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Chemical Operator Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN (NOW HIRING)

Centrus Energy Corp.

Chemical Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN

$65K - $109K/yr

Experience designing or operating unit operations such as reactors, filtration systems ... Chemical Engineering (optional but advantageous) Active DOE Q Clearance or DOD TS Clearance ...

Centrus Energy Corp.

Chemical Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$65K - $109K/yr

... operating unit operations such as reactors, filtration systems, distillation columns, and liquid-liquid extraction systems in batch or continuous modes • Proficiency with CAD tools (AutoCAD ...

Centrus Energy Corp.

Chemical Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$65K - $109K/yr

Experience designing or operating unit operations such as reactors, filtration systems ... Chemical Engineering (optional but advantageous) Active DOE Q Clearance or DOD TS Clearance ...

Heraeus Medical LLC

Melt Operator

Wartburg, TN · On-site

$16 - $21.50/hr

Melt Operator Permanent About Heraeus Making displays foldable? Helping hearts beat with medical ... Chemistry - Develop knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances ...

Heraeus

Melt Operator

Wartburg, TN · On-site

$16 - $21.50/hr

Melt Operator Permanent About Heraeus Making displays foldable? Helping hearts beat with medical ... Chemistry - Develop knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances ...

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All JobsChemical Operator JobsChemical Operator Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN

Chemical Operator information

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How much do chemical operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for chemical operator in Oak Ridge, TN is $17.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.06 and $18.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a chemical operator do?

A chemical operator manages overall production in a chemical plant, including the employees, operations, and machinery. Chemical operators’ duties and responsibilities include maintaining plant machines such as mixers, vessels and the control functions. Chemical operators also oversee the production process to ensure it runs smoothly and safely and produces a quality product. Skills and qualifications of a chemical operator include equipment maintenance, leadership, and operational experience in the industry.

What are some common challenges chemical operators face during shift work, and how can they effectively manage them?

Chemical Operators often work rotating shifts, which can disrupt sleep patterns and impact work-life balance. Managing fatigue is crucial—operators should prioritize good sleep hygiene, maintain a consistent routine when possible, and communicate with supervisors about workload concerns. Additionally, adapting to rapidly changing production demands and ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols are everyday challenges. Building strong teamwork and staying updated on standard operating procedures helps operators handle these demands effectively.

How much do chemical operators make?

In Illinois, chemical operators typically earn an average annual salary of around $50,000 to $65,000, depending on experience, certifications, and the specific industry. They often work in manufacturing plants, operating and monitoring chemical processing equipment, and may require safety training and knowledge of regulatory standards.

What is a chemical operator?

Chemical Operators are professionals responsible for controlling and monitoring equipment and processes used in the production of chemicals, pharmaceuticals, or other related products. They ensure that manufacturing processes run smoothly, efficiently, and safely by following strict operational procedures and safety regulations. Their tasks often include mixing raw materials, adjusting controls, performing quality checks, and troubleshooting equipment issues. Chemical Operators play a crucial role in maintaining product quality and workplace safety in industrial settings.

What is the difference between Chemical Operator vs Chemical Technician?

AspectChemical OperatorChemical Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationsAssociate degree or technical certification in chemistry or related field
Work EnvironmentFactories, chemical plants, manufacturing facilitiesLaboratories, testing facilities, manufacturing support
Job ResponsibilitiesOperate and monitor chemical processing equipment, ensure safety and qualityConduct tests, collect data, assist in process optimization
Industry UsageCommonly employed in chemical manufacturing, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticalsSupport roles in similar industries, focusing on testing and analysis

The main difference between a Chemical Operator and a Chemical Technician lies in their responsibilities and required credentials. Chemical Operators primarily operate and monitor production equipment in manufacturing environments, while Chemical Technicians focus on testing, data collection, and supporting process improvements. Both roles are essential in chemical industries but serve different functions based on skills and training.

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

To thrive as a Chemical Operator, you need a solid understanding of chemical processes, safety procedures, and typically a high school diploma or associate degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with process control systems, laboratory equipment, and safety certifications such as OSHA HAZWOPER is highly valued. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These capabilities ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operations in potentially hazardous industrial environments.
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Chemical Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chemical Operator job openings in Oak Ridge, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,953 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Chemical Engineer

Standard Nuclear, Inc.

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

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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