About this role
Why Join Michelman?
Michelman is looking for a dependable, safety-focused Chemical Operator to join our specialty chemical manufacturing team. In this role, you will operate batch production equipment, follow detailed work instructions, handle materials safely, and help produce high-quality products used in coatings, packaging, agriculture, automotive, aerospace, and other industries.
This is a hands-on manufacturing role for someone who takes pride in working safely, following procedures, solving problems, and being part of a team. We provide structured onboarding and job-specific training, with opportunities to build technical skills in chemical batch processing, quality checks, material handling, equipment operation, and process improvement. This is also an exciting time to join a company with a long-standing history of stability and innovation, where ongoing modernization investments are strengthening Michelman for the future and making it a reliable place to build a career.
What You'll Do
• Safely manufacture chemical batches by following batch sheets, standard operating procedures, and safety requirements.
• Operate and monitor equipment such as mixers, kettles, reactors, pumps, filtration systems, forklifts, packaging equipment, and related utilities.
• Measure, stage, load, unload, transfer, and package raw materials and finished products according to written instructions.
• Monitor process conditions such as temperature, pressure, flow, level, timing, and visual product characteristics; document results accurately.
• Collect samples, perform basic quality checks, and make approved adjustments to help batches meet specifications.
• Complete production records, inventory transactions, labels, checklists, and other documentation accurately and on time.
• Keep work areas clean, organized, and ready for safe production, including equipment cleaning, changeovers, and line clearances.
• Identify abnormal conditions, equipment concerns, or safety risks and escalate promptly to supervision, maintenance, quality, or EHS.
• Participate in shift handoffs, daily communication, training, and continuous improvement activities.
• Support safe material handling, waste segregation, housekeeping, and environmental compliance.
What We're Looking For
Required Qualifications
• High school diploma or GED.
• At least 2 years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to read and follow written procedures, batch instructions, safety data sheets, labels, and production documentation.
• Basic math, measurement, computer, and documentation skills.
• Commitment to safe work practices.
• Ability to communicate clearly during shift handoffs and when escalating safety, quality, equipment, or production concerns.
• Ability to work 3rd shift and meet the physical requirements of a manufacturing environment, including standing, walking, lifting, handling materials, and wearing required PPE.
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience operating mixers, kettles, reactors, filtration systems, packaging equipment, forklifts, or utility systems.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to identify basic equipment or process issues.
• Continuous improvement mindset.
What Success Looks Like
Successful Chemical Batch Operators at Michelman are reliable, safety-minded, detail-oriented, and willing to learn. They follow procedures, ask questions when something is unclear, document their work accurately, communicate concerns early, and take ownership of keeping their area safe, clean, and production-ready. As experience grows, operators may support training, troubleshooting, product trials, process improvements, and other advanced responsibilities.
Employment Requirements
• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of all required pre-employment checks.
• Michelman maintains a tobacco-free hiring policy, and candidates must complete a pre-employment drug screen that includes testing for tobacco products.
Benefits Overview
Michelman offers a competitive benefits package designed to support employees' health, financial well-being, work-life balance, and long-term career growth.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage options.
• Company-paid and voluntary life and disability insurance programs.
• 401(k) retirement savings and HSA/FSA plans with company contribution opportunities.
• Paid time off, holidays, maternity/parental leave, gym membership reimbursement and other programs that support work-life balance.
• Training, onboarding, and development opportunities to help employees build skills and grow their careers.
• Additional benefits, bonus/incentive eligibility, and employee programs may apply based on role, location, and plan eligibility.
Other Information
• Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
• Schedule: 3rd shift, 11:00pm – 7:30am Mon-Fri, Future shift changes may occur based on business needs and will be communicated in advance.
• Compensation: Shift differential, overtime opportunity, bonus/incentive eligibility, and benefits.
About Michelman
Michelman is a global developer and manufacturer of specialized sustainable chemistry used in industrial and agricultural coatings, digital printing, consumer packaging, and advanced composites for automotive and aerospace. Our environmentally conscious solutions help protect and enhance the materials that shape the world around us. We offer a values-focused, team-oriented work environment built on integrity, respect, and success, with opportunities for technical development, structured onboarding, and long-term growth.
Join Michelman and help build the future of specialty chemical manufacturing.
For more information about Michelman, please visit https://www.michelman.com/.
It is Michelman, Inc. policy to seek and employ qualified persons in all jobs in a manner which will ensure equal employment opportunity as well as administer personnel actions in a manner as to not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation or disability. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Michelman is an Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Females/Disabled/Veterans