Chemical Operator

Chemical Operator

This role is ideal for an experienced plant or chemical operator who enjoys hands-on work with complex production equipment and wants to help scale a pilot facility into full commercial production. You will run and maintain pilot-scale production lines, including high-temperature reactors, vacuum systems, and induction furnaces, overseeing the full process from feedstock preparation through finished metal. You will focus on maximizing throughput and uptime while upholding rigorous safety, quality, and documentation standards, and you will collaborate closely with engineers and technicians to improve processes and support new equipment commissioning.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor pilot-scale production equipment, including vacuum induction furnaces, tube furnaces (up to 1700C), high-vacuum pump systems, and inert-atmosphere gloveboxes.
• Manage production runs end-to-end, including feedstock preparation, reactor charging, process execution, product recovery, and packaging under inert conditions.
• Track and log process parameters such as temperature profiles, vacuum levels, gas flows, and cycle times, and flag deviations while making real-time adjustments to maintain specification.
• Perform preventive and first-line corrective maintenance on furnaces, vacuum systems, gas delivery systems, and material handling equipment, and coordinate with engineers on larger repairs.
• Prepare samples for analytical testing using techniques such as ICP-OES, IGF-O/N, and SEM-EDS, and interpret how test results feed back into process control and optimization.
• Operate overhead cranes (2T and 5T), forklifts, and rigging equipment to move feedstock, crucibles, and finished products safely and efficiently.
• Maintain strict housekeeping, chemical hygiene, and safety practices, especially when working with hot materials, reactive powders, and inert-gas environments.
• Support commissioning and startup of new production lines and equipment as the facility scales from pilot to commercial production.
• Collaborate with R&D engineers and technicians on trial runs, process improvements, and scale-up campaigns, providing operator-level insights to refine designs, procedures, and operating conditions.
• Follow standard operating procedures, batch records, safety protocols, and data logging requirements with discipline and accuracy.
• Work independently during shifts, make sound operational decisions in a fast-paced environment, and escalate issues appropriately when needed.

Essential Skills

• At least 3 years of experience operating pilot-scale or production-scale process equipment in chemical, metallurgical, semiconductor, or similar industries.
• Proven ability to operate and monitor high-temperature and vacuum equipment such as vacuum induction furnaces, tube furnaces, high-vacuum pump systems, and inert-atmosphere gloveboxes.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, including comfort with hand and power tools, basic fabrication, and equipment assembly.
• Demonstrated rigor in following standard operating procedures, batch records, safety protocols, and data logging practices.
• Experience performing preventive and first-line corrective maintenance on process equipment, including furnaces, vacuum systems, gas delivery systems, and material handling equipment.
• Ability to track, log, and interpret process parameters such as temperature profiles, vacuum levels, gas flows, and cycle times, and adjust operations in real time.
• Capability to operate overhead cranes (2T and 5T), forklifts, and rigging equipment safely.
• Comfort working independently and making sound operational decisions in a fast-paced startup or dynamic production environment.
• Ability and willingness to work rotating or flexible shifts based on production demands.
• Strong commitment to maintaining strict housekeeping, chemical hygiene, and safety practices around hot materials, reactive powders, and inert-gas systems.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in pyrometallurgy, electrometallurgy, or rare-earth and specialty metals processing.
• Background operating vacuum induction melting furnaces in an industrial or pilot-scale setting.
• Experience preparing samples for analytical testing using methods such as ICP-OES, IGF-O/N, and SEM-EDS, and understanding how results inform process control.
• OSHA 10, OSHA 30, or HAZWOPER certification.
• A degree or educational background in metallurgy, materials science, chemical engineering, or a related technical field.
• Experience supporting commissioning and startup of new production lines or equipment.
• Familiarity with process improvement initiatives and collaboration with R&D or engineering teams.

Work Environment

You will work in a pilot-scale production facility that is scaling toward commercial operations and uses advanced high-temperature and vacuum technologies. Daily activities involve operating vacuum induction furnaces, tube furnaces reaching up to 1700C, high-vacuum pump systems, inert-atmosphere gloveboxes, and associated gas delivery and material handling equipment. The environment includes overhead cranes (2T and 5T), forklifts, and rigging systems for moving feedstock, crucibles, and finished products, requiring consistent attention to safe lifting and handling practices. You will work around hot materials, reactive powders, and inert-gas environments, with strict adherence to chemical hygiene, housekeeping, and safety protocols. The role supports rotating or flexible shifts aligned with production schedules, and you can expect a fast-paced, startup-style atmosphere with close collaboration between operators, engineers, and R&D staff as new processes and production lines are commissioned and optimized.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Alameda, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $90000.00 - $120000.00/yr. Competitive base salary Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance Company-provided lunch daily Visa sponsorship available if needed

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Alameda, CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 30, 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 click.appcast.io 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.