Position Summary The Engineered Nylons Department runs a batch process to produce various types of nylon resin. The Chemical Operator doses raw materials and performs all process steps for the mix tank, evaporator, reactor, pelletizer, and material transfer to storage tanks. Further processing responsibilities include resin transfer, drying, sample testing and packaging of final product. The Chemical Operator works a rotating shift schedule in a non-climate-controlled area. Essential Functions Operates a variety of equipment to correctly dose all raw materials Stages, prepares, lifts, and loads raw materials into Acid Hoppers Selects product recipes and initiates the program to automatically dose bulk acids Unloads raw material supply trucks Operates the control system to dose water and bulk liquid materials Measures and doses proper amounts of manual acids and additive materials Executes the process cycle for the mix tank, evaporator, reactor, and pelletizer Executes the "dryer cycle" from the storage tanks to the sealed package: Load the dryer Perform leak checks Operate vacuum dryer systems to tumble and dry resin Collect samples, test moisture and color, and interpret results Unload the dryer and package into boxes/drums Label finished product with the correct part, weight, and lot number Maintain product traceability Collect and submit samples for QA testing Performs dryer steam outs to remove buildup in the vacuum lines Adheres to all policies and procedures for safe and efficient operation Follows operating procedures and instructions per batch process sheets Monitors and controls process variables, such as time, temperature, pressure, and tank level Sets valves, switches, pumps, and other components per production specifications Investigates and resolves process alarms and upset events Coordinates with maintenance to diagnose and correct equipment issues Completes product change, startup, and shutdown activities Secondary Functions Works in a safe manner and maintains general housekeeping Demonstrates commitment to customer quality, business results and continuous improvement Expected to increase knowledge of the Engineered Nylons operation and progressively improve individual performance Manages daily tasks to achieve target production rates Supports rework activities Other assignments as requested Position Specifications Rotating shift work required Overtime required as needed to cover absence/vacation Strong listening and communication skills Strong attention to detail and organization skills required Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot problems Basic computer skills Must demonstrate commitment to safety Must demonstrate a willingness and desire to learn Must demonstrate effective time management and sound judgment Ability to make basic mathematical calculations Ability to read information and numbers and write legibly Must demonstrate a willingness to assist other operators when necessary Ability to lift 60 pounds Forklift license a plus Job Training New Hire Orientation Engineered Nylons Safety Orientation Reactor Orientation Training NWA/SPC training Forklift Certification Confined Space Certification Required education and experience High school diploma or equivalent required Experience as a Chemical Operator preferred Skills Progression Matrix There are 8 pay rates within the Chemical operator position, based on the employee's knowledge, skill, and experience. Operators may advance to the next pay rate once they have met the skill level description and pre-requisites. Skill Level Skill Level Description Pre-requisites to advance Comments Chemical Operator L1 Requires presence of a trainer. Must complete Dryer Orientation Training program. Must have recommendation of Trainer and Team Leader. Trainees are expected to progress to Chemical Operator 2 rate in less than 4 months. Chemical Operator L2 Ability to work independently Minimum 6 months experience. Must have no active disciplinary actions. Must have Team Leader recommendation. Operators are expected to advance to Chemical Operator 3 rate in less than 24 months. Chemical Operator L3 Consistently demonstrates the ability to perform all essential job functions Must have no active disciplinary actions. Must have Operations Manager recommendation. Target staffing is (4) Chemical 4 operators. Chemical Operator L4 Accepted as a subject matter expert for all aspects of the Chemical Operator 1-4 positions. Able to identify and troubleshoot upset events. Able to train or audit someone else's work. Must have recommendation of Trainer, Team Leader and Operations Manager to enter Reactor Operator Training program. Chemical 4 Operators will be given first consideration when openings occur for Chemical Operator positions 5 and above. Chemical Operator L5 Requires presence of a trainer. Must complete Reactor Orientation Training program. Must have recommendation of Trainer and Team Leader. Trainees are expected to progress to Chemical Operator 6 position in less than 6 months. Chemical Operator L6 Ability to work independently. Minimum 12 months experience. Must have no active disciplinary actions. Must have Team Leader recommendation. Demonstrates ability to run R1 & R2 Operators are expected to advance to Chemical Operator 7 position in less than 36 months. Chemical Operator L7 Consistently demonstrates the ability to perform all essential job functions. Minimum 36 months experience. Must have no active disciplinary actions. Must have Operations Manager recommendation. Demonstrates ability to run Reactor #3. Demonstrates ability to unload chemical supply trucks. Target staffing is (8) Chemical Operator 8 positions and (4) Chemical Operator 7 positions. Chemical Operator L8 Accepted as a subject matter expert for all aspects of the Chemical Operator 5-8 positions. Able to identify and troubleshoot upset events. Able to train or audit someone else's work. n/a The above statements describe the general nature and level of responsibilities for these positions and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of this position. Company management may assign other relevant, business-related duties.