Production Operator

Job Description:

Production Operator

Huntsman is seeking a Production Operator supporting the Advanced Materials Americas Division located in Los Angeles, California. This position will report to the Production Supervisor.  

Job Scope

The Production Operator is responsible for safely manufacturing specialty chemical products by operating complex manufacturing equipment and executing batch production processes in accordance with approved manufacturing procedures. As a key member of the manufacturing team, this position actively supports Huntsman's Zero Harm (ZH) culture while ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable production of high-quality products that meet customer specifications, business objectives, and regulatory requirements.

Production Operators are expected to take personal ownership for safety, product quality, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

Essential Responsibilities but not limited to:

Safety & Zero Harm

• Demonstrate a personal commitment to Huntsman's Zero Harm (ZH) culture by working safely and protecting people, the environment, company assets, and fellow employees.
• Follow all safety procedures, Life Saving Rules, standard operating procedures (SOPs), personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Identify, report, and help correct unsafe conditions, behaviors, and near misses; exercise stop-work authority whenever an unsafe condition presents an immediate risk.
• Maintain clean, organized, and inspection-ready work areas by following housekeeping and 5S standards.

Production Operations

• Safely operate manufacturing equipment and chemical processes to produce specialty chemical products in accordance with approved batch records, work instructions, production schedules, and standard operating procedures.
• Verify raw materials, product identity, lot numbers, equipment readiness, and production documentation before beginning manufacturing activities to ensure accurate and compliant batch execution.
• Execute production activities including charging raw materials, material transfers, monitoring process conditions, collecting samples, and performing equipment changeovers, cleaning, startups, and shutdowns.
• Consistently meet production schedules while maintaining safety, product quality, and operational standards.

Quality, Compliance & Documentation

• Manufacture products that consistently meet customer specifications, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Accurately complete batch records, production logs, equipment documentation, inventory transactions, and other required records to ensure compliance and product traceability.
• Perform required in-process inspections and verify product identification, material traceability, and inventory accuracy throughout the manufacturing process.
• Report quality concerns promptly and support investigations, corrective actions, continuous improvement activities, and regulatory compliance initiatives.

Equipment Reliability & Continuous Improvement

• Perform routine operator inspections, equipment checks, and basic operational care while identifying and reporting equipment conditions requiring maintenance or additional technical support.
• Support preventive maintenance activities, equipment reliability initiatives, and the safe startup and shutdown of manufacturing equipment.
• Maintain equipment and work areas in a clean and orderly condition using established housekeeping and 5S practices.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives that enhance safety, quality, productivity, equipment reliability, waste reduction, and overall operational performance.

Teamwork & Communication

• Collaborate effectively with Production, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, Warehouse, Packaging, Shipping, Supply Chain, and EHS to support safe and efficient plant operations.
• Communicate production status, equipment conditions, quality concerns, safety observations, and shift turnover information clearly and accurately.
• Support cross-training, and knowledge sharing to strengthen workforce flexibility and operational capability.
• Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, teamwork, adaptability, and a commitment to Huntsman's values and operational excellence.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Three (3) years of hands-on production manufacturing experience operating manufacturing equipment and producing finished products in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience following manufacturing processes, work instructions, batch records, and standard operating procedures.
• Basic computer and mathematical skills.
• Ability to read, understand, and accurately complete production documentation.
• Must be approved/cleared by the State and Federal to extend applicable to work with controlled chemicals that Huntsman utilizes at the site.
• Must be willing and able to work any assigned shift, including first, second, and third shift.
• Must be willing and able to work overtime, weekend, holiday, and alternative work schedules to support production and customer requirements.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in chemical, batch, or process manufacturing.
• Experience using SAP or other ERP systems.
• Forklift certification or experience operating powered industrial equipment.

Success in This Role

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to Huntsman's Zero Harm (ZH) culture by working safely, following all safety requirements, identifying hazards, and contributing to a safe work environment.
• Success in this role requires sound judgment, attention to detail, teamwork, and a commitment to maintaining a safe, reliable, and efficient manufacturing operation.
• Safely and independently operate manufacturing equipment and execute batch production processes while consistently meeting production schedules, quality standards, and customer requirements.
• Accurately complete batch records, production documentation, and required system transactions while maintaining product quality, regulatory compliance, and material traceability.
• Identify and communicate production, equipment, and quality issues proactively, contributing to equipment reliability, continuous improvement, and efficient plant operations.
• Work collaboratively across departments, effectively communicating production status, supporting continuous improvement initiatives, and contributing to the overall reliability and efficiency of plant operations.

Career Growth & Tier Progression

Huntsman is committed to developing Production Operators through our structured Tier Qualification Program. As employees complete required training, demonstrate competency, and qualify on additional manufacturing processes, equipment, and production areas, they expand their technical knowledge and operational versatility.

Tier progression recognizes demonstrated performance, safe work practices, manufacturing proficiency, and a commitment to Huntsman's Zero Harm (ZH) culture. As employees successfully advance through the qualification program, they take on greater responsibilities and receive corresponding increases in compensation.

Schedule & Shift Requirements

• Production currently operates on a 24-hour, 5-day manufacturing schedule and may transition to a 24-hour, 7-day manufacturing operation based on business needs.
• Employees are expected to maintain regular attendance and arrive prepared to work safely and on time.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, including frequently standing, walking, bending, reaching, stooping, squatting, kneeling, climbing, pushing, pulling, grasping, and performing repetitive manufacturing and material-handling activities; lift, carry, push, pull, or position materials weighing up to 65 pounds; operate manufacturing equipment and powered industrial vehicles after training, where required; and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including respiratory protection.

Work is performed in chemical manufacturing facilities, production areas, warehouses, packaging areas, shipping and receiving areas,  outdoor process areas, and other operating environments. The work environment may include temperature variations, noise, odors, dust, chemical vapors, moving machinery, elevated work areas, and weather exposure.

What can we offer you?

• The hourly rate for this position at the time of hire is $35.70 per hour. 
• We consider a number of business-related factors when making individual compensation decisions including, but not limited to, education, experience and training.
• Step progression is available based on qualification, with a minimum of 12 months before an associate may qualify for progression.
• Huntsman offers outstanding benefits which start from Day One.
• Competitive healthcare, dental, and vision.
• One additional week of paid time off - on top of vacation.
• 401K – Huntsman automatically contributes 6% of eligible pay, regardless of employee contribution. In addition to the 6% non-discretionary contribution, Huntsman will match $1 for every $1 you contribute up to a maximum match of 4% of eligible pay.

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