Chemical Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Chemical Operator

Job Description

This role supports the safe and efficient manufacture of specialty chemical products through batch processing, laboratory analysis, and strict adherence to quality and safety standards. Operates and monitors chemical processing equipment, handles hazardous materials, maintains accurate documentation, and collaborates closely with production and engineering teams to ensure consistent product quality and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Work from written procedures and standard operating procedures to process, purify, and chemically fabricate products and their compounds through a sequence of batch operations.
• Operate reactors, tanks, pumps, mixers, pH meters, level meters, flow meters, valves, and hoses used in the manufacture of specialty chemical products.
• Collect process samples and perform or support laboratory analysis to verify product quality and process performance.
• Handle liquid and solid chemicals using pumps, scales, and flow meters in a safe and controlled manner.
• Weigh, measure, and check raw materials and finished products to ensure that batches contain the correct ingredients and quantities and that accurate inventory is maintained.
• Perform product weighing, packaging, labeling, and boxing operations in accordance with established SOPs.
• Locate materials in the warehouse and transport them to manufacturing areas using appropriate equipment and procedures.
• Maintain required log sheets, including batch tickets, packaging sheets, scrubber operation logs, pH meter calibration records, and equipment inspection forms.
• Attend required Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) training, including Hazardous Waste Management, emergency response, and Hazard Communication, and demonstrate a solid understanding of these topics.
• Package, mark, and label hazardous waste containers in compliance with applicable procedures and regulations.
• Operate equipment and follow procedures in accordance with ISO 9001 and applicable occupational health and safety standards.
• Maintain housekeeping and 5S standards in the work area to support a clean, organized, and safe environment.
• Communicate effectively with the shift leader regarding safety, production, quality, and other operational issues, and actively participate in shift meetings to assist in work planning and continuous improvement.
• Adhere to all corporate, plant, and safety policies and procedures at all times.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment as required for specific tasks and work areas.
• Complete all assigned corporate, HSE, and quality-related training within required timeframes.
• Assist in training other chemical technicians in operations, processes, and procedures to support efficiency, safety, and compliance.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support production, quality, and safety goals.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science or an equivalent technical discipline.
• Experience working in a commercial-scale GMP manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience operating reactors and chemical tanks with capacities of 400 liters or more.
• Experience manufacturing specialty chemicals using batch processes.
• Comfort working with and moving chemical drums in a production environment.
• Experience working with automated manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to handle hazardous chemicals safely and follow HSE and Hazard Communication requirements.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information clearly and concisely to engineering, sales, technicians, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to follow detailed written procedures and maintain accurate documentation and records.
• Capability to operate laboratory and process instruments such as reactors, pumps, mixers, pH meters, level meters, and flow meters.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in a clean-room environment is a plus.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 quality management systems.
• Knowledge of 5S and continuous improvement practices.
• Exposure to hazardous waste packaging, marking, and labeling procedures.
• Experience working in a laboratory or pilot plant environment handling hazardous chemicals.
• Strong attention to detail and a focus on safety, quality, and compliance.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and support training of other technicians.
• Comfort working in a structured, procedure-driven environment with multiple concurrent tasks.

Work Environment

The role is based in a commercial chemical manufacturing and laboratory environment that operates under GMP and ISO 9001 standards. Technicians work around reactors, large chemical tanks (400L or more), pumps, mixers, and automated manufacturing equipment while handling both liquid and solid hazardous chemicals and moving chemical drums as part of daily operations. The facility emphasizes strong HSE practices, including Hazardous Waste Management, emergency response readiness, and Hazard Communication, and requires consistent use of appropriate personal protective equipment. Work areas follow 5S and housekeeping standards to maintain a clean, organized, and safe production floor and lab environment. The culture promotes good teamwork, a supportive atmosphere, and opportunities for long-term career growth, with regular shift meetings and continuous improvement activities to engage employees in planning and problem-solving.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Fremont, CA.

The pay range for this position is $33.00 - $34.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Fremont,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 27, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.