1

Pilot Line Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Technician

Tallmadge, OH · On-site

$16.75 - $21/hr

Pilot Plant Technician - Foam Pilot Line PURPOSE OF THE JOB The Pilot Line Technician actively participates in the pilot line team, focusing on developing new foam technologies, which can be ...

Technician

Tallmadge, OH · On-site

$16.75 - $21/hr

Pilot Plant Technician - Foam Pilot Line PURPOSE OF THE JOB The Pilot Line Technician actively participates in the pilot line team, focusing on developing new foam technologies, which can be ...

Sr Technician

Tallmadge, OH · On-site

$16.75 - $21/hr

PURPOSE OF THE JOB The Pilot Line Engineer/Scientist actively participates in the pilot line team, focusing on developing new foam technologies, which can be implemented to grow our foam markets ...

Sr Technician

Tallmadge, OH · On-site

$16.75 - $21/hr

PURPOSE OF THE JOB The Pilot Line Engineer/Scientist actively participates in the pilot line team, focusing on developing new foam technologies, which can be implemented to grow our foam markets ...

Pilot Line Lab Technician

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$18.50 - $24.50/hr

... R&D Lab Technician II for our Salt Lake City, UT, USA location. Responsibilities * Perform routine and non-routine tasks in support of carbon fiber pilot plant operations. * Conduct laboratory ...

Process Technician Pilot Line / New Product Development -- Fiber Optic Manufacturing Location:CommScope - Shakopee, MN (fully onsite) | Type: Contract (12+ Months) | Start: ASAPPay:Competitive hourly ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Pilot Line Technician information

See salary details

$12

$20

$32

How much do pilot line technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for pilot line technician in the United States is $20.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pilot line technician?

Pilot Line Technicians are skilled professionals who operate, monitor, and maintain equipment in a pilot production line, which is used to test and refine manufacturing processes before full-scale production. They assist engineers in setting up experiments, collecting data, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring that new processes run smoothly and safely. Their work is crucial in scaling up prototypes or new products, ensuring quality and efficiency before wider manufacturing implementation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pilot line technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pilot Line Technician, you need a solid background in electronics, mechanical systems, and process operations, often supported by a technical diploma or associate degree. Familiarity with manufacturing equipment, quality control systems, and data logging tools is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure smooth pilot production runs, uphold safety and quality standards, and enable efficient troubleshooting in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

What are some typical challenges encountered by pilot line technicians when transitioning new products from development to production?

Pilot Line Technicians often face the challenge of adapting quickly to evolving processes and troubleshooting unforeseen issues as new products move from research and development into pilot-scale production. They must work closely with engineers and quality control teams to identify process inefficiencies, document findings, and suggest improvements. Flexibility, attention to detail, and strong communication skills are crucial, as the role frequently involves cross-functional collaboration and adapting to rapid changes in procedures or equipment.

What is the difference between Pilot Line Technician vs Manufacturing Technician?

AspectPilot Line TechnicianManufacturing Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, technical certifications, training in electronics or machineryHigh school diploma, technical certifications, training in manufacturing processes
Work EnvironmentAssembly lines, pilot production lines, labsManufacturing floors, production lines, plant facilities
Employer & IndustryElectronics, biotech, automotive industriesGeneral manufacturing, industrial sectors

Both roles involve working on production lines and require technical skills, but Pilot Line Technicians focus on pilot or prototype lines, testing new processes, while Manufacturing Technicians work on ongoing production lines. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right fit in manufacturing environments.

What cities are hiring for Pilot Line Technician jobs?

Cities with the most Pilot Line Technician job openings:

What states have the most Pilot Line Technician jobs?

States with the most job openings for Pilot Line Technician jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Pilot Line Technician jobs?

For Pilot Line Technician jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Pilot Line Technician job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,071 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Technician

Tallmadge, OH • On-site

Owens Corning
Construction Materials Wholesalers • 10K+ employees

$16.75 - $21/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Owens Corning rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 106 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Title: Pilot Plant Technician - Foam Pilot Line
PURPOSE OF THE JOB
The Pilot Line Technician actively participates in the pilot line team, focusing on developing new foam technologies, which can be implemented to grow our foam markets domestically and internationally as well as support our existing production facilities with cost effective developmental improvements to lower operating costs and increase yields. This role provides technical support for foam processing by performing diverse skilled tasks in the areas of pilot line foam extrusion, maintenance, and inventory. This individual operates the equipment that is used to produce the highly complex processes that create low density XPS foam. In addition, the role provides fundamental support such as material shipping and receiving for the Tallmadge Science and Technology site.
Reports to: Tallmadge S&T Lab Leader
Span of Control: Individual Contributor with room to grow
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Pilot Plant Technician - Pilot Line Operations Support
  • Supports safe day-to-day operation of pilot plant equipment by assisting with set-up, start-up, changeovers, and shutdown activities under direction of senior technicians or engineers.
  • Performs routine equipment checks and basic troubleshooting and escalates issues promptly to maintain equipment availability and support trial schedules.
  • Monitors equipment and process conditions during trials, identifies abnormal operation, and assists with safe recovery actions to minimize downtime and sample loss.
  • Works with the pilot line team to follow trial instructions, communicate observations, and support repeatable execution.
  • Operates pilot plant process equipment (e.g., extruders and downstream handling systems) under supervision, following SOPs and safety requirements.
  • Assists with preventive maintenance (TPM) and corrective maintenance tasks (cleaning, inspections, part replacement, basic repairs) and documents work performed.
  • Supports sample and product handling (cutting, labeling, staging, and packaging) and performs basic checks to meet trial and quality requirements.
  • Records operating conditions, material usage, and trial notes in logs or software systems; supports clear shift handoffs and communication of issues.
  • Supports materials and inventory activities, including receiving, staging, labeling, and safe handling of raw materials and regulated chemicals.
  • Follows all safety procedures (PPE, LOTO, chemical handling), reports hazards/near-misses, and exercises stop-work authority when conditions are unsafe.

JOB REQUIREMENTS
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Ability to support safe operation of pilot plant or manufacturing equipment in a hands-on environment, including assisting with set-up, start-up, changeovers, and shutdown under direction.
  • Demonstrated reliability in following SOPs, completing assigned tasks, and promptly escalating equipment or process issues to help maintain safe operation and equipment availability.
  • Basic troubleshooting and problem-solving skills (mechanical/process), including ability to recognize abnormal operation, take safe initial actions, and seek guidance when needed.
  • Commitment to working safely and following procedures, including PPE, LOTO, and chemical handling requirements; reports hazards/near-misses and supports a strong safety culture.
  • Ability and willingness to learn new processes, equipment, and basic control/HMI systems, and apply training and coaching in day-to-day operations.
  • Dependable and accountable-shows up ready to work, follows through on commitments, and communicates status, issues, and handoffs clearly.
  • Comfortable supporting a trial-driven environment where priorities may shift; able to stay organized, follow direction, and adjust to new tasks.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills, including accurately recording operating conditions, material usage, trial notes, and maintenance actions in logs or software systems.
    • Basic proficiency with common productivity tools (e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel) for communication and data entry.
  • Willingness and ability to perform hands-on work in a pilot plant, including equipment operation support, cleaning/inspections, assisting with TPM/corrective maintenance, and material handling (receiving, staging, labeling, packaging).
  • Manual dexterity required for operating machinery and performing tool changes during maintenance and repairs. Hands-on aptitude and flexibility to work in service groups supporting changing needs of formulators.
  • Ability to lift up-to 45 pounds
  • Basic knowledge of hand tools.
  • Basic knowledge of fasteners.
  • 10% travel required

PREFERED EXPERIENCE:
  • Working in environments with equipment, chemical handling, or process safety requirements.
  • Exposure to SOPs, JHAs, or safe work permitting processes.
  • Supporting or maintaining industrial, pilot, or laboratory equipment.
  • Preventive or corrective maintenance activities that support equipment uptime.
  • Working in experimental, pilot, or development settings.
  • Collaborating with engineers, scientists, or technical teams to support trials or development work.
  • Exposure to extrusion, foam processing, or continuous manufacturing equipment.
  • Familiarity with HMIs, data logging, or production systems is a plus.
  • Thorough understanding of the relationships between pressure/temperature/extruder screw speed/solids rate/vacuum levels and the effects that each has on the foam process.
  • Ability to pay attention to details and sometimes perform repetitive work.
  • Basic working knowledge of liquid blowing agent stands, gas/liquid CO2 stands, vacuum systems, feeder systems, foam die and shaping systems, and heating/cooling water and oil systems.
  • Working knowledge of HMI (Human Machine Interface) software such as Wonderware InTouch to run the extruder is desirable.
  • Experience working with spreadsheets and databases. Experience working with SAP
  • Experience writing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Job Hazard Assessments (JHAs)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
  • Customer Driven - Always honors promises and treats customers the way they deserve to be treated, provides quality results in the most expedient manner to external and internal customers. Provide technical support in form of written and oral communication and be the "eyes and ears" of the formulators while producing their experimental samples. And provide relevant feedback.
  • Teamwork Oriented - Self-starter who works with minimal supervision that balances multiple assignments; works effectively with the lab team, customers, other Innovation groups.
  • Adaptability - ability to respond quickly to the demands of the moment. A flexible person who can stay productive when the demands of work pull in many different directions at once. Maintaining effectiveness in a variety of environments.
  • Accountability - knows what needs to be done and gets it done. Willingly takes responsibility for project outcomes as a whole; unafraid of owning the results, actions and decisions of self or organization. Committed to follow through to completion.

About Owens Corning
Owens Corning is a branded building products leader with three complementary market-leading businesses providing roofing, insulation, and doors primarily for residential markets in North America and Europe. The company operates with an integrated go-to-market strategy and a unique set of OC Advantages™ - including its iconic brand, unparalleled commercial strength, leading technology, and winning cost position - to help customers win and grow in the market. Owens Corning is committed to helping build better and achieve more through winning partnerships, leading performance, and engaging people. Founded in 1938 and headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, Owens Corning is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: OC). For more information, visit www.owenscorning.com.
Owens Corning is an equal opportunity employer. Except in limited circumstances such as formal apprenticeship programs, Owens Corning does not employ anyone under the age of 18.

What Owens Corning employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


OWENS CORNING logo

About OWENS CORNING

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Owens Corning (OC) develops, manufactures and markets insulation, roofing, and fiberglass composites. Global in scope and human in scale, the company's market-leading businesses use their deep expertise in materials, manufacturing and building science to develop products and systems that save energy and improve comfort in commercial and residential buildings. Through its glass reinforcements business, the company makes thousands of products lighter, stronger and more durable. Ultimately, Owens Corning people and products make the world a better place. Based in Toledo, Ohio, Owens Corning posted 2017 sales of $6.4 billion and employs 19,000 people in 37 countries. It has been a Fortune 500® company for 64 consecutive years. For more information, please visit www.owenscorning.com. A career at Owens Corning offers the ability to enhance your expertise and achieve your personal and professional aspirations. Through it all, we'll empower you with an environment that encourages open communication and big ideas, competitive pay for your performance, comprehensive benefits, and more opportunities to make your impact.

Industry

Construction materials wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Toledo, OH, US

Social media