Chemical Technician I

Why Work at Kaneka North America?
At Kaneka North America, you’ll find more than just a job—you’ll find a place to build a career. We offer a people‑first, safety‑focused environment where employees are encouraged to learn, grow, and contribute. Whether you’re early in your career or bringing years of experience, you’ll have the chance to do meaningful work, collaborate across teams, and support products and industries that make a difference every day. Your contributions are valued, and your development is supported.

Our Culture & Values
Our culture is built on respect, teamwork, and doing things the right way. We believe people do their best work when they feel supported, trusted, and empowered to speak up and share ideas. Safety, integrity & trust, quality, and innovation guide everything we do, and we invest in our employees through continuous learning, collaboration, and opportunities for growth. At Kaneka North America, you’re encouraged to take ownership of your work, grow your skills, and build a long‑term career in an environment that values both accountability and people.

JOB DETAILS

The Chemical Technician I is responsible for ensuring the proper operation of the plant process equipment, and to produce budgeted amounts of product in a safe, efficient, cost-effective manner. Areas of responsibility will include, but are not limited to the following:

• Duplicate CPU Operations
• Manage field operations of the process to the produce of prime quality at assigned rates and in a safe, efficient manner.
• Follow the work of outside contractor and maintenance personnel in the field.
• Ensure the proper operation of the plant process equipment.
• Produce, product of prime quality at assigned rates and in a safe, efficient manner.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Carry out prescribed checks of all operating equipment to ensure proper operation.
• Perform lab analysis as needed to verify that product specifications are maintained.
• Maintain proper records and logs of activities and operating conditions.
• Maintenance and upkeep of the process equipment and operating areas.
• Reporting of mechanical problems to Shift Supervisor.
• Dismantling, cleaning, and reassembling of process equipment at prescribed intervals to ensure quality production control.
• Maintain proper housekeeping duties in the assigned operating areas.
• Work rotating shifts.
• Work specified overtime as needed to provide adequate staffing.
• Cross-train in all operating areas to achieve proficiency in any area assigned.
• Follow all established safety procedures for safe operation of equipment and handling of chemicals.
• Assist with any plant-wide operational duties as specified by the Shift Lead/ Supervisor.
• Coordinate and work with maintenance department personnel to ensure timely repairs and revisions to process equipment when needed. This includes issuing of work permits, isolation of equipment-LOTO, returning equipment to service, and securing all required authorizations and clearances to carry out these activities.
• Coordination with the Quality Control Lab to ensure needed samples are supplied and that proper reaction to results are taken.
• Work with the packaging area during operation to ensure final product is acceptable for shipment to customers.
• Qualify in unit-specific job role(s) as indicated on unit Progression Chart.
• Qualified operators will be expected to train other operations on unit operations.
• Must be able to troubleshoot and problem solve issues that may develop, in a timely manner.
• Must demonstrate the following emotional intelligence skills:

• Emotional Empathy
• Positive Attitude
• Excellent Communication Skills
• Flexibility / Adaptability
• Interpersonal Skills