Chloralkali Specialist
Talascend is currently seeking a Chloralkali Specialist for a direct hire opportunity with our client in Mountain Pass, California.
Overview
The Chloralkali Specialist is an operations resource responsible for supporting the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the chloralkali process. This role provides deep technical and operational expertise, particularly in distributed control system (DCS) board operations, electrolyzer performance, and downstream chlorine, caustic, and hydrogen systems.
Responsibilities
- Operate and monitor chloralkali plant systems through the DCS/board, ensuring stable and safe production of chlorine, caustic soda, and hydrogen.
- Maintain control of critical process variables including cell voltage, current density, brine purity, temperature, and pressures.
- Monitor and respond to plant alarms, abnormal conditions, and process deviations.
- Coordinate plant start-ups, shutdowns, and process transitions.
- Serve as a subject matter expert on electrolyzer technology (membrane cells), brine treatment systems, chlorine handling systems, and caustic concentration systems.
- Support troubleshooting of process upsets related to cell performance, brine contamination and product quality.
- Provide operational guidance on process optimization, energy efficiency, and cell life.
- Mentor and train board operators and field operators on chloralkali process fundamentals and plant operating procedures.
- Assist with procedure development and operational best practices.
- Participate in shift coverage when required for board operations.
- Work with engineering and maintenance to identify reliability improvements for process equipment including electrolyzers, brine purification systems, compressors and blowers, chlorine drying and liquefaction systems, and hydrogen handling systems.
- Analyze process trends and production data to identify opportunities for optimization.
- Support root cause investigations and corrective actions following process incidents or equipment failures.
- Maintain strict adherence to safety procedures related to chlorine, hydrogen, caustic soda, and high-energy electrical systems.
- Support Process Safety Management (PSM) programs including operating procedures, management of change (MOC), and hazard reviews.
- Ensure regulatory compliance related to hazardous chemical handling and environmental requirements.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED required
- 5-10 years of experience in a chloralkali facility or similar chemical manufacturing environment
Requirements
- Demonstrated board operator experience running a DCS control room.
- Strong working knowledge of electrolytic cell operations, brine purification systems, chlorine systems, hydrogen systems, and caustic systems.
- Demonstrated leadership in fast-paced startup environments.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making capability.
- Good communication skills and ability to interact professionally across departments.
- Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
Preferred Requirements
- Experience with membrane cell technology.
- Experience commissioning or starting up chlor-alkali equipment.
- Knowledge of PSM chemical operations involving chlorine and hydrogen.
- Experience supporting plant optimization or debottlenecking projects.
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We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those qualified individuals who closely meet the qualifications of the position will be contacted. The details of the position are only a summary, other duties may be assigned as necessary.
Drug Screen may be required.
We will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to Federal, State and Local law, including the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Talascend is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Applicants with criminal histories are encouraged to apply. To find out more visit California Fair Chance Act.
Pay range is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. Talascend also offers a variety of benefits including: health and disability insurance, 401(k), EAP, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, plan requirements, schedule type, and client work site mandates.
Talascend is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.