Chemical Operator

Job Title: Chemical Operator - Painesville, OH

Styropek is the largest EPS (Expandable Polystyrene) producer in America. Our certified products are utilized across many applications, including building, packaging, and automotive. We have 5 manufacturing plants in 5 countries and belong to the Alpek family. Alpek is the largest petrochemical group in America.

We are currently seeking a Chemical Operator for our facility in Painesville, OH.


Styropek's Painesville plant is located about 30 miles northeast of Cleveland, OH. The site manufactures expandable styrenics products used in the construction and packaging industries.


Join our ESG movement! Environmental, Social and Governance refers to our strategic management of Sustainability of our organization. We are aligned in taking care of the environmental impact that our operations directly and indirectly represent, as well as the wellbeing and development of our employees and the communities where we operate. As a member of Operation Clean Sweep, we are committed to making zero plastic resin loss a priority and focus on best practice procedures and processes to eliminate the loss of plastic resin into the environment.

Position Summary:

This position will progress through various training levels as outlined below. The pay rate will be commensurate with each training level. After completion of all training levels, this position will work in all areas on a rotating basis.

1. Packaging - performs a variety of product packaging and material movement and handling activities, including bagging finished product, labeling, warehousing, shipping, and receiving.
2. Dryer - responsible for dewatering, screening, pasting, chiller, drying and the tank farm and the related equipment operation to meet operating objectives. Unloads rail cars and tank trucks.
3. Reactor - responsible for additives/make-up, charging, transferring, processing, and related equipment operation to meet operating objectives.
4. Control Board - will operate all process areas along with all associated equipment through a Distributive Control System (DCS). Responsible for making decisions and coordinating activities regarding operations of associated processing streams, and related equipment, using the DCS, to meet the operating plan and goals.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain responsible, safe, and environmentally sanctioned operation of Painesville Site by following all site and safety procedures.
• Work 12 hr. rotating shifts and overtime as required.
• Communicates through written shift logs, process checklists and information systems (SAP, Outlook)
• Responsible for thorough and complete verbal/written communications for shift relief exchange.
• Maintains quality control by determining causes and initiating corrective action.
• Monitors sample for quality control and takes corrective action as needed in accordance with ISO procedures.
• Identify, direct, troubleshoot process equipment, process problems and work towards solutions.
• Maintains high housekeeping standards.
• Perform operational preventative maintenance as needed.
• Perform Lockout Tagout on equipment for safe execution of maintenance and repairs.
• Monitor and utilize process, equipment function and equipment mechanics knowledge to analyze process performance deviations.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 3+ years combination of relevant technical degree/diploma coupled with manufacturing, chemical operations, industrial or other relevant experience, or minimum 3+ years of manufacturing chemical operations, industrial or other relevant experience with a high school education or equivalent.
• Demonstrated ability to handle physically and mentally demanding jobs
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude with understanding of general mechanics and equipment function
• Ability to be self-directed with minimal supervision
• Demonstrated self-motivated, self-starter
• Strong oral and written communications skills
• Proven commitment to safety, protecting the environment and product quality
• Excellent interpersonal and team skills
• SAP knowledge a plus
• Ability to work shifts and overtime as needed/required

Pay and Benefits:

Competitive pay. Benefits include: Health insurance, Dental insurance, Vision insurance, Disability insurance, 401(k) and 401(k) matching, Employee assistance program, Flexible spending account, Health savings account, Life insurance, Paid time off


Are you unsure of whether you are qualified for this role? Styropek is committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace, including with respect to education and experience. If you are interested in this role but are hesitating to apply due to a concern that your education and/or experience may not align perfectly with the job posting, we encourage you to still apply. Additionally, if you are not hired for this particular role, it may be possible that your education and/or experience is or will be a match for another role.

Styropek is an equal opportunity employer that values inclusion and diversity. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to an individual's race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws.