Operator Trainee

Are you ready to move your career forward and help shape our company’s and customers’ futures?
If you aspire to challenge yourself, work with the best in the industry and join a successful team where you can make a meaningful contribution, then we invite you to join us at Ketjen Corporation, a provider of advanced catalyst solutions to leading producers in the petrochemical, refining, and specialty chemicals industries. Together, we can create a legacy marked by innovation, excitement, and energy.
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
Benefits of Joining Ketjen
Competitive compensation
Comprehensive benefits package
A diverse array of resources to support you professionally and personally.
Apply today and help Ketjen unleash the POTENTIAL of advanced chemistry for industries that power the world.