Lead chemical operator

About Us

At Quaker Houghton, we are experts in the development, production and application of industrial process fluids, lubricants and coatings for the manufacturing industry. We have been an integral part in the growth of the world’s largest industrial and manufacturing companies from aerospace and automotive to primary metal and energy. Today, we have a global presence, with our corporate headquarters located in Conshohocken, PA. Quaker Houghton is a global publicly traded company with a unique collaborative culture that supports career growth for its colleagues and offers competitive compensation and benefit programs.

Job Summary:

Under the direction of the Production Supervisor, the Lead Operator guides the production of Quaker Houghton products at Middletown. Must assure product and process quality at all times. Responsible for compliance with environmental, health and safety requirements, and manufacturing procedures. Ability to perform all duties in qualified areas of a Chemical Operator II when assigned. Responsible for following manufacturing instructions to perform production and shipping related duties to ensure on-time production and shipment of product while adhering to high standards of quality, safety and customer service.

What will you do?

• Coordinates daily operations with the Production Supervisor, guiding manufacturing personnel in daily tasks and assignments. Acts as back-up for Production Supervisor.
• Provides training to colleagues in Production process and in the safe handling of materials. Ensures that all work is done in a safe manner and that appropriate personal protective equipment is being utilized.
• Recommends process changes based on experience, historical data and thorough testing.
• Monitors and aids evaluation of employee performance and recommends employee recognition.
• Analyzes and resolves work problems or assist workers in solving work problems and acts as a liaison between plant personnel and management, participates in management meetings as needed.
• Capable of establishing or adjusting work procedures to meet production requirements.
• Operates production equipment in a manner consistent with training and work instructions to ensure safety and product quality.
• Prepares mixing vessels, necessary pumps and hoses for unloading. Inspects all containers prior to filling for cleanliness and integrity.
• Operates process control systems including PLC’s, mass flow meters, pumps and scales.
• Fills containers as prescribed in the associated batch documentation.
• Maintains neat, thorough and correct completion of all batch related documentation.
• Store and stage inventory in assigned areas for batch preparation, further processing and/or shipping.
• Assist in tracking material inventory and performing inventory counts.
• Loads and unloads box trucks and flat-beds, tanker trucks and rail cars, either manually or using proper material handling equipment. Load containerized and bulk raw materials to production vessels.
• Maintains certifications and completes special training for hazard response and safety.
• Participates, leads and completes special projects.
• Maintains a clean and organized work area and adheres to all plant safety policies. Provides immediate containment, reporting and clean-up/recovery of spilled material or leaks.
• Operates all types of Forklifts and other related motorized vehicles in a safe and proficient manner.
• Holds team members accountable for safety and quality procedures. Routinely participate in site safety committee.
• Assists in the investigation and resolution of customer complaints and non-conforming batches.
• Other duties as assigned; Responsibilities may vary by work location

WORK ENVIRONMENT / EHS RESPONSIBILITIES:

Will work in a manufacturing environment and may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles or caustic chemicals. The associate is exposed to trip and slip hazards. The noise level in the manufacturing environment is moderately noisy.

Ability to lift bags and other containers up to 50 pounds in a safe manner as directed. Ability to move drums up to 500 pounds with mechanical equipment in a safe manner as directed. May be required to stand for long periods and walk great distances daily. May be required to work in small spaces and high locations.

Key Education or Certification Required:

High school diploma or equivalent required.

Required Minimum Number of Years of Relevant Experience:

• Must meet all Chemical Operator II or greater competencies and qualifications. Proficiency blending areas required to qualify as a Lead Chemical Operator will vary by location.
• 3-5 years of relevant satisfactory plant performance.
• Must have demonstrated knowledge of manufacturing equipment and processes.
• Proficiency in blending required.

Required Skills and Competencies:

• Ability to lead co-workers.
• Demonstrated commitment to organizational goals and objectives
• High level of initiative and responsibility.
• Ability to write clearly with proficiency in computer applications.
• Solid decision-making ability.
• Consistent achievement of defined controllable “right first time” goals.

What's in it for you?

• $1,500 Sign on Bonus
• Company Provided Uniforms
• Competitive bi-weekly pay
• Generous annual paid time off .
• 401 (k) employer match.
• Health care, dental and vision benefits.
• Employees can receive up to a $1,000 bonus by referring a friend to join the company.
• Safety is a top priority at Quaker Houghton. All operators receive extensive on-the-job training during the first 3 months of employment.
• Tuition Reimbursement

Quaker Houghton is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse workforce. Quaker Houghton provides equal employment opportunity for all qualified candidates. Quaker Houghton does not discriminate against any candidate for employment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, affectional or sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, creed, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, veteran’s status, physical/mental disability, genetic information, or any other category protected by U.S federal, state, and/or local employment law. Furthermore, Quaker Houghton is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified candidates with physical and/or mental disabilities. Applicants with a disability who need assistance applying for a position may email [email protected].