Reactor Operator

Position: Reactor Operator (Direct Hire)
Location: Wallingford, CT

AimHire is hiring a Reactor Operator for a global specialty chemicals company in Wallingford, CT! This organization is a leading manufacturer of coating resins and additives that make products more durable, scratch-resistant, and corrosion-resistant. Its technology goes into automotive finishes, smartphone coatings, aircraft interiors, wood flooring, and more.

They want hardworking, engaged people who are eager to learn and grow quickly. No chemical experience is required, and paid training runs 3–6 months on day shift. This is a hands-on production role in a working plant environment with strong smells and sticky liquid products, so it's a great fit if you like staying busy and don't mind getting a little messy. Hard hats, safety glasses, face shields, chemical-resistant clothing, and uniforms are all provided. There's also room to grow into higher-level roles over time.

This is an on-site, direct hire position starting at $39.18/hr, with scheduled raises up to $43.18/hr within 18 months. Shift differentials are +$0.75/hr for 2nd shift and +$1.00/hr for 3rd. Employees work a set shift (no rotation) on a 6-days-on, 2-days-off schedule. The start date is ASAP.

Shifts

• 1st Shift: 8:00am – 4:00pm
• 2nd Shift: 4:00pm – 12:00am
• 3rd Shift: 12:00am – 8:00am

Responsibilities

• Charge raw materials to reactors remotely using an automated system and manually. 

• Continue to operate reactors with Delta V automation system or manually as necessary. 

• Direct the charging of material and assure that all raw materials required for each batch are available before starting the batch. 

• React and concentrate products by controlling temperature, acidity, viscosity, and vacuum in reactors and LUWA systems, by following manufacturing instructions.  

• Take samples and make adjustments and additions as required. 

• Collect and dispose of distillate to proper systems and control the use of nitrogen as an inert blanket.  

• Pump batches and maintain temperatures in hold tanks setting necessary valves, when specified by operating instructions or control lab. 

• Flush lines and clean equipment as required.  

• To the extent possible keep all reactors running when less than a full staff is present. 

• Perform any and all duties as assigned or necessary which are inherent in or part of the general scope of the job, including miscellaneous minor tasks and preventative measures to assure operating efficiency and equipment integrity. 

• As assigned or necessary, utilize any and all appropriate job-related equipment, tools, computers, devices, etc. which are needed or will assist in the performance of assigned duties. 

• Obtain proper work instructions and use them to operate reactors and auxiliary equipment; Monitor operations, record data, and fill out work instructions completely; Sample as necessary and adjust based on lab or online analysis. 

• Transfer distillate between reactors, receivers, tank farm, and tank wagons as required and within approved operating limits. 

• With lab approval, transfer finished product to holding tank or another storage vessel. 

• Sample and adjust the product in the holding tank. 

• Clean up equipment and work area. 

• The startup, operate, and secure auxiliary equipment, including but not limited to, furnaces, cooling towers, nitrogen generators, vacuum producing equipment, and overhead condensers. 

• Monitor control room activity including, logging temperature, pressure information, scale weights, tank levels, and alarm systems. 

• Perform routine inspections of equipment used on the job for safe operation. 

• Operate and perform safety checks on forklifts used in job functions. 

• Provide communications and coordination with appropriate Department and Plant personnel as necessary to assure safe and efficient operations. 

• Complete necessary SAP transactions to finish Reactor batches. 

• Ensure conformance to quality standards at all times in the performance of job duties.

• Set and monitor holding tank temperatures in conjunction with Process Operators. 

• Prepare, complete, update, and maintain all reports, records, and documentation as assigned or necessary. 

• Transport items you normally handle within the building across the “Bridge Car” as necessary. 

• Transfer material that is normally handled within respective Resins building to and from storage areas. 

• Maintain good housekeeping in the work area. 

• Adhere to all safety standards, rules, procedures, and requirements while utilizing proper safety equipment, protective devices, clothing, and safe work habits and practices in the performance of job duties and while on Company time/premises. 

• Adhere to all environmental practices, standards, rules, procedures, and requirements. As trained, handle hazardous waste in accordance with department procedures and regulatory requirements. 

• Support and comply with all requirements of WL management system.  

• Additional duties as assigned by management. 

• Add rework to reactors as described in non-conforming disposition sheets for each batch as necessary. 
   

Requirements 
 

Education 

• High school Diploma required 

 

Experience 

• Chemical operator experience preferred 

• Manufacturing experience preferred 

 

Skills 

• Good problem-solving skills. 

• Basic understanding of mathematics 

• Reading comprehension 

• Ability to understand chemical process operations, particularly reaction chemistry.   

• Ability to analyze and identify process issues and resolve or communicate issues to management. 

• Ability to operate distributed control systems safely and efficiently and understand process controls to maximize system productivity

Aimhire is an equal opportunity employer

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