coatings, and adhesive resin systems engineered to solve complex customer challenges with precision, consistency, and reliability. PFRS is backed by Iron Path Capital, an operationally focused private equity firm. About the Role We are looking for an experienced, dependable Chemical Operator with hands-on batch-making and chemical processing background to join our production team. This role is built for someone who already knows how to run a batch — accurately reading and executing batch tickets, operating mixing and material handling equipment, and safely handling hazardous and non-hazardous raw materials — and who is ready to apply that skillset to UNICHEM's specific product lines and processes. While the core of the job is production and batch-making, Chemical Operators cross-train into warehouse and material-handling support during lower-volume periods. Full training on UNICHEM's proprietary formulas, batch tickets, and quality standards is provided regardless of prior employer or process experience. Sit-down forklift experience is required. Must be able to regularly lift at least 50 pounds.

Compensation Starting Range:

$23.00-$25.00/hour, offer will be based on skillset and experience. Key Responsibilities Chemical Operations & Batch-Making (Core) Accurately read, interpret, and execute batch tickets, including weighing and adding raw materials in the sequence, quantity, and method specified. Operate mixing equipment and associated material handling equipment — pumps, meters, and scales — to assemble intermediate premixes, resin cuts, and basic solution coatings. Adjust viscosity and make in-process corrections as batch tickets require. Set up, operate, and clean filtration equipment (cartridge, bag, and vibrating screen filters) and associated ancillary equipment such as hoses and metering pumps. Perform closure, labeling, and container-handling procedures in accordance with DOT/UN requirements. Interface with the lab on retains, clarity checks, and physical property verification. Learn and apply UNICHEM's product-line-specific processing techniques, formulas, and batch documentation standards. Perform minor routine maintenance on production equipment as needed. Material Handling & Warehouse Support (Cross-Trained) Handle hazardous and non-hazardous raw materials in 5- and 55-gallon containers and 50-pound bags, using proper container-type handling procedures. Move finished goods and raw materials between production and warehouse storage using a sit-down forklift. Assist with receiving raw material shipments, verifying batch numbers, lot numbers, PO information, and unit sizes against paperwork. Support outbound shipment preparation, including documentation such as Bills of Lading (BOL), as needed. Assist with receiving solvent deliveries via tanker truck, including pumping product to totes or storage tanks using safe chemical handling practices. Take and record in-house inventory as directed. Maintain production and warehouse areas in an orderly, compliant, and safe manner.

Personality & Culture Requirements Process-Minded:

Comfortable working independently from a batch ticket and exercising sound judgment on sequencing, quantities, and in-process adjustments.

Detail-Oriented:

Meticulous in verifying batch numbers, lot numbers, PO information, unit sizes, and weights; accuracy in documentation is critical.

Safety-Minded:

Takes the safe handling of hazardous and flammable materials seriously; no phone usage on the production floor.

Adaptable & Flexible:

Willing to support warehouse and material handling functions as operational needs require, without resistance.

Strong Work Ethic:

Works until the job is done; takes ownership of assigned areas and tasks.

Collaborative:

Works well within a small team environment and communicates clearly with supervisors and coworkers; comfortable mentoring less experienced staff over time.

Proactive:

Anticipates what needs to be done; does not wait to be told when obvious tasks are apparent. Qualifications High School Diploma or equivalent required. 2+ years of hands-on chemical operator, batch-making, or industrial compounding experience required; coatings, adhesives, resins, or similar chemical manufacturing environment strongly preferred. Demonstrated ability to read and execute a batch ticket independently, including weighing, sequencing, and basic in-process adjustments. Working knowledge of mixing equipment and material handling equipment such as pumps, meters, and scales. Sit-down forklift experience required; experience with stand-up, reach, or electric forklifts a plus. Comfortable working around chemicals and flammable materials in an industrial setting.

Strong basic math skills:

addition, subtraction, multiplication, division; as well as quantities and batch/lot number tracking. Solid documentation and organizational skills. Must be a U.S. Citizen or authorized to work in the United States. Don't check every box? We know most candidates won't meet every qualification above, and we'd still like to hear from you. If you have solid batch-making or chemical operator experience but are lighter in a specific area or could use a refresher on a skill you haven't used recently; we're willing to train motivated candidates in those gaps. Interest in learning and growing with our process matters as much as a perfect skills match. Nice to Have (but Not Required) Experience with filtration equipment (cartridge, bag, or vibrating screen). Experience with emulsions, acid catalyzations, multi-part batches, or batch inversions. Familiarity with color matching or color adjustment to an established standard. Familiarity with hazmat shipping regulations and BOL completion. ISO-certified manufacturing environment experience. Basic maintenance or mechanical aptitude (pumps, valves, hose fittings, gaskets). What to

Expect Work Schedule:

Monday-Thursday, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm and Friday 6:30 am-3:00 pm. Hours may extend for special projects or meetings. Mandatory overtime may be required. This is a key position that may require working outside normal hours.

Environment:

Primarily indoor (heated, non-air-conditioned warehouse and production floor) with some outdoor exposure when loading/unloading trucks and receiving tanker deliveries. PPE and site-specific safety training provided. Areas involve exposure to chemicals and flammable materials.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to regularly lift 50-70 pounds; prolonged standing and walking; forklift operation throughout the shift.

Travel:

On occasion, this role may require travel to our Elgin, IL facility to support operational needs.

Benefits:

UNICHEM offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage; company-paid life insurance and short-term disability; and a 401(k) retirement plan.

Growth:

As proficiency with UNICHEM's specific products and processes is demonstrated, Chemical Operators have the opportunity to grow into more advanced batch-making (multi-part batches, emulsions, catalyzations) and into supplemental specialty areas such as color matching or equipment maintenance, subject to business need. Equal Opportunity Employer UNICHEM is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Employment Disclaimer This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Employment with UNICHEM is at-will, meaning either party may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background check and drug screening, where permitted by law. UNICHEM will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law.

Pay:

$23.00 - $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person