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Chemical Operator Assistant Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN

CPChem

Sr. Maintenance Operator

Knoxville, TN · On-site

Ask any Chevron Phillips Chemical employee what they like best about their job, and universally ... request to the agency to assist with this requisition. Similarly, no fee will be paid for ...

Heraeus Medical LLC

Material Operator

Wartburg, TN · On-site

$15.25 - $18.25/hr

Chemistry - Develop knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances ... Our Recruiting Team, Heraeus Precious Metals, is happy to assist you by email: ((cust_RecTeam)). Or ...

Heraeus

Material Operator

Wartburg, TN

$15.25 - $18.25/hr

Chemistry - Develop knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances ... Our Recruiting Team, Heraeus Precious Metals, is happy to assist you by email: [[cust_RecTeam]]. Or ...

Commercial Metals

Yard Operator

Knoxville, TN · On-site

What You'll Do * Assist maintenance personnel when requested/needed * Participate in the CMC Safety ... Ability to work with exposure to extremes in temperature, chemical, dust fumes and mists, uneven ...

Commercial Metals Company

Yard Operator

Knoxville, TN · On-site

What You'll Do * Assist maintenance personnel when requested/needed * Participate in the CMC Safety ... Ability to work with exposure to extremes in temperature, chemical, dust fumes and mists, uneven ...

Commercial Metals Company

Yard Operator

Knoxville, TN · On-site

What You'll Do * Assist maintenance personnel when requested/needed * Participate in the CMC Safety ... Ability to work with exposure to extremes in temperature, chemical, dust fumes and mists, uneven ...

Highway Transport Chemical

Mechanic II

Knoxville, TN

$23 - $32/hr

Preventative Maintenance * Assist other technicians with tractor and trailer repairs * DOT ... Maintain sense of urgency; always demonstrating safe operating procedures * Professional and ...

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Chemical Operator Assistant information

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$25

How much do chemical operator assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for chemical operator assistant in Oak Ridge, TN is $19.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.69 and $20.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a chemical operator assistant do?

A Chemical Operator Assistant supports chemical operators in the day-to-day operations of chemical manufacturing plants. Their duties typically include preparing raw materials, monitoring equipment, collecting samples, and assisting with the safe handling of chemicals. They also help with cleaning, maintenance, and following safety protocols to ensure smooth and safe production processes. Chemical Operator Assistants work under supervision and must pay close attention to detail to prevent accidents and maintain product quality.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chemical operator assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chemical Operator Assistant, you need a basic understanding of chemical processes, safety protocols, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industrial equipment, safety data sheets (SDS), and chemical handling procedures is typically required, and OSHA certification can be advantageous. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication skills are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies help maintain safe operations, ensure compliance with regulations, and support efficient production in chemical manufacturing environments.

What are some common challenges faced by chemical operator assistants, and how can they effectively handle them?

Chemical Operator Assistants often encounter challenges such as working with hazardous materials, maintaining strict safety protocols, and responding quickly to equipment malfunctions. To handle these effectively, it's important to be vigilant about personal protective equipment (PPE), thoroughly follow standard operating procedures, and communicate promptly with team members and supervisors when issues arise. Continuous training and a proactive attitude towards safety and teamwork help ensure a safe and efficient work environment.

What is the difference between Chemical Operator Assistant vs Chemical Technician?

AspectChemical Operator AssistantChemical Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingAssociate degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or related field
Work EnvironmentFactories, chemical plants, manufacturing facilitiesLaboratories, manufacturing plants, quality control labs
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, chemical production, pharmaceuticalsResearch, development, quality assurance in chemical industries
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level roles in chemical plantsCompared for technical and analytical roles in chemical industries

The Chemical Operator Assistant typically performs support tasks under supervision in manufacturing environments, requiring minimal formal education. In contrast, a Chemical Technician usually holds an associate degree and works in labs or quality control, focusing on testing and analysis. Both roles are essential in chemical industries but differ in responsibilities, education, and work settings.

How much do chemical operator assistants make?

Chemical operator assistants in North Carolina typically earn between $15 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, certifications, and the specific employer. Salaries can also vary based on the complexity of the processes and the work environment, which often requires safety training and familiarity with industrial equipment.

What are popular job titles related to Chemical Operator Assistant jobs in Oak Ridge, TN?

For Chemical Operator Assistant jobs in Oak Ridge, TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Chemical Operator Assistant jobs in Oak Ridge, TN look for?

The top searched job categories for Chemical Operator Assistant jobs in Oak Ridge, TN are:

What cities near Oak Ridge, TN are hiring for Chemical Operator Assistant jobs?

Cities near Oak Ridge, TN with the most Chemical Operator Assistant job openings:

Chemical Operator Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chemical Operator Assistant job openings in Oak Ridge, TN as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,720 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Chemical Engineer

Standard Nuclear, Inc.

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Standard Nuclear is fueling America's nuclear renaissance at industrial scale. Our mission is to deliver the essential building blocks of nuclear power-enabling cost-effective, safe, and secure energy for the world.
The Chemical Engineer supports Standard Nuclear's fuel manufacturing operations by improving, scaling, and troubleshooting chemical production processes, with an initial focus on sol-gel operations. This role supports process performance, yield improvement, production reliability, and technical execution for manufacturing activities involving chemical processing, material formation, and downstream production steps.
This is a hands-on engineering role working closely with operations, fuel development, quality, characterization, EH&S, and radiological controls teams. The Chemical Engineer will help translate process knowledge into repeatable manufacturing practices, identify sources of variation or loss, and implement improvements that increase yield, throughput, product consistency, and operational safety.
The role requires strong chemical engineering fundamentals, practical manufacturing judgment, and comfort working in a regulated nuclear fuel fabrication environment where process control, documentation, and disciplined execution matter.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Chemical Process Engineering
  • Support day-to-day chemical manufacturing operations through process monitoring, troubleshooting, and technical problem-solving
  • Develop and improve process parameters, operating windows, and production methods to support repeatable output
  • Identify sources of yield loss, variability, rework, or process inefficiency and implement corrective actions
  • Partner with operations and technical teams to improve process stability, throughput, and product consistency
  • Support scale-up of chemical processes from development or pilot activity into more routine production

Yield Improvement & Process Optimization
  • Analyze production data to identify trends, bottlenecks, defects, and opportunities for yield improvement
  • Lead or support structured improvement efforts focused on reducing scrap, rework, process downtime, and material loss
  • Develop practical metrics for monitoring process health, yield, throughput, and operating performance
  • Use data analysis and engineering judgment to recommend process changes and verify effectiveness
  • Support root cause investigations related to process deviations, off-spec material, or production interruptions

Manufacturing Support & Technical Execution
  • Provide technical support to operators, technicians, and supervisors during production activities
  • Support development and revision of work instructions, operating procedures, batch records, and process documentation
  • Assist with equipment setup, process readiness, commissioning, and troubleshooting related to chemical processing operations
  • Coordinate with maintenance, facilities, and I&C teams on equipment issues affecting process performance
  • Help ensure production activities are properly planned, documented, and executed in accordance with approved procedures

Quality, Characterization & Data Integration
  • Work with quality and characterization teams to connect process conditions with product attributes and acceptance criteria
  • Support collection, organization, and interpretation of process and characterization data
  • Help define sampling, inspection, and data review needs that support manufacturing decisions
  • Ensure process improvements are supported by appropriate data, documentation, and technical rationale
  • Support corrective actions and continuous improvement efforts related to product consistency and quality performance

Safety, Radiological Controls & Compliance
  • Ensure chemical processing work is performed in accordance with site safety, radiological control, environmental, and quality requirements
  • Support hazard reviews, job planning, and procedure development for chemical processing operations
  • Partner with EH&S and radiological controls teams to ensure appropriate controls are in place for chemical and radiological work
  • Promote disciplined work practices, contamination control awareness, and strong procedural compliance
  • Support audit readiness, training, and documentation expectations for regulated manufacturing operations

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work closely with operations, fuel development, quality, characterization, EH&S, radiological controls, maintenance, supply chain, and engineering teams
  • Communicate technical issues, process risks, and improvement opportunities clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
  • Support production ramp-up by helping convert technical process knowledge into scalable manufacturing practices
  • Help build a culture of practical problem-solving, process discipline, and continuous improvement

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Nuclear Engineering, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline
  • 3-7 years of experience in chemical processing, manufacturing engineering, process engineering, materials processing, or related industrial operations
  • Experience with sol-gel processing, precipitation, gelation, slurry processing, particle formation, ceramics, powders, or advanced materials manufacturing preferred
  • Strong understanding of chemical engineering fundamentals including mass balance, reaction kinetics, fluid handling, mixing, heat transfer, process control, and scale-up
  • Experience improving yield, reducing process variation, troubleshooting production issues, or supporting manufacturing scale-up
  • Ability to analyze production data, identify trends, and develop practical process improvements
  • Experience developing or improving operating procedures, work instructions, batch records, or controlled process documentation
  • Familiarity with regulated manufacturing, quality systems, safety reviews, and disciplined work control preferred
  • Hands-on mindset with comfort working in manufacturing, laboratory, and controlled environments
  • Experience in nuclear, chemical processing, ceramics, energy, aerospace, defense, semiconductor, or advanced manufacturing environments is a plus

BENEFITS
  • Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Health Savings Account
  • Disability and Life Insurance
  • 401(k) Plan
  • Paid Time Off and Holidays

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
The position requires regular interaction with operations, engineering, fuel development, quality, characterization, EH&S, radiological controls, and manufacturing teams. Work may involve chemical processing equipment, laboratory activities, production areas, controlled areas, radiological environments, and use of required PPE. Adherence to site safety, quality, radiological, environmental, and operational procedures is expected. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicants must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

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