Pilot Plant Operator

Company: Dow
Location: Ringwood
Posted on: June 23, 2022

Job Description:

The Operator role is responsible for implementing the process requirements needed to produce products safely and efficiently at the Ringwood Scale-Up Pilot Plant, to produce high quality commercial and development Adhesive and Coating products. The Operator will be required to load, charge, monitor and troubleshoot during the production process. The Operator must be a self-motivated, safety conscious employee that works well in a collaborative and inclusive team environment.

Critical Success Factors

Demonstrate the highest ethical, quality and safety standards
Demonstrate a good understanding of plant safety and maintenance systems such as the Life Critical Standards and applicability

Personal values aligned with DOW expectations in respect for people; be a champion for workplace safety, be a role model for inclusion and diversity

Computer proficiency a plus (Ms Excel, MS Word, MS Power Point)

Key Responsibilities Include:

Safely Operate batch reactors, processing equipment such as valves, pumps, heat exchangers, and packaging equipment.
Performing all work safely and injury-free.
Follows Operating Discipline principles, procedures and practices to ensure safe and efficient operation in the Pilot Plant.
Monitor the batch process conditions, equipment and control systems.
Experience in an industrial or manufacturing environment is desirable.
Experience in the operation and minor maintenance of machinery is desirable.
Must have basic computer knowledge and skills for accurately entering data into the SAP system, using e-mail and other plant computer software.
Recording of batch variables and observations, data logging manually and into spreadsheets.
Performs tasks assigned to operations (eg, field checks, safety inspections, preparation of equipment for maintenance, pulling samples, housekeeping etc.)
Uses skills to make improvements in plant performance, quality and Operating Discipline.
Perform basic process equipment troubleshooting, resolve-myself minor repairs and improvements, utilizing appropriate processes and disciplines.

Uses communication tools (ie. Logbook, e-mail, report forms) to communicate safety & process problems/concerns.
Handling of hazardous and non-hazardous materials and their associated waste.
Operating cleaning procedures for reactors and processing equipment
Drumming of finished liquid product into totes, 55 gal. drums, and 5 gal. pails.
Loading and blending of wet or dry materials, product filtering and screening.
Sampling of raw materials and/or finished goods.
Must attend and participate in Ringwood Plant continuous improvement initiatives focused on site and behavioral safety, environment, quality, or other plant performance measures.
Issue Safe Work Permits
Be the Job representative/Facility Rep on Red Tag Masters, Build Red Tag Masters.
Use Return-To-Operations discipline to properly return equipment to operations.
Follow the Procedure Use Policy
Comply with Dow Document Management System
Develop, Review and Own Procedures
Use Management Of Change tool when implementing any changes
Participate on RCI's.
Participate on goal setting process
Conduct verbal/in-person shift turnover with detailed shift change communication
Write Work Orders
Participate on Projects (Kaizen and Engineering)
Be a team player, always respect co-workers
Train new hires or co-workers on a new process

Required Qualifications

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Must be able to work an 8 hour rotating shift schedule. 5 day work week, M-F.
Able to work overtime as needed.
Must be 18 years or older.
Must be able to read, write and verbally communicate in English.
Must be able to calculate various measurements using basic math skills.
A minimum requirement for this U.S. based position is the ability to work legally in the United States. No visa sponsorship/support is available for this position, including for any type of U.S. permanent residency (green card) process.

Physical Requirements:

Able to meet the following physical demands of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations:

Must be able to wear Personal Protective Equipment including safety shoes, safety glasses with side shields, hard hats, and company provided clothing. Periodically dust masks, rubber gloves, face shields, respirator, and other protective equipment must be worn when required. Facial hair around the sealing surface of the respirator is not allowed.
Must be able to lift up to 25Kg/55 lbs.
Must be able to manually move 500 pound drums after proper physical training and with mechanical assist.
Must be able to climb and descend ladders and stairs safely.
Must have sufficient dexterity and strength to operate process equipment, turn valves, handle hoses for transferring product etc.
Must be able to operate hand tools, such as drills, pliers, screwdrivers, and scrapers.
Must be able to read and understand process sheets containing product process directions and safety precautions.
Must be able to write legibly and record results accurately.
Required to stand up to 90% of working day with frequent walking, intermittent stopping and bending while operating equipment, drumming, etc.
Able to tolerate periodic hot, inside working conditions or cold outside conditions.
Have no known sensitivity or history of skin or respiratory allergies to dust, dirt, or chemicals to which there may be workplace exposure if an allergic reaction could create a safety or health hazard.
Must be able to hear process, fire and fork truck alarms; also, plant page system.

Dow Offers:

A robust total rewards program, including: competitive base pay, variable pay that rewards individual, team, and Company performance, and comprehensive benefits
On-going learning opportunities within a diverse, inclusive and rewarding work environment
Career experiences that can span different Dow businesses and functions with opportunities for personal and professional growth
The chance to work within a global company and interact with colleagues from around the world
Opportunities that spark your imagination and ignite your passion to help others

About Dow

Dow (NYSE: DOW) combines global breadth, asset integration and scale, focused innovation and leading business positions to achieve profitable growth. The Company's ambition is to become the most innovative, customer centric, inclusive and sustainable materials science company, with a purpose to deliver a sustainable future for the world through our materials science expertise and collaboration with our partners. Dow's portfolio of plastics, industrial intermediates, coatings and silicones businesses delivers a broad range of differentiated science-based products and solutions for its customers in high-growth market segments, such as packaging, infrastructure, mobility and consumer care. Dow operates 106 manufacturing sites in 31 countries and employs approximately 35,700 people. Dow delivered sales of approximately $39 billion in 2020. References to Dow or the Company mean Dow Inc. and its subsidiaries. For more information, please visit www.dow.com or follow @DowNewsroom on Twitter.


As part of our dedication to the diversity of our workforce, Dow is committed to equal opportunities in employment. We encourage every employee to bring their whole self to work each day to not only deliver more value, but also have a more fulfilling career. Further information regarding Dow's equal opportunities is available on www.dow.com.

Dow is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and is committed to providing opportunities without regard for race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender, protected veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or religion. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at http://www.dow.com/en-us/contact-us or you may call us at 1-833-My Dow HR and select option 0, then press *.

Keywords: Dow, Elgin , Pilot Plant Operator, Professions , Ringwood, Illinois