Certified Panel Board Operator at ECOVYST CATALYST TECHNOLOGIES LLC – Orange, Texas

Ecovyst is the leader in sulfuric acid regeneration. Our expertise in sulfuric acid processing and extensive plant network has enabled us to provide end-to-end regeneration services to support alkylate production for more than 75 years. We are serving long-term sustainable trends.

Our business lines:

• Ecoservices provides sulfuric acid regeneration, virgin sulfuric acid, treatment services, and much more.
• Chem32 sulfides and activates catalysts and absorbents which are used in refining, petrochemical and environmental processes, using its proprietary THIOCAT® fixed-bed sulfiding technology.

  Chem32 LLC provides the following additional services:

  • Toll manufacturing

  • Logistics and Warehousing services including of long-term storage of sulfided catalysts

  • Pilot studies and scale up of new processes

  • Analytical and testing services

  • Custom processing using equipment and methods provided by our customers

What is THIOCAT®

THIOCAT® is a complete sulfiding and activation process for refinery and petrochemical catalysts performed at our Orange, Texas plant.

THIOCAT® sulfiding and pre-activation is performed in a fixed-bed reactor typically over a 24-hour period in multiple steps including an extended period at the desired finishing temperature. The result is a fully sulfided and activated catalyst that has retained its integrity and loading volume due to the fixed bed process and gentle handling. Transportation in specialized catalyst bins simplifies loading.

What We Offer:

• Competitive pay
• Full benefit package starting day 1
• 401(k) matching
• Tuition reimbursement

Position Overview:

The Board Operator (Level 4) is responsible for controlling and optimizing plant operations from the control system to ensure safe, environmentally compliant, and efficient production. This role serves as the primary control point for process operations and provides operational leadership during the shift.

The Board Operator monitors plant systems, manages alarms and process conditions, coordinates with field operators and maintenance personnel, and directs plant responses during startups, shutdowns, and abnormal operating conditions. This position requires strong process knowledge, troubleshooting ability, and sound decision-making in a continuous chemical manufacturing environment.

This role represents the highest level of operator responsibility, requiring advanced operational expertise and the ability to guide plant operations while maintaining safe, stable, and efficient process performance.

What You Will Be Doing:

• Monitor and control unit operations through the Distributed Control System (DCS) to maintain process stability, safety limits, and product quality

• Lead operational response during process upsets, alarms, and abnormal operating conditions

• Direct field operators during plant startups, shutdowns, and operational adjustments

• Monitor critical process parameters including temperatures, pressures, flows, and system balances

• Control and monitor catalyst reactors, H₂S scrubbers, gas separation systems, and thermal oxidizer operations

• Manage hydrogen and nitrogen systems and maintain proper process balances

• Perform hourly monitoring and operational checks including gas separator pH monitoring and condensate handling

• Maintain operational records including shift logs, checklists, and production documentation

• Ensure smooth shift handovers and communicate plant status with incoming operators

• Support maintenance activities by coordinating plant conditions for safe equipment work

• Troubleshoot process upsets and identify root causes

• Ensure compliance with production schedules, product specifications, and environmental limits

Required Qualifications

• Process Operator certification or technical training

• Prior experience in Board Operator or Control Room operations

• Experience working with hazardous chemicals in a regulated process environment

• 3+ years of experience in a chemical plant, refinery, or industrial manufacturing environment required, with proven tenure

• Candidates must demonstrate the ability to monitor and control plant processes from a control system while coordinating field operations for safety & stability

• Demonstrated experience interpreting process trends and responding to alarms or process deviations in a control system environment

• Working knowledge of industrial process controls including pressure, temperature, flow, and material balances

• Experience with Distributed Control Systems (DCS) or PLC control systems preferred

• Ability to read and understand operating procedures, PFDs, and P&IDs

• Ability to lead operational activities during shifts and coordinate with field personnel

• Ability to maintain accurate operational logs and documentation

• Willingness to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime

• Ability to pass a drug screen, physical, and background check

• High School Diploma or GED required

• Forklift certification or TWIC card is a plus