Chemical Operator

POSITION OVERVIEW

There are multiple openings for Operators in multiple areas within the Decatur plant.  Qualified candidates must be able to work 12-hour shifts, as well as overtime when needed.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsibilities include overseeing and carrying assignments in an assigned area.
• Troubleshoot chemical processing equipment, perform minor maintenance, and work with maintenance and construction resources to restore proper operations as needed.
• Must be knowledgeable and demonstrate compliance with area Safety and Environmental procedures.
• Maintain controls and monitor process equipment following Standard Practice Instructions, Operating Instructions or approved tests. 
• Maximizing machine efficiency, collecting production reporting and performance data.
• Participate in Housekeeping, 5S, and A2E efforts and drive improvement for the area.
• Coordinate with other Operators and Lead operators to address any issues impacting shift activities to meet ESSH, production and quality commitments.
• Take an active part in planning process shutdowns and overhauls as well as performing the shutdowns.
• Take samples and perform minor analytical testing, monitors the results of those samples and takes corrective action to process.
• Must meet area and shift commitments.

The job requires an understanding of and the ability to utilize the following: SAP, Gatekeeper, Sample Manager, WorkDay, SharePoint, Aspen Process Explorer, Area Permits, Other applicable processes specific to the area.

The candidate selected will be responsible for day-to-day operational activities up to and including assisting shifts in Housekeeping 5S, A2E and safety.  In addition, this role will be called on to assist in training for new employees and coaching and mentoring team members.

REPORTS TO

• Shift Supervisor

TEAM

• Processor Lead, Processor III

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE & SKILLS

• Successful Completion of Work Keys with a score of 4 or better in Locating Information and Applied Technology, OR an associate’s degree.
• Minimum of 3-4 years of experience in a manufacturing facility or related field.
  • Demonstration of thorough knowledge of ESSH compliance requirements.
  • Must have the ability to multitask and do so in a safe manner.  
  • Must have a strong work ethic, be reliable and deeply committed.
  • Good process troubleshooting/problem solving skills
  • Experience with A2E and HRP is preferred
  • Excellent organizational, verbal, and written communication skills.
  • Basic understanding of window-based programs:  MS Word, MS Excel, Outlook.
  • Ability to learn to trend and utilize Aspen.
  • Should have demonstrated initiative and good judgment in current assignment.
  • Ability to excel in a fast-paced, demanding environment and work with minimum supervision.
  • The candidate should have shown a demonstrated ability to function in demanding situations with little or no direct supervision, with good communication skills (written and verbal), with an ability to interface with all levels of the site organization.
  • Mechanical inclination and capability of tracing out process flows and understanding chemical, electrical, and mechanical processes.
  • Understanding of how to prepare basic equipment for maintenance.
  • Ability to wear a respirator, climb to 70 feet, lift containers weighing up to 50 pounds, and move 55-gallon drums weighing up to 400 pounds.
• Knowledge of quality systems (ISO:9001) and requirements – able to ensure consistency of operations within the established quality system guidelines.

At Ascend Performance Materials, we value transparency and fairness in our hiring process. We do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters, search firms, or staffing agencies. Any resumes received from such entities will be considered the property of Ascend Performance Materials, and we will not be obligated to pay any fees for such submissions. Our Talent Acquisition Team actively engages with preferred recruitment partners who have established agreements with us. We encourage all interested candidates to apply directly through our official channels to be considered for any open positions.

Skills Summary:

About Us:

Ascend Performance Materials is the premium provider of high quality chemicals, fibers and plastics. With world scale integrated manufacturing facilities we are able to develop new products from our core technologies, and provide flexibility to respond to the expanding needs of customers. Ascend has global sales and distribution facilities across the globe and six manufacturing facilities globally. As a privately-held company, our people do big things and make big decisions, often much earlier in their careers than at larger companies. Ascend Performance Materials offers team members the opportunity to contribute in big, meaningful ways—all within a stable and growing business.

Why work at Ascend?

Our vision is to be the recognized leader in the nylon 6,6 value chain, creating new possibilities with PA66 for everyone, everywhere, every day. We achieve that through living our Ascend values.

We care. We operate safely with high integrity for our employees, our customers and our communities. Our people are our greatest assets, and our Total Rewards Program extends beyond traditional benefits to include access to on-site medical clinics at our U.S. facilities, a global wellness rewards program and Performance Matters, an employee-driven recognition plan. Our Commitment to Zero demonstrates our belief that is it possible to operate with zero personal injuries, zero process safety incidents and zero environmental releases. And the Ascend Cares Foundation, led by Ascend employees, supports Ascend families in times of need, provides inspiring opportunities ​​for community engagement and facilitates community leadership.

Customer-focused. We exist for our customers; they drive our actions. Their success is our success. Our plastics and chemicals are building blocks that help make everyday essentials safer and more sustainable, and we constantly strive to develop new and innovative products to meet the future needs of our customers. And that customer focus doesn’t only apply to the marketplace – it also applies to how we treat our colleagues and our fellow community members.

Better every day. We invest in our people and our processes to improve every day. A2E, our continuous improvement program, guides the way we do business. And this way of problem solving applies not only to our manufacturing practices but also to our commitment to developing our people. You’ll see it during your career at Ascend in our leadership development, skills training and mentoring programs

Agile. We think broadly and lead proactively in a constantly evolving organization and industry. Agility doesn’t mean simply working quickly – it means critical thinking, creative problem solving and novel approaches to everyday challenges.

One Ascend. All together, with a common set of goals and an eye toward the future. We don’t accept silos. We look for ways to share across departments, sites and geography. This means you won’t be boxed into a single role at Ascend – you could get the chance to work with teams across the globe to improve the way we serve our people, our customers and our communities.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, citizenship, genetic information or other protected status under federal, state or local laws.