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Chemical Operators Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

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

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 ...

Chemical Processing Technician

Jonesborough, TN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

With more than 7,800 employees, BWXT has 14 major operating sites in the U.S., Canada and the U.K ... As our Chemical Processing Technician, you will support safe and efficient chemical processing ...

Process Improvement Chemical Engineer

Kingsport, TN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... technicians/operators, peers, and management. • Excellent written, listening, and verbal ... Eastman Chemical Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive ...

Process Improvement Chemical Engineer

Kingsport, TN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... technicians/operators, peers, and management. • Excellent written, listening, and verbal ... Eastman Chemical Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive ...

Showing results 21-40

Chemical Operators information

See Tennessee salary details

$12

$18

$23

How much do chemical operators jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for chemical operators in Tennessee is $18.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $19.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do chemical operators make in the US?

Chemical operators in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $40,000 to $50,000, with experienced workers and those in specialized roles earning higher. Salaries can vary based on location, experience, certifications, and the complexity of the manufacturing environment.

What do you do as a chemical operator?

A chemical operator is responsible for operating and monitoring equipment used in manufacturing chemicals, pharmaceuticals, or other products. They follow safety protocols, perform quality checks, and maintain process efficiency, often working with control systems and wearing protective gear. Certification and understanding of safety standards are typically required for this role.

Are chemical operators in demand?

Chemical operators are in steady demand due to the ongoing need for skilled workers in manufacturing and processing plants. Employment opportunities often require knowledge of safety protocols, equipment operation, and sometimes certifications, with job growth driven by the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

What is the difference between Chemical Operators vs Chemical Technicians?

AspectChemical OperatorsChemical Technicians
CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job trainingAssociate degree in chemistry or related field
Work EnvironmentFactories, plants, manufacturing facilitiesLaboratories, manufacturing support settings
Job FocusOperating equipment, monitoring processesTesting, analyzing, and assisting in process development

While both Chemical Operators and Chemical Technicians work in chemical manufacturing environments, Chemical Operators primarily operate and monitor equipment on the production floor. Chemical Technicians focus more on testing, analysis, and supporting process improvements. The roles often overlap, but their main responsibilities and required credentials differ, making each position unique within the industry.

What are popular job titles related to Chemical Operators jobs in Tennessee?

For Chemical Operators jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Chemical Operators jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Chemical Operators jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Chemical Operators jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Chemical Operators job openings:

Infographic showing various Chemical Operators job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,658 per year, or $18.6 per hour.

$65K - $109K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:

Are you excited by the challenge of turning cuttingedge research into realworld impact? Do you thrive in environments where you can take ownership, innovate, and see your ideas come to life? Join our team and play a key role in advancing the next generation of nuclear fuel cycle operations.

We are seeking a Chemical Engineer who is passionate about developing new processes and scaling laboratory innovations into fullscale production. In this role, you'll apply your technical expertise, creativity, and problemsolving skills to help shape the future of nuclear fuel technologies. You will work both independently and collaboratively, contributing to highimpact projects that support national missions and advanced manufacturing capability.

What You'll Do: 

This role leads the design and development of new chemical processes and unit operations that enable nuclear fuel production. It involves managing complex engineering assignments, making independent technical decisions, and delivering clear technical reports and project updates. The position serves as a team lead for multidisciplinary groups and provides guidance to external consultants and engineering partners. Responsibilities also include active participation in technical design reviews, either presenting work or offering expert evaluation.

We'd Love to Hear from Candidates with:

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering
At least three years of experience in chemical process design in the nuclear, chemical, or petroleum industries
Strong understanding of core chemical engineering principles, including thermodynamics, fluid flow, heat and mass transfer, reactor kinetics, and process modeling
Handson experience scaling processes from lab to pilot or production scale, or developing new processes based on literature and research

A Successful Candidate Brings:

Experience designing or operating unit operations such as reactors, filtration systems, distillation columns, and liquidliquid extraction systems in batch or continuous modes
Proficiency with CAD tools (AutoCAD preferred)
Familiarity with process simulation tools such as ChemCAD, Aspen Plus, or HSC Chemistry
Advanced degree in Chemical Engineering (optional but advantageous)
Active DOE Q Clearance or DOD TS Clearance (desired but not required-candidates able to obtain clearance are encouraged to apply)

Pay:

Estimated Starting Base Salary Range: $65,555 - $109,259. This position is Bonus eligible. Centrus considers several factors when extending job offers, including but not limited to candidates' key skills, relevant work experience, and education/training/certifications.  While the posted range reflects the anticipated hiring range for this position, compensation above the range may be considered for candidates with exceptional qualifications and directly relevant experience.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

This position will require a pre-employment background check and a pre-employment drug test.

Centrus Energy and all subsidiaries shall abide by the applicable legal requirements. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.

This position requires the successful candidate to obtain and maintain a Q security clearance.  Candidates for positions requiring a security clearance are required to be tested for the absence of any illegal drug as defined in 10 CFR 707.4 prior to an offer of employment being made.  In addition, once employed, employees will become part of a random drug testing program and may also be tested in the event of any incident causing injury or causing damage to property, or if it is determined that there is a reasonable suspicion the employee is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.  This position will require preemployment background check on the part of the Company and in order to receive a Q security clearance, a background investigation by the Federal government.  Subsequent Federal government reinvestigations may be required.

Centrus Energy Corp. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.