ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Chemical Reactor Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ammobia

Chemical R&D Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$100K - $200K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

What you will do * Conduct and manage tests on advanced reactor systems and materials ... Experience working with technicians and operators to execute test plans * Demonstrated expertise in ...

Ammobia

Chemical R&D Engineer

San Francisco, CA

$100K - $200K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

What you will do * Conduct and manage tests on advanced reactor systems and materials ... Experience working with technicians and operators to execute test plans * Demonstrated expertise in ...

Cambrex

Pharma Operator

Charles City, IA

$16 - $21.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

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 ...

Cambrex

Pharma 1 Operator

Charles City, IA

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

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 ...

Cambrex

Pharma 2 Operator

Charles City, IA

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

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 ...

Cambrex

Chem 2 Operator

Charles City, IA

$16 - $19.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

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 ...

Cambrex

Pharma 3 Operator

Charles City, IA

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

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 ...

Cambrex

Pharma 3/4 Operator

Charles City, IA

$16 - $21.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

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 ...

Valtris Specialty Chemicals

Chemical Operator

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$18.75 - $21.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Monitor and adjust controls to regulate tank and reactor levels, temperature, and pressure ... Chemical and/or Powder Machine Operator experience preferred. * Ability to operate a forklift.

Valtris Specialty Chemicals

Chemical Operator

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$24.77/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Monitor and adjust controls to regulate tank and reactor levels, temperature, and pressure ... Chemical and/or Powder Machine Operator experience preferred. * Ability to operate a forklift.

Cambrex

Chem 2 Operator

Charles City, IA

$16 - $19.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

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 ...

Cambrex

Pilot Plant Operator

Charles City, IA

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

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 ...

Cambrex

Pharma 2 Operator

Charles City, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

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 ...

Cambrex

Pharma 3 Operator

Charles City, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

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 ...

Cambrex

Pharma 1 Operator

Charles City, IA

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

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 ...

Cambrex

Pharma 1 Operator

Charles City, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

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 ...

Cambrex

Pharma 3 Operator

Charles City, IA

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

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 ...

Cambrex

Pharma Operator

Charles City, IA

$16 - $21.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

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 ...

Cambrex

Pharma Operator

Charles City, IA · On-site

$16 - $21.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

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 ...

Cambrex

Pharma 2 Operator

Charles City, IA

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

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 ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsChemical Reactor Operator Jobs

Chemical Reactor Operator information

See salary details

$13

$20

$26

How much do chemical reactor operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 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 do you become a chemical reactor operator?

To become a chemical reactor operator, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by on-the-job training or technical education in chemical processing or related fields. Many employers prefer candidates with knowledge of safety procedures, control systems, and the operation of reactors, often supported by certifications such as OSHA safety training or process technology programs.

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.

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 is a chemical reactor operator?

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.

How much do chemical reactor operators get paid?

Chemical reactor operators typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. They often require technical skills, safety training, and sometimes certifications, and may work in shifts in manufacturing or processing plants.

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.

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:

Chemical Reactor Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chemical Reactor Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,592 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

Chemical R&D Engineer

Ammobia

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$100K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

About Ammobia
Ammobia is pioneering the first fundamental breakthrough in ammonia production since 1909. Our modular Haber-Bosch 2.0 technology operates at low pressures and high single-pass conversions, delivering 2x lower capital costs; making ammonia affordable from any hydrogen source, across scale for any use case.
Backed by strategic investors including Shell Ventures, Air Liquide, Chevron, MOL, and by the US Department of Energy, we are building the essential infrastructure for fuel, fertilizer and the future of energy.
About the role
Ammobia is hiring an R&D Engineer to advance our materials and reaction platforms across lab, bench, and pilot scales. You will design, source, and synthesize new catalysts and sorbents; design and test reactor systems; and scale your innovations through to TRL 6 pilot systems.
You will be at the heart of Ammobia's R&D program, developing our next generation of reaction processes and proving them at commercially relevant scales and timeframes. You are comfortable wearing many hats, moving fast, and getting your hands dirty building and running systems.
What you will do
  • Conduct and manage tests on advanced reactor systems and materials characterization systems, including specifying/building custom reactor equipment
  • Transfer lab and bench scale R&D learnings and achievements to pilot demonstration, including developing operating procedures, designing test campaigns, leading lab- and pilot-scale system turnarounds, and analyzing data
  • Design and optimize active catalysts, gas sorbents, and formed composite materials, including via both internal development and external research programs
  • Develop analytical and computational models of gas-solid reaction processes, set target specifications, link ex-situ measurements to in-reactor performance, transfer reaction engineering knowledge to plant process engineering team
  • Work with a small team of scientists, engineers, and technicians
  • Develop intellectual property across materials, process, and reactor development
  • Perform all work in a safe manner and help promote lab safety culture

Requirements
  • Deep quantitative understanding of thermodynamics, kinetics, and heat/mass transport
  • Deep expertise in heterogeneous catalysis, gas sorption, and/or reaction engineering
  • Demonstrated expertise transferring R&D designs and learnings to pilot scales
  • Demonstrated expertise developing and owning test plans and data outputs reactor and chemical process systems
  • Hands on experience specifying, designing, and building custom research and pilot scale chemical equipment, including working knowledge of automation and control systems
  • Experience working with technicians and operators to execute test plans
  • Demonstrated expertise in data analysis of time series processes in Python and/or MATLAB; proficiency with agentic coding for scientific computing
  • Expertise in chemical reactor modeling including working knowledge of reactor design equations
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Demonstrated experience managing small teams
  • Prior startup experience and excitement about working at an early-stage start-up
  • 3+ years' experience in relevant industrial setting. Applicants without industrial experience will not be considered.

Nice-to-haves
  • MS or PhD in Chemical Engineering or similar
  • Experience managing technicians, interns, or junior engineers
  • Operational experience in pilot chemical plants
  • Proficiency in techno-economic modeling
  • Expertise in catalyst manufacturing and scale-up
  • Demonstrated experience designing and implementing automated control and data systems

$100,000 - $200,000 a year
Benefits include:
  • Competitive equity grants
  • 100% of premiums paid for healthcare, dental, vision, life insurance
  • 401k, fitness stipend
  • Regular team social events
  • Paid time off, including closure between Christmas and New Years

Who we are
We are a small and passionate team of scientists and engineers. We value teamwork, accountability, open communication, and rapid iteration. We emphasize career growth, mutual feedback, and a fun and exciting working environment. Check out ammobia.co/careers for our full values statement and ammobia.co/team to learn more about us.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

Apply