Operator Trainee

SUMMARY

About Ketjen

Ketjen Corporation is a provider of advanced catalyst solutions to leading producers in the petrochemical, refining, and specialty chemicals industries. Our company is driven by a strong set of core values: curiosity, care, collaboration, humility, accountability, and integrity. These values guide our decisions, shape our culture, and define how we work together to deliver exceptional value to our customers and communities.

About the Role
The Operator Trainee is an entry-level operations position responsible for safely monitoring, operating, and controlling chemical process equipment used in the manufacturing of FCC and HPC catalyst products. Through a combination of structured training, hands-on field experience, and control room operations, this role develops the technical and operational skills required for long-term success in chemical manufacturing. Based at our Bayport Plant in Pasadena, TX, the ideal candidate will bring a strong commitment to safety, a willingness to learn complex manufacturing processes, and an interest in building a long-term career in operations, process technology, and continuous improvement.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Safe Operations

• Operate and monitor chemical processing equipment, piping systems, tanks, reactors, dryers, pumps, compressors and related process systems
• Monitor process conditions using DCS systems, instrumentation, analyzers and field observations
• Perform startup, shutdown, normal operation and emergency response activities in accordance with procedures

Quality & Production

• Produce on-specification products while meeting production targets
• Collect samples and perform basic quality checks and operational calculations
• Maintain accurate operating logs and shift documentation

Maintenance & Reliability

• Support troubleshooting and coordinate maintenance activities
• Perform basic equipment inspections and operator care activities
• Identify abnormal conditions and initiate corrective actions

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all safety and regulatory requirements including PSM, OSHA, EPA, DOT and MOC requirements
• Participate in safety meetings, audits, emergency drills and continuous improvement initiatives
• Properly identify, handle and manage hazardous materials and waste streams
• Participate in emergency response team activities as required

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED
• Process Technology degree or at least two years of experience in chemical manufacturing, industrial operations, or a similar process manufacturing environment
• Ability to learn, understand, and follow operating procedures and safety requirements
• Basic computer proficiency and the ability to use digital operating systems, production software, and spreadsheets
• Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills
• Strong alignment with Ketjen’s core values: curiosity, care, collaboration, humility, accountability, and integrity

Preferred Qualifications

• 2 years of experience as a Process Operator in a continuous or batch chemical manufacturing environment
• Process Technology Degree
• Experience with DCS/PLC systems, industrial equipment, lockout/tagout, or permit-to-work systems
• Forklift or industrial equipment experience

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Must be willing to work rotating shifts, nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as required
• Work is performed both indoors and outdoors, including exposure to varying weather conditions