Senior Plant Operator, Abrasive Grains

☆

United States, New York, NIAGARA FALLS

Permanent / Regular

Technical Production

On site

Apply

Why do we need you ?

Senior Plant Operator, Abrasive Grains

Business: Saint-Gobain Ceramics, Specialty Grains & Powders

Location: Wheatfield, NY
Labor Grade: 11
Starting Pay: $32.58 per hour, plus applicable skill pay and shift differential
Schedule: 12-hour rotating shift (schedule subject to change based on business conditions)
Openings: 2 Positions Available
Reports To: Manufacturing Manager / Production Lead

Summary:

The Senior Plant Operator serves as a technical leader and is responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of multiple production processes. This position operates with a high degree of autonomy and is responsible for troubleshooting process and equipment issues, ensuring product quality, and responding to operational incidents. The Senior Plant Operator serves as the primary point of contact for operational decision-making and escalation during nights and weekends while supporting continuous improvement initiatives and adherence to safety, environmental, and quality standards.

Primary responsibilities: Sweco mills, High Solids, Nox Tower, Neutralization

Backup responsibilities: Netz mills, Drum Dryer, Scalping, Kilns, Crushing

Selection:

Selection will be based on an assessment of the candidates’ skills, abilities and qualifications – including experience at the plant and interpersonal skills. Seniority will be considered, but will not be the primary factor in the selection process.

Is this job for you ?

Key Responsibilities

Lead shift-level operations across multiple production areas, ensuring safety, quality, and production targets are achieved.
Serve as the primary operational decision-maker during off-shifts, nights, weekends, and other periods when direct supervision may not be present.
Troubleshoot process and equipment issues, implement corrective actions, and escalate concerns appropriately.
Monitor production performance and product quality, ensuring compliance with operating standards and specifications.
Coordinate manpower and resources across operators based on production priorities and skill requirements.
Support incident response activities, including containment, investigation, documentation, and corrective actions.
Train, coach, and cross-train operators to increase departmental capability and flexibility.
Lead shift communications, safety discussions, and production handoffs.
Support continuous improvement, reliability, and safety initiatives throughout the department.
Maintain proficiency across multiple operating areas, including milling, kiln operations, crushing, mixing, drying, environmental systems, and material handling processes.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or GED.
Minimum of three (3) years of experience in abrasive grains, ceramics, or a similar manufacturing environment.
Forklift experience required.
Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
Strong knowledge of production processes and equipment.
Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and make operational decisions with minimal supervision.
Proven ability to lead, motivate, coach, and mentor fellow employees through positive example, collaboration, knowledge sharing, and accountability.
Demonstrated commitment to Saint-Gobain's Principles of Conduct & Action and Trust, Empowerment & Collaboration (TEC) values.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organization.
Demonstrated ability to build positive working relationships through consistency, fairness, teamwork, and open communication.
Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and other production reporting systems.
Strong organizational skills with a high level of attention to detail.
Proven commitment to safety, quality, reliability, and operational excellence.
Reliable attendance and performance record
Ability to work any shift as assigned and overtime as required. Shifts and overtime are subject to change based on business conditions.
Willingness to work overtime, including on short notice when operational needs require.

Preferred Qualifications

Previous lead operator, advanced operator, or senior operator experience.
Demonstrated expertise across multiple Abrasive Grains operating areas.
Proven ability to train, mentor, and develop operators.
Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

A little more about us

At Saint-Gobain, our employees have pride in belonging to an organization whose culture is made up of these core values: Trust, Empowerment, & Collaboration. Our company encourages diversity and inclusion in all its forms while our products make the world a more beautiful, safer, and sustainable home.

Legal Statement

Saint-Gobain provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Saint-Gobain is an equal opportunity employer of individuals with disabilities and supports the hiring of veterans.

Applicants for roles based in Washington state or remote roles that would be worked from Washington state are encouraged to direct any concerns regarding the state’s Pay Transparency laws to the SGNA HR Compliance team at [email protected].

Benefits in joining us

Certain states require pay information be provided in job postings. Saint-Gobain aims to deliver a comprehensive Total Rewards package to support our employees’ well-being and help improve daily life for themselves and their families. We believe in the importance of pay transparency in what we offer prospective candidates and provide the local pay range for this position, which is $32.58 per hour, plus applicable skill pay and shift differential. This hourly pay rate offered can vary depending on location/geographic region, internal equity, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors.

Employees have the flexibility to choose the benefits that best needs their individual needs.

Health and Wellbeing – Supporting your wellbeing, to thrive in life and work.
o Medical, Prescription Drug, Vision and Dental Insurance
o Healthcare Saving Account and Flexible Spending Account options
o LiveWell Wellness Program
o Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
o Paid Time Off and Paid Parental Leave
Retirement and Protection - Helping to make the future life you want a reality.
o 401(k) with Company Match, Retirement Accumulation Plan (RAP) Cash
Balance Pension Plan
o Company-provided Life Insurance, AD&D, Short-Term Disability
o Voluntary employee and dependent life insurance, Long-Term Disability,
Critical Illness and Accident Insurance

Additional Benefits – Helping shape the experience and impact you want
o Commuter Benefits
o Group Legal
o Identity Theft Protection
o Auto and Home Insurance
o Pet Insurance and Discounts
o Back-up Child & Elder Care
o PerkSpot Employee Discount Program
o Volunteer Day