GUSTAVO J. CHAVEZ
Oak Forest
Summary
Senior Pilot Plant Technician with extensive expertise in catalyst development, process optimization, and regulatory compliance. Proven track record in enhancing pilot plant performance through strategic partnerships with R&D and engineering teams, ensuring safety and operational excellence.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Pilot Plant Technician
Ineos Nitriles
Aurora
08.2022 - 05.2026
- Delivered catalyst development support and process improvement for acrylonitrile technologies at pilot plant execution.
- Coordinated with commercial plant and technical stakeholders to generate decision-ready performance data for new-catalyst development.
- Collaborated with R&D, engineering, and plant teams to advance new products and maintain safety and documentation standards.
- Executed developmental work in bench, pilot, semi-workshop, and industrially aligned environments to support scale-up and troubleshooting.
- Authorized operating procedures for new chemical units while conducting workspace audits and advanced safety assessments.
- Enhanced pilot plant scrubber performance to reduce acrylonitrile and hydrogen cyanide emissions, improving environmental reliability.
- Implemented process changes that achieved 90% reduction in wastewater generation.
- Partnered with internal teams and external engineering firms for new facility design and process retrofits at acrylonitrile global research center.
Grease Plant Operator/Process Technician
Fuchs Lubricants
Harvey
04.2017 - 08.2022
- Contributed to the startup team of five in an advanced automated OEM grease plant.
- Prioritized and planned staging of raw materials utilizing batch ticket release via SAP.
- Maintained strong process awareness while operating fully automated control equipment through the Stadler and Schaaf HMI system.
- Troubleshot operational maintenance issues in the field, implementing corrective actions to ensure production schedule adherence.
- Served as a certified forklift trainer, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
Limousine Driver
Liberty Limousine
Justice
07.2014 - 11.2019
- Delivered customer service while driving between multiple points, ensuring client satisfaction.
- Maintained vehicle appearance and performed minor maintenance tasks effectively.
Chemical Operator
Mapei Corporation
West Chicago
07.2016 - 04.2017
- Managed batch processing operations from Delta V control room for optimal efficiency.
- Monitored batch reactions, ensuring adherence to temperature, flow rate, reactor pressure, and condenser parameters.
- Performed manual interventions for valve troubleshooting, pump transfers, and hose connections in field operations.
- Assisted with mechanical work on production equipment and supported maintenance department initiatives.
Chemical Process Technician
Henkel Corporation
Elgin
11.2015 - 07.2016
- Print batch tickets after verifying through SAP all correct RM are in stock with sufficient amounts
- Proper and adequate additions through the open vessel hatch and bulk tank charges through Delta V System.
- Maintaining and monitoring cook/reactions up to 500 and cooling for proper material handling/packaging
- Keeping up with cGMP and 5S compliance in the direct work area while also providing support in surrounding areas
- In process and final batch testing in lab
- Non-Volatile Solvents (solids)
- Moisture percentage
- Grind checks
Chemical Operator/Compounder
Afton Chemical
Bedford Park
07.2015 - 10.2015
- Review batch records for any discrepancies to ensure precise, accurate product formulation.
- Worked in bulk loading and unloading of raw materials to finished goods on tank wagons and isotainers
- High cook batch making in reactor vessels up to 330
- Receiving and shipping of raw materials meeting DOT regulations and warehouse/storage keeping
- OSHA compliant with the identification and storage of raw materials.
- Identification of solvents, chemical entities expiration dates for the preparation and staging of material for processing per the batch record.
- Experienced in tracing and manipulating intermediate lines supplied in bulk from storage tanks for the purpose of process manufacturing
Compounder/Haz Waste Handler
CCL Label Design
Schererville
11.2013 - 07.2014
- Review batch records for any discrepancies to ensure precise, accurate product formulation.
- Accurately weigh liquid and powder intermediates per the batch record.
- OSHA compliant with the identification and storage of raw materials.
- Maintain a safe and tidy working environment.
- 24 Hour Hazwopper Training Course/ yearly 8-hour refresher course
- Identification of solvents, chemical entities, and expiration dates for the preparation and staging of material for processing per the batch record.
- Bulk manufacturing of various paints from 5-gallon pails to 55-gallon drums
- Trained in various transfer methods for the handling of components and equipment up to 100 pounds.
- Experienced in tracing and manipulating intermediate lines supplied in bulk from storage tanks for process manufacturing
Cook/Batch Maker
Aerotek works for Sokol & Company
Countryside
07.2013 - 11.2013
- Accurately weighed ingredients, including powders, sugars, and fruits, according to batch records.
- Retrieved and recorded all raw materials and ingredients as specified in batch records.
- Documented lot numbers and expiration dates for traceability.
- Monitored cooking temperatures and agitator speeds to ensure product quality.
- Cleaned and sanitized all equipment post-production to maintain hygiene standards.
- Maintained compliance with current CGMPs to uphold company regulations.
Chemical Material Handler/Batch Technician
Dental Technologies, Inc.
Lincolnwood
02.2013 - 04.2013
- Accurately weigh liquid and powder intermediates per the batch record.
- Review batch records for any discrepancies to ensure precise, accurate product formulation.
- Experienced in a variety of blending and agitation methods.
- Identification of solvents, chemical entities, expiration, and staging of material for processing per the batch record.
- OSHA compliant with the identification and storage of raw materials.
- Maintain a safe and tidy working environment.
Nano-Particle Process Technician
Celgene Corporation
Melrose Park
07.2011 - 06.2012
- Fully versed in all aspects of the bulk manufacturing of Abraxane.
- Processing of nab Technology based chemical entities.
- Monitored and documented in-process parameters with high accuracy to ensure quality control.
- Interacting with Human Machine Interface systems (HMI) for continuous processing and cleaning procedures.
- Communicated process abnormalities to lead technician and supervisor promptly to mitigate potential deviations.
- Formulation of intermediates utilizing the Toxic Suite.
- Formulation of Blood borne Pathogen classified material utilizing a class 100 laminar flow hood.
- Experience in utilizing UV testing equipment for validation of cleaning procedures.
- Trained in all aseptic techniques to sustain a class 10000 production area.
- Maintained compliance with OSHA regulations, enhancing health and safety standards in the workplace.
Chemical Material Handler/Batch Technician
Chicago Aerosol formally Bridgeview Aerosol/Hydrosol Inc.
Bridgeview
10.2001 - 07.2011
- Reviewed batch records for discrepancies, ensuring accurate product formulation.
- Weighed liquid and powder intermediates according to batch records for precise formulation.
- Tracked and manipulated intermediate lines from storage tanks to support efficient process manufacturing.
- Monitored expiration dates for solvents and chemical entities, ensuring readiness for material preparation.
- Ensured OSHA compliance in the identification and storage of raw materials.
- Ensured safety and organization in work environment, promoting compliance with industry standards.
- Trained on safe methods for transferring components and equipment weighing up to 100 pounds in a manufacturing environment.
- Completed 24-hour HAZWOPER training course with yearly eight-hour refresher courses.
Education
General Courses -
Moraine Valley Community College
Palos Heights, Illinois01-2001
High School Diploma -
Thomas Kelly High School
Chicago, Illinois01-2001
Skills
- Pilot Plant Operations
- Reactor & Batch Operations
- Process Optimization
- Distillation & separation
- Catalyst Development & Scale Up
- SOP development
- Technical Documentation
- DCS/PLC Process Controls
- P&ID/Process Design Support
- Process Troubleshooting
- GC/Titration Testing
- Data logging
- Emergency response
- PSM/LOTO Safety
- Regulatory compliance
- Equipment Reliability
- Waste management
- Engineering collaboration
Languages
Spanish
Professional
Timeline
Senior Pilot Plant Technician
Ineos Nitriles
08.2022 - 05.2026
Grease Plant Operator/Process Technician
Fuchs Lubricants
04.2017 - 08.2022
Chemical Operator
Mapei Corporation
07.2016 - 04.2017
Chemical Process Technician
Henkel Corporation
11.2015 - 07.2016
Chemical Operator/Compounder
Afton Chemical
07.2015 - 10.2015
Limousine Driver
Liberty Limousine
07.2014 - 11.2019
Compounder/Haz Waste Handler
CCL Label Design
11.2013 - 07.2014
Cook/Batch Maker
Aerotek works for Sokol & Company
07.2013 - 11.2013
Chemical Material Handler/Batch Technician
Dental Technologies, Inc.
02.2013 - 04.2013
Nano-Particle Process Technician
Celgene Corporation
07.2011 - 06.2012
Chemical Material Handler/Batch Technician
Chicago Aerosol formally Bridgeview Aerosol/Hydrosol Inc.
10.2001 - 07.2011
General Courses -
Moraine Valley Community College
High School Diploma -
Thomas Kelly High School