Chemical Operator - Trainee - Louisville, KY

Chemical Operator: The Impact You’ll Have On The Organization and World

• You’ll be part of operations that keep our facilities running safely and efficiently. You’ll gain deep knowledge of our chemical manufacturing processes and play a critical role in ensuring safety, quality, and operational excellence.

• You’ll be a hands-on operator. You’ll learn to run a wide variety of chemical manufacturing equipment—from bagging systems and material handling to batch and continuous process reactors.
• You will help keep our people safe. You’ll follow safety-first practices and procedures (like Lockout/Tagout, confined space entry, and PPE requirements) while contributing to a culture that puts safety above all.
• You’ll ensure quality products. You’ll test, monitor, and adjust production in real time to maintain product quality, using both automated (DCS/PLC) and manual systems.
• You will be part of continuous improvement. You’ll collaborate with the team on projects and initiatives that make our processes safer, more efficient, and more sustainable.
• You’ll grow your career. From material handling and packaging to mastering the complexities of chemical reactors, you’ll have a clear development path within our manufacturing operations.

It's Better with Bakelite: Our Commitment Back to You

• You’ll Help Shape Our Future. As a Bakelite associate, you’re part of a diverse, global population creating the next generation of the company and we expect you to put your fingerprint on it.
• We Champion Our Associates. At Bakelite, you don’t just climb the career ladder – you pave your personal path through continued learning and development.
• Together, We Will Protect the Planet. From our processes to our products, we are focusing on the opportunities that both grow our profitability as a company, and improve and protect the planet.
• Safety is a Core Value. At Bakelite, safety is a 24/7 mindset. We are all safe today to ensure we are able to show up tomorrow – for our families and friends, for each other and for our communities.
• We Care. Plain and simple, we care about our associates. From the top on down, we place a high value on our culture and the associate experience. We offer competitive compensation, robust benefits and support our associates every step of their career.

Life in Louisville: Louisville is Kentucky’s biggest city and the “Gateway to the South.” It’s located on the Ohio River and is just over the Indiana border.

• Louisville is home to the Kentucky Derby, an annual horse race with a long history that takes place at Churchill Downs.
• There are lots of attractions to explore in downtown Louisville, including the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, where Major League Baseball bats are produced.
• Louisville was named among the top 50 Best Places to Live in 2024 by U.S. News & World Report.
• Love to travel? You’re minutes from the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, where you can hop a flight to anywhere in the world.

• Learn more about Louisville

What Does a Typical Day Look Like? Here are your primary responsibilities:

• Operate chemical manufacturing processes using both automated and manual control systems.
• Monitor production data, identify trends, troubleshoot, and adjust operations in real time.
• Conduct in-process and final product testing to ensure quality; operate and maintain testing equipment.
• Safely handle dry and wet raw materials, including powders, flakes, and resins, and support shipping/receiving activities.
• Perform minor maintenance using basic hand tools.
• Follow all safety procedures, report concerns promptly, and comply with OSHA, PSM, and environmental regulations.
• Collaborate on improvement projects that enhance safety, efficiency, and product quality.

What is Needed to be Successful in this Role (Required Skills/Abilities):

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in a chemical plant, petrochemical, or industrial manufacturing environment preferred.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to perform basic hand tool maintenance.
• Troubleshooting and problem-solving experience in a manufacturing setting.
• Ability to work in non-temperature-controlled environments, including outdoor and multi-level facilities in extreme conditions.
• Must pass a proficiency exam, physical abilities test, drug screen, background check, and physical exam.
• Ability to lift 55 lbs.

Willing and able to:

• Use PPE (safety shoes, hard hats, respirators, acid suits, SCBA, etc.).
• Work at heights with fall protection.
• Obtain HazMat certification if not already certified.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, SharePoint).
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and in team settings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher in Production Technology, Engineering Technology, or related field.
• Certifications or training in HazMat, Fire Brigade, or Emergency Response.
• Previous forklift certification.
• Experience with SAP and process control systems (Delta V, Wonderware).
• Prior experience maintaining production equipment in a chemical manufacturing environment.

Are you ready to help us build a better tomorrow and put your fingerprints on the world?  Apply for this exciting opportunity, and learn more about our hiring process, insights from our global associates, our robust benefits and more at Bakelite.com/careers.