Chemical Operator

About the role

Arxada is a global leader in innovative solutions that protect our world. Our groundbreaking technologies, in-depth regulatory know-how, manufacturing and process development help our customers to safeguard nutrition, health and infrastructure efficiently through chemistry and biotechnology that enhance sustainability. We offer a broad portfolio of ingredients and services for multiple end-markets that include Human Health & Nutrition, Home & Personal Care, Professional Hygiene, Paints & Coatings and Wood Protection.

With customers in more than 100 countries, the company achieved sales of CHF 2 billion in 2024. Headquartered in Basel (Switzerland), Arxada employs 3,200 associates across 24 production sites and 14 R&D centers, all committed to our customers' success.

At Arxada, our Chemical Operators play a critical role in delivering high-quality products that support customers around the world. We are looking for motivated individuals who enjoy working in a hands-on manufacturing environment and take pride in operating safely, maintaining quality standards, and contributing to team success.

Whether you bring experience from chemical manufacturing or another industrial setting, we welcome candidates with a strong work ethic, a commitment to safety, and a willingness to learn.

Essential Job Functions

• Operate, monitor, start up, shut down, and adjust chemical processing equipment including pumps, valves, reactors, mixers, and distillation columns.
• Safely handle raw materials and hazardous chemicals throughout the production process.
• Take process and product samples and perform basic quality checks (e.g., pH, concentration) to ensure products meet specifications.
• Package finished products into drums, pails, and totes according to established procedures.
• Perform routine inspections, cleaning, and minor maintenance of equipment to ensure reliable operation.
• Troubleshoot process upsets and equipment issues and report abnormal conditions to supervision in a timely manner.
• Accurately document production data, process conditions, inspections, and incidents.
• Handle hazardous waste in compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations.

Qualifications & Experience

• High school diploma or GED required; associate's degree preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment preferred; entry-level candidates will be considered.
• Previous experience in chemical manufacturing or with chemical processes is a plus, but not required. Candidates with strong work ethic, integrity, accountability, and reliability are highly valued, and training will be provided for job-specific operations.
• Comfortable using computers, production systems, and hand tools.
• Ability to acquire and maintain a working knowledge of current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and ISO requirements.
• Willingness and ability to work overtime as business needs require.
• Strong attention to detail with a focus on safety and quality.
• Technical aptitude with mechanical and process equipment.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-based environment.

Additional information

This position is based in Rochester, New York and requires working a 12-hour rotating shift schedule (4 days on, 4 days off), including nights, weekends, and holidays as required by the production schedule. Candidates must also be willing to work overtime when business needs require.

Pay and benefits

The expected hourly rate for this position is $26.00-$27.00 per hour, plus applicable shift differential pay. Actual compensation will be determined based on qualifications, skills, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by applicable law.

This role is also eligible to earn a short-term incentive bonus and the following benefits: 401(k) plan, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, paid time off, paid holidays and paid sick leave.

Progression: Junior roles involve learning basics, while senior operators troubleshoot complex problems and train others.

Arxada has world class offering in two distinct areas

• Microbial Control Solutions (MCS) focuses on threats posed by microorganisms to people and planet through five distinct business lines including Professional Hygiene, Home & Personal Care, Wood Protection, Paints & Coatings and Material Protection.
• Nutrition, Care & Environmental (NCE), meanwhile, provides materials used to manufacture composites for electronics, aerospace and other markets, as well as vitamins and nutritional ingredients, chemicals and performance intermediates, and raw materials for a wide range of high-performance applications.

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