Production Operator

Production Operator Date: May 8, 2026 Location: Chicago, IL, US, 60629 Company: W. R. Grace & Co. Hourly Wage: $31.32 Other Compensation: Eligibility for the Short-Term Incentive program and other applicable bonuses Benefits: U.S. Employee Benefits Summary (grace.com) Grace, a Standard Industries company, is a leading global supplier of catalysts, engineered materials and fine chemicals. We provide innovative products, technologies and services which our customers use to manufacture everyday products like renewable fuels, pharmaceuticals, toothpaste, cosmetics, food packaging, beer, edible oils and more. Our thousands of employees help shape a better future at our global headquarters in Columbia, MD and locations worldwide. Responsibilities The Production Operator ensures a safe work environment, handles, stores, and transports chemical materials, operates, monitors, and controls continuous batch processes. Maintain a safe work environment by wearing the correct PPE and adhering to all safety policies Operate equipment such as mixers, pumps, belt dryers, spray dryers, mills, filters, cranes, heat exchangers, packaging equipment, calciners, boilers, and other plant equipment. Responsible for the proper operation of the processes using field controls & PLC/DCS's, and troubleshooting process issues Consistently completes operator standard work in a timely manner and takes accountability for actions Respond to emergency situations, including emergency shutdown; complete plant data sheets, environmental reports, inventory sheets, forklift inspection reports, etc. as requested, and housekeeping Provide routine minor maintenance to process equipment and instrumentation using small hand tools Sample and analyze plant material to maintain quality standards and take corrective action as needed While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to high places; fumes or airborne particles; chemicals (acids and bases); outside weather conditions; heat; noise and vibration Physical Requirements and Environment Ability to work in a high hazard environment, including adverse weather conditions, elevated spaces, confined spaces, extreme temperatures, and noisy surroundings. Must be able to stand, walk, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and climb stairs and ladders over 100 ft. Must be willing to wear PPE (Personal Protective equipment) including but not limited to hard hat, protective eyewear, steel-toed boots, hearing protection, Level A suit, full face respirator Required Qualifications Must be able to work a straight night shift or alternating day/night shift, depending on need. 1 to 2 years manufacturing experience in a similar industry OR Associate degree in Engineering Technology with a concentration in Chemical or Process Controls Applicants need to have strong reading (English), math and technical skills, and the ability to qualify on various processes and equipment in a dynamic and complex chemical manufacturing environment. High school diploma (or GED) required