Master Chemical Operator

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Date: Aug 19, 2026

Location: Baltimore, MD, US, 21226

Company: W. R. Grace & Co.

Band Grade : 8 
Hourly Wage: $35.34 
Other Compensation:  Eligibility for the Short-Term Incentive program and other applicable bonuses 
Benefits: U.S. Employee Benefits Summary (grace.com)

Grace, a Standard Industries company, is a leading global supplier of catalysts, engineered materials and fine chemicals. We provide innovative products, technologies and services which our customers use to manufacture everyday products like renewable fuels, pharmaceuticals, toothpaste, cosmetics, food packaging, beer, edible oils and more. Our thousands of employees help shape a better future at our global headquarters in Columbia, MD and locations worldwide.
 

Job Description

WR Grace, a leading manufacturer of specialty chemicals, is currently seeking experienced Chemical Operator for our team at the Baltimore/Curtis Bay, MD plant. This role will be responsible for handling, storing, and transporting chemical materials, operating and monitoring both continuous and batch processes, troubleshooting operational issues, and performing routine minor maintenance on process equipment and instrumentation.

At the Curtis Bay site, all employees have a role in upholding environmental, health, and safety standards. Each team member is accountable for ensuring compliance with our EHS policies, including emergency preparedness and response, as outlined in both site-wide and local area documentation.

Schedule: 12-hour, rotating shifts including days and nights, holidays and weekends.

  1. Week 1: On-schedule for 4 consecutive night shifts, then 3 days off
  2. Week 2: On-schedule for 3 regular day shifts, off for 1 day, then on for 3 more night shifts
  3. Week 3: 3 days off, then on the schedule for 4 consecutive day shifts
  4. Week 4: 7 days off

Responsibilities

  • Operate and monitor the OMC Plant, catalyst and calciner operations, without close supervision
  •   Maintain orderliness and good housekeeping at all times
  • Troubleshoot process equipment and problems
  • Understand distributed control system (DCS) fundamentals (i.e., Honeywell TDC); restart/reload control systems in the event of an upset
  • Maintain, complete, and submit all necessary electronic documentation and permits (operate PC) and paperwork/ work instructions
  • Prioritize and coordinate duties with other shift operators
  • Communicate plant status to incoming relief, read and sign daily work instructions, complete changeover log
  • Comply with all plant environmental, health, safety, and PSM standards/ procedures including all task specific PPE requirements
  •  Perform minor maintenance including, but not limited to the following:
  • Repair sample containers (pressure test, install new gauges, valves, etc.)
  • Repair shipping containers
  • Break lines for clean-out

Physical Requirements and Environment

  • Ability to follow safety protocols and standards working in a laboratory environment with highly hazardous materials
  • Ability to follow safety protocols and standards working in a pilot plant facility with highly hazardous materials
  • Ability to work in a high hazard environment, including adverse weather conditions, elevated spaces, confined spaces, extreme temperatures, and noisy surroundings.
  • Must be able to stand, walk, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and climb stairs and ladders over 100 ft.
  • Must be willing to wear PPE (Personal Protective equipment) including but not limited to hard hat, protective eyewear, steel-toed boots, hearing protection, Level A suit, full face respirator

Required Qualifications

  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
  • Ability to read, write, and type the English language
  • Ability to read and comprehend detailed specifications, including computer graphical user interface and basic math ability
  • Candidate must successfully complete the Skills Assessment
  • Candidate must successfully pass a background check and drug screen prior to employment.
  • Candidate must be willing and able to work a 12-hour rotating shift schedule including days and nights, holidays and weekends and overtime
  • 2-3 years of Industrial manufacturing experience

Preferred Qualifications

  • DCS Control system knowledge and experience
  • Associate degree in Process Technology or similar
  • Forklift license

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance and Disability
  • Grace Wellness Program
  • Flexible Workplace
  • Retirement Plans 
  • 401(k) Company Match
  • Paid Vacation and Holidays
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • U.S. Employee Benefits Summary (grace.com)

Grace is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. Please, no phone calls or emails. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Grace via email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of Grace. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Grace as a result of the referral or through other means.


Nearest Major Market: Baltimore