Chemical Operator

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Date: May 18, 2026

Location: East Chicago, IN, US, 46312

Company: W. R. Grace & Co.

Hourly Wage: $30.28 
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

Grace is seeking a Chemical Operator to join our team!

The Chemical Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of manufacturing equipment and processes. This role involves monitoring and adjusting equipment and ensuring product quality. The Chemical Operator will work closely with team members to meet production goals and maintain a safe work environment.  

All employees at the GRACE East Chicago plant have environmental, health and safety (EHS) roles and responsibilities and are accountable for achieving compliance with our EHS Policy. The Operator will be required to work a rotating shift schedule, and work overtime and holidays as production demands dictate. Employee must successfully complete all applicable Operator Assessments and plant training requirements.

This position will work a rotating work schedule. 

1st Shift 7:00AM – 3:00PM

2nd Shift 3:00PM – 11:00PM

3rd Shift 11:00PM – 7:00AM

Responsibilities

Employees are responsible for, but not limited to:

  • Knowing the equipment and process operation to handle, store, and transport chemical material.
  • Operate, monitor, and control continuous and batch processes.
  • Manual and auto operation of the process, using field controls and PLC’s, and troubleshoot the process.
  • Provide routine minor maintenance to process equipment and instrumentation.
  • Sample and analyze plant material.
  • Maintain quality standards and take corrective action as needed.
  • Respond to emergency situations, including emergency shutdown.
  • Complete plant data sheets, environmental reports, inventory sheets, forklift inspection reports, etc. as requested.
  • Package drums/totes and load tank wagons and box trucks.
  • Housekeeping.

Physical Requirements and Environment

  • 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 GED
  • 1-3 years manufacturing experience, preferably in the chemical industry

Preferred Qualifications

  • Additional technical training or Associates Degree preferred
  • Current or recent forklift certification
  • Experience working a rotating work schedule
  • Experience working in a position that requires strong reading, math and technical skills, and the ability to qualify on various processes and equipment in a dynamic and complex chemical manufacturing environment
  • Basic computer skills 

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
  • Company Donation Match Program
  • 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: Gary
Nearest Secondary Market: Chicago