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Lead Pilot Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Solcoa Industries

Pilot Plant Operator

Alameda, CA · On-site

The Role -- Plant Operator We're looking for an experienced Plant Operators to run and maintain our rare-earth metal production facility. You'll own day-to-day operations of our pilot-scale ...

Lamb Weston

Team Lead Pilot Plant

Richland, WA · On-site

Title: Team Lead Pilot Plant Location: Richland, WA Job Requisition ID: Req-271357 Time Type: Full time About Lamb Weston You've probably enjoyed our fries without even knowing it! As a leading ...

Lambweston

Team Lead Pilot Plant

Richland, WA · On-site

Title: Team Lead Pilot Plant Location: Richland, WA Job Requisition ID: Req-271357 Time Type: Full time About Lamb Weston You've probably enjoyed our fries without even knowing it! As a leading ...

Lamb Weston, Inc.

Team Lead Pilot Plant

Richland, WA · On-site

Title: Team Lead Pilot Plant Location: Richland, WA Job Requisition ID: Req-271357 Time Type: Full time About Lamb Weston You've probably enjoyed our fries without even knowing it! As a leading ...

Lamb Weston

Team Lead Pilot Plant

Richland, WA · On-site

Team Lead Pilot Plant Location: Richland, WA Job Requisition ID: Req-271357 Time Type: Full time About Lamb Weston You’ve probably enjoyed our fries without even knowing it! As a leading ...

CYNET SYSTEMS

Pilot Plant Operator

Ridgefield, CT · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Follow the Lead of a Technician in pilot plant campaigns. * Work with plant technicians and ... operating across North America and Asia. As a nationally and locally certified Minority Business ...

Ketjen Corporation

R&D Pilot Plant operator

Pasadena, TX · On-site

R&D Pilot Plant Operator * Excited to grow your career? We value our talented employees, and whenever possible strive to help one of our employees grow professionally before recruiting new talent to ...

New

Ketjen

R&D Pilot Plant operator

Pasadena, TX

R&D Pilot Plant Operator * Excited to grow your career? We value our talented employees, and whenever possible strive to help one of our employees grow professionally before recruiting new talent to ...

Ketjen

R&D Pilot Plant operator

Pasadena, TX · On-site

R&D Pilot Plant Operator * Excited to grow your career? We value our talented employees, and whenever possible strive to help one of our employees grow professionally before recruiting new talent to ...

NESC Staffing

Pilot Plant Operator/Lab Technician

Magnolia, TX · On-site

$16.25 - $21.75/hr

Pilot Plant Operator / Laboratory Technician Magnolia, TX Summary We are seeking a hands-on Pilot Plant Operator / Laboratory Technician to support its analytical and process development laboratory ...

Manus

Pilot Plant Fermentation Operator

Augusta, GA · On-site

Pilot Plant Fermentation Operator, Augusta, Georgia, United States, Full-Time Manus works across industries and value chains to accelerate the transition to BioAlternatives - better performing and ...

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Lead Pilot Plant Operator information

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How much do lead pilot plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead pilot plant operator in the United States is $22.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $25.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lead pilot plant operator?

Lead Pilot Plant Operators are professionals responsible for overseeing the daily operations of pilot plants, which are small-scale industrial systems used to test and optimize processes before full-scale production. They supervise a team of operators, ensure safety protocols are followed, and coordinate with engineers and scientists to implement process improvements. Their role is critical in scaling up laboratory research to commercial manufacturing, troubleshooting equipment, and maintaining accurate records of plant activities. Lead Pilot Plant Operators also play a key role in training staff and ensuring regulatory compliance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead pilot plant operator?

To excel as a Lead Pilot Plant Operator, you need a solid background in chemical or mechanical engineering, plant operations experience, and often a relevant associate or bachelor's degree. Familiarity with process control systems (such as DCS or SCADA), safety protocols, and regulatory compliance is typically required, along with certifications like OSHA or HAZWOPER. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you coordinate teams and quickly address operational issues. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable pilot plant operations that support process development and scale-up.

What are some typical challenges faced by a lead pilot plant operator, and how can they be addressed?

Lead Pilot Plant Operators often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, managing shifting production priorities, and ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols. Effective communication with engineers, maintenance staff, and team members is crucial for quickly resolving operational issues and minimizing downtime. Staying organized and proactive in identifying potential problems, as well as participating in regular training, can help operators stay ahead of challenges and maintain smooth operations.

What is the difference between Lead Pilot Plant Operator vs Pilot Plant Operator?

AspectLead Pilot Plant OperatorPilot Plant Operator
CredentialsTypically requires relevant certifications and experience in plant operationsRequires similar certifications, often with less experience
Work EnvironmentLeads operations in pilot plant settings, overseeing processes and teamPerforms operational tasks under supervision in pilot plant
Industry UsageUsed in chemical, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing industries for process developmentCommonly employed in similar industries for process testing and development

The Lead Pilot Plant Operator generally has more responsibilities, including supervising staff and managing complex processes, whereas the Pilot Plant Operator focuses on executing operational tasks. Both roles require relevant certifications and industry experience, but the lead position involves additional leadership duties.

What are popular job titles related to Lead Pilot Plant Operator jobs?

For Lead Pilot Plant Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Lead Pilot Plant Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,521 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Pilot Plant Operator

Alameda, CA • On-site

Solcoa Industries
See more jobs at Solcoa Industriesexternal

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Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Making the Metals Powering the World

Solcoa Industries is an American rare earth metals producer headquartered in Alameda, California.

We convert rare-earth oxides and magnet manufacturing scrap into the high-purity metals and alloys at the foundation of electrification, automation, and defense — the materials inside every fighter jet, EV, wind turbine, and phone.

For decades, the West has depended on China to produce these materials. Solcoa is rebuilding that supply chain at home: we're one of the very few producers outside China, and the only one developing new chemistries and a proprietary process to produce these metals at lower cost than conventional routes — without the harmful emissions.

The Role — Plant Operator

We're looking for an experienced Plant Operators to run and maintain our rare-earth metal production facility. You'll own day-to-day operations of our pilot-scale production lines—managing high-temperature reactors, vacuum systems, induction furnaces, and material handling from feedstock prep through finished metal. You'll drive throughput and uptime while maintaining the highest safety and quality standards, and you'll play a key role as we scale from pilot to commercial production.

What You'll Do

  • Operate and monitor pilot-scale production equipment including vacuum induction furnaces, tube furnaces (up to 1700°C), high-vacuum pump systems, and inert-atmosphere gloveboxes.

  • Manage production runs end-to-end: feedstock preparation, reactor charging, process execution, product recovery, and packaging under inert conditions.

  • Track and log process parameters (temperature profiles, vacuum levels, gas flows, cycle times); flag deviations and make real-time adjustments to stay on-spec.

  • Perform preventive and first-line corrective maintenance on furnaces, vacuum systems, gas delivery, and material handling equipment; coordinate with engineers on larger repairs.

  • Prepare samples for analytical testing (ICP-OES, IGF-O/N, SEM-EDS); understand how results feed back into process control.

  • Operate overhead cranes (2T & 5T), forklifts, and rigging equipment to move feedstock, crucibles, and finished product safely.

  • Maintain strict housekeeping, chemical hygiene, and safety practices—especially around hot materials, reactive powders, and inert-gas environments.

  • Support commissioning and startup of new production lines and equipment as the facility scales.

  • Collaborate with R&D engineers and technicians on trial runs, process improvements, and scale-up campaigns; provide operator-level insight to improve designs and procedures.

What You Bring Required

  • 3+ years operating pilot-scale or production-scale process equipment (chemical, metallurgical, semiconductor, glass, ceramics, or similar).

  • Crane, rigging, and forklift operation experience; certifications preferred.

  • Strong mechanical aptitude—comfortable with hand and power tools, basic fabrication, and equipment assembly.

  • Rigorous approach to SOPs, batch records, safety protocols, and data logging.

  • Ability to work rotating or flexible shifts as production demands require.

  • Comfort working independently and making sound operational decisions in a fast‑paced startup environment.

  • Availability to start soon.

Preferred

  • Experience in pyrometallurgy, electrometallurgy, or rare‑earth/specialty metals processing.

  • Background operating vacuum induction melting furnaces.

  • Basic welding skills (MIG/TIG) and familiarity with shop fabrication.

  • OSHA 10/30 or HAZWOPER certification.

  • Coursework or training in metallurgy, materials science, chemical engineering, or a related field.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Competitive base salary

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance

  • Company-provided lunch daily

  • Visa sponsorship available if needed

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