1

Chemical Reactor Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Reactor Operator Job

Grand Rapids, MI

$16 - $19.50/hr

... chemical resins. Batch manufacturing includes charging raw materials, processing batches ... Follow operating procedures for job tasks * Operate forklift to move materials around the plant

Reactor Operator Job

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$16 - $19.50/hr

... chemical resins. Batch manufacturing includes charging raw materials, processing batches ... Follow operating procedures for job tasks * Operate forklift to move materials around the plant

Reporting to the shift supervisor, the Reactor Operator will be expected to successfully produce chemical and pharmaceutical products in our manufacturing environment. Responsibilities: Operate batch ...

Reactor Operator Job

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$16 - $19.50/hr

... chemical resins. Batch manufacturing includes charging raw materials, processing batches ... Follow operating procedures for job tasks * Operate forklift to move materials around the plant

Pharma Operator

Charles City, IA · On-site

$16 - $21.50/hr

Job Overview Reporting to the shift supervisor, the Reactor Operator will be expected to successfully produce chemical and pharmaceutical products in our manufacturing environment. Responsibilities ...

Pharma Operator

Charles City, IA · On-site

$16 - $21.50/hr

Job Overview Reporting to the shift supervisor, the Reactor Operator will be expected to successfully produce chemical and pharmaceutical products in our manufacturing environment. Responsibilities ...

Job Overview Reporting to the shift supervisor, the Reactor Operator will be expected to successfully produce chemical and pharmaceutical products in our manufacturing environment. Responsibilities ...

Job Overview Reporting to the shift supervisor, the Reactor Operator will be expected to successfully produce chemical and pharmaceutical products in our manufacturing environment. Responsibilities ...

Chemical Operator

Catoosa, OK · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

Start pumps to wash and rinse reactor vessels, to exhaust gases or vapors, to regulate the flow of ... Inspect and maintain operating units, such as scrubbers, storage tanks, pressure vessels ...

Chemical Operator

Idaho Falls, ID · On-site

$18.50 - $21.25/hr

This is a hands-on role involving solution mixing, reactor operation, particulate washing and ... operators from chemical, industrial, or manufacturing environments are encouraged to apply.

Chemical Operator

Idaho Falls, ID · On-site

$18.50 - $21.25/hr

This is a hands-on role involving solution mixing, reactor operation, particulate washing and ... operators from chemical, industrial, or manufacturing environments are encouraged to apply.

Chemical Operator

Alameda, CA

$22.25 - $25.50/hr

Chemical Operator This role is ideal for an experienced plant or chemical operator who enjoys hands ... Manage production runs end-to-end, including feedstock preparation, reactor charging, process ...

Synthesis Operator

Newport, DE · On-site

$18.75 - $21.25/hr

Together with DIC, Sun Chemical is continuously working to promote and develop sustainable ... Maintain housekeeping at excellent levels, keeping the tanks, floor and reactor deck areas clean.

Synthesis Operator

Newport, DE · On-site

$18.75 - $21.25/hr

Together with DIC, Sun Chemical is continuously working to promote and develop sustainable ... Maintain housekeeping at excellent levels, keeping the tanks, floor and reactor deck areas clean.

Synthesis Operator

Newport, DE

$18.75 - $21.25/hr

Together with DIC, Sun Chemical is continuously working to promote and develop sustainable ... Maintain housekeeping at excellent levels, keeping the tanks, floor and reactor deck areas clean.

Chemical Operator I

Beaumont, TX · On-site

$18.50 - $21/hr

As a Chemical Operator, you will play a crucial role in the safe and efficient operation of our ... Start pumps to wash and rinse reactor vessels, to exhaust gases and vapors, to regulate the flow of ...

Synthesis Operator

Newport, DE

$18.75 - $21.25/hr

Together with DIC, Sun Chemical is continuously working to promote and develop sustainable ... Maintain housekeeping at excellent levels, keeping the tanks, floor and reactor deck areas clean.

next page

Showing results 1-20

Chemical Reactor Operator information

See salary details

$13

$20

$26

How much do chemical reactor operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for chemical reactor operator in the United States is $20.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Chemical Reactor Operator typically collaborate with engineers and quality control teams during daily operations?

Chemical Reactor Operators work closely with process engineers and quality control teams to ensure that reactor conditions remain within specified parameters and that product quality meets regulatory standards. They regularly monitor equipment, log operational data, and communicate any irregularities or deviations to the engineering team for troubleshooting. Quality control personnel may sample products during the process, and operators are responsible for making real-time adjustments based on feedback, fostering a collaborative environment focused on safety and efficiency.

How to get a job as a nuclear reactor operator?

To become a nuclear reactor operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training and licensing from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). This includes completing a training program, gaining experience in a nuclear plant, and passing written and practical exams to obtain a license. Strong technical skills, attention to safety protocols, and the ability to work in a high-pressure environment are essential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Chemical Reactor Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chemical Reactor Operator, you need a solid understanding of chemical processes, safety protocols, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers preferring additional technical training. Familiarity with process control systems, laboratory equipment, and safety certification such as OSHA HAZWOPER is common in this role. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help operators respond to process changes and work safely in team environments. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure safe, efficient, and consistent operation of chemical production processes.

What are Chemical Reactor Operators?

Chemical Reactor Operators are skilled professionals responsible for controlling and monitoring chemical reactors used in manufacturing processes. They oversee the equipment that mixes, heats, or processes raw materials to produce chemicals, ensuring safety, efficiency, and quality standards are met. Their duties often include starting and stopping reactors, adjusting controls, recording data, and responding to alarms or malfunctions. Chemical Reactor Operators play a critical role in industries like pharmaceuticals, plastics, and petrochemicals, where precise chemical reactions are essential.

What is the highest paying machine operator job?

Among machine operators, chemical reactor operators tend to have higher salaries due to specialized skills in managing complex chemical processes and safety protocols. Senior reactor operators with extensive experience and certifications can earn higher wages, especially in industries like petrochemicals and pharmaceuticals. Advanced technical knowledge and adherence to safety standards are key factors influencing compensation.

What does a chemical reactor operator do?

A chemical reactor operator is responsible for controlling and monitoring chemical reactions in industrial reactors to ensure safe and efficient production. They operate control systems, adjust process parameters, perform routine inspections, and maintain safety protocols, often working with specialized equipment and requiring technical training or certifications.

What is the difference between Chemical Reactor Operator vs Chemical Plant Operator?

AspectChemical Reactor OperatorChemical Plant Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, technical training, certifications in safety and process controlHigh school diploma, technical training, safety certifications
Work EnvironmentOperate and monitor reactors in chemical processing facilitiesOversee entire chemical production processes, including reactors and other equipment
Industry UsageSpecific to reactor operation within chemical manufacturingBroader, includes managing various equipment and processes in chemical plants

While both roles work within chemical manufacturing facilities and require safety certifications, Chemical Reactor Operators focus specifically on operating and monitoring chemical reactors. Chemical Plant Operators oversee the entire production process, including reactors and auxiliary equipment. The roles are complementary, with Reactor Operators specializing in reactor systems and Plant Operators managing overall plant operations.

How much money do nuclear reactor workers make?

Nuclear reactor operators typically earn a median annual salary of around $85,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Advanced roles or those with specialized skills can earn higher wages, especially in facilities with demanding safety and technical requirements.
More about Chemical Reactor Operator jobs
What states have the most Chemical Reactor Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Chemical Reactor Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Chemical Reactor Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Chemical Reactor Operator jobs are:
Infographic showing various Chemical Reactor Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,592 per year, or $20.5 per hour.
Reactor Operator Job

Reactor Operator Job

Arkema

Grand Rapids, MI

$16 - $19.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Job Title:      Production Operator

SITUATION IN ORGANIZATION:

Position reports directly to the Grand Rapids Production Leader.

JOB DIMENSIONS

This job is responsible for the manufacturing, packaging, and distribution of specialty chemical resins. Batch manufacturing includes charging raw materials, processing batches, monitoring and recording key process parameters, and troubleshooting. Other Technician responsibilities include: loading, unloading, cleaning equipment, packaging product, maintaining a safe and orderly work area, assisting other production areas as needed, and overall plant Housekeeping.

KEY ACTIVITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Production Operations-65%

  •  
  • Kettle responsibilities include: loading reactors with raw materials, monitoring and troubleshooting batch process parameters, performing in process and final product Quality testing.
  • Follow operating procedures for job tasks
  • Operate forklift to move materials around the plant
  • Performs tasks assigned to operations (raw material charges, equipment preparation, process samples, etc).

Daily communications-10%

  • Meetings-Safety, Shift Change, Shift planning
  • Coordinate daily activities with and report any issues to the Production Team Lead
  • Maintain proper housekeeping practices in the production area.
  • Routine use of a computer to communicate via e-mail, complete online training and other tasks as assigned. 
  • Support other Production Team members as needed, if properly trained for the task

Health Environmental Safety Quality (HSEQ) -15%

  • Complete required Training assignments on-time: computer based, instructor led, and on the job
  • Follow HES and Operating Discipline procedures and practices to ensure safe and efficient operation of assigned plant areas.
  • Proper handling/disposal of hazardous waste materials
  • Follows safety procedures to ensure personal safety and the safety of others.
  • As required, participate in Root Cause Investigations.
    • Understand and execute Emergency Response procedures to mitigate unplanned events in the process.
    • Participate in HSEQ activities provided by site management.
  • Operates and field checks process equipment. Monitors process conditions, equipment and control        systems.

Continuous Improvement-10%

  • Performs troubleshooting of process equipment and systems to resolve process deviations and problems.
  • Uses plant knowledge and skills to make improvements in plant performance.
  • Helps troubleshoot plant and customer problems.
  • Contributes to value creation by continuous improvement of procedures, the operations work processes and related tools and performance metrics.
  • All other duties as assigned.

CONTEXT AND ENVIRONMENT

(INCLUDE % TRAVEL, IF APPLICABLE; THREE HES REFERENCES BELOW ARE REQUIRED ON ALL DESCRIPTIONS; SITE MAY HAVE ADDITIONAL HES REFERENCES; FOR PHYSICAL DEMANDS REFER TO THE JOB DEMAND FORM FOR THIS ROLE)

  • This position will be based in Grand Rapids, MI.
  • Comply with the HSEQ Policy.
  • Comply with Regulations, Legal and Internal Requirements of Arkema/CS.
  • Comply with the rules of the specific location to which one is assigned as well as the rules set by the business unit (BU) and Arkema Inc.
  • Comply with all standard procedures and work instructions
  • Report Near Misses to the direct supervisor; report Incidents or Accidents to the direct supervisor.  Identify and communicate potential gains or possible improvements to the management system.
  • Supports the site HES policy and complies with all regulatory and internal requirements
  • Supports and promotes the reporting of all health, safety, environmental, near-miss, accident or injury incident

REQUIRED EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS /WORK EXPERIENCE  

  • Must have a high school diploma/GED
  • Experience in a chemical manufacturing environment preferred
  • Must be a safety-conscious, highly motivated team player who is able to work independently
  • Must be able to climb ladders, work outside in all weather conditions, lift up to 50lbs and wear PPE including full face air purifying respirator
  • Must be willing to work overtime as needed

DEMONSTRATED COMPETENCIES

  • Effectively communicate in a team environment
  • Willingness to learn
  • Ability to follow and improve procedures
  • Hazard recognition/awareness
  • Assist to resolve problems