Description
Operate and monitor batch and continuous chemical reactors to control reactions and produce on-spec products. Use DCS/PLC controls and field equipment to start up, stabilize, troubleshoot, and shut down reactors and associated pumps, heat exchangers, and utilities while enforcing safety and quality procedures.
- • Adjust DCS/PLC controls to regulate reactor temperature, pressure, agitation, feed rates, and reaction time per procedures.
- • Follow safety, PSM, and permit-to-work requirements to prevent fires, explosions, and releases.
- • Monitor DCS trends, gauges, flowmeters, and alarms to maintain specified reactor conditions.
- • Start up, operate, and shut down batch and continuous reactors and ancillary systems.
- • Charge and verify raw materials, catalysts, and solvents to reactors per batch records.
- • Inspect reactors, seals, lines, and relief devices for leaks or malfunctions and take corrective action.
- • Patrol the unit to check operating conditions, leaks, and abnormal sounds or odors.
- • Collect and test in-process and final samples (pH, specific gravity, viscosity, concentration) or send to the lab.
- • Draw reactor samples at designated hold points for quality approval before proceeding.
- • Record operating data such as temperatures, pressures, flows, ingredients, times, and test results.
- • Create maintenance work requests and notify engineers of equipment issues.
- • Add quench or neutralizing agents as directed; filter, centrifuge, or decant to remove impurities or isolate product.
- • Start and stop pumps, agitators, feed systems, valves, and utilities to control material movement.
- • Review batch sheets, SOPs, and process specifications; implement prescribed process modifications.
- • Drain, flush, and clean reactors and lines; perform CIP/SIP or water runs as required.
- • Perform minor operator care, lubrication, and adjustments; assist maintenance during lockout/tagout.
- • Steam, flush, or mechanically clean equipment to remove residues and prepare for the next batch.
- • Compare product color, odor, and consistency to instrument readings and lab standards.
- • Initiate emergency shutdowns and implement site emergency response procedures when required.
- • Safely charge solid powders or pellets to reactors using approved handling and dust-control methods.
- • Estimate and stage required materials, packaging, and consumables for scheduled batches.
- • Maintain inventories of raw materials, catalysts, and supplies used and received.
- • Lead or coordinate helpers and loaders assisting with charging, sampling, and material movements.
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Advanced Manufacturing
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
