1

Pilot Plant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Pilot Plant Technician role is responsible to be part of a cross-functional and highly collaborative team reporting to the Pilot Plant Manager. This role Is responsible to help on the completion ...

The Pilot Plant Technician role is responsible to be part of a cross-functional and highly collaborative team reporting to the Pilot Plant Manager. This role Is responsible to help on the completion ...

The Pilot Plant Technician works with various functions to conduct assigned chemical process operations and associated maintenance and mechanical work. Job assignments will require both mechanical ...

Pilot Plant Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$135K - $160K/yr

The Pilot Plant Manager will be responsible for the following ? be the subject matter expert for all pilot and labs tests with 3rd party partners. ? work side by side with Chefs, Food Scientists and ...

This position is responsible for Pilot Plant equipment and conducting all routine activities as directed by the Pilot Operations Manager while maintaining quality and safety standards. Essential ...

Description Pilot Plant Technician, Brecksville Agrana Fruit is the world market leader and leading ingredient supplier of fruit preparations in one of the fastest growing segments in the food ...

Pilot Plant Technician

Wilmington, DE · On-site

$58K - $85K/yr

The Pilot Plant Technician supports engineers and scientists in the development, testing, and optimization of processes at the pilot scale, with a focus on paper manufacturing operations. This role ...

The Pilot Plant Technician will assist in all activities ongoing in the pilot plant as required by the supervisor or project leaders. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: * Demonstrates and ...

Pilot Plant Technician

Le Sueur, MN · On-site

$22.65 - $28.68/hr

This position is responsible for Pilot Plant equipment and conducting all routine activities as directed by the Pilot Operations Manager while maintaining quality and safety standards. Essential ...

The Pilot Plant Technician supports engineers and scientists in the development, testing, and optimization of processes at the pilot scale, with a focus on paper manufacturing operations. This role ...

Pilot Plant Technician

Wilmington, DE · On-site

$58K - $85K/yr

The Pilot Plant Technician supports engineers and scientists in the development, testing, and optimization of processes at the pilot scale, with a focus on paper manufacturing operations. This role ...

Pilot Plant Technician

Louisville, CO · On-site

$42K - $60K/yr

Ensures all safety rules, pilot plant rules, GMP's and code of ethics are followed at all times * Prioritizes and balances a dynamic production schedule * Learns and demonstrates proficiencies on all ...

Pilot Plant Technician

Louisville, CO · On-site

$42K - $60K/yr

Ensures all safety rules, pilot plant rules, GMP's and code of ethics are followed at all times * Prioritizes and balances a dynamic production schedule * Learns and demonstrates proficiencies on all ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Pilot Plant information

See salary details

$14

$28

$78

How much do pilot plant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for pilot plant in the United States is $28.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $30.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a pilot plant environment?

Professionals in a pilot plant often encounter challenges related to scaling up processes from laboratory to industrial scale, which can involve troubleshooting equipment, managing variability in raw materials, and ensuring safety compliance. The environment is highly collaborative, requiring close coordination with R&D, process engineers, and production teams to test and refine new products or manufacturing methods. Adapting quickly to changing project priorities and dealing with unexpected technical issues are also common aspects of the role. Emphasizing flexibility, problem-solving skills, and effective communication will help you thrive in this dynamic setting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Pilot Plant Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pilot Plant Operator, you need a strong background in chemical engineering or a related field, practical laboratory experience, and a solid understanding of process operations. Familiarity with process control systems, data acquisition software, and safety protocols is typically required, along with certifications like OSHA safety training. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and innovative operation of pilot-scale processes, bridging the gap between laboratory research and full-scale production.

What are pilot plants and what do they do?

Pilot plants are small-scale industrial systems used to test and optimize processes before they are implemented at full production scale. They allow companies to experiment with new products, processes, or technologies in a controlled environment, helping to identify potential challenges and improve efficiency. Pilot plants are essential for scaling up laboratory research and ensuring that large-scale manufacturing will be safe, cost-effective, and successful. Engineers and scientists use pilot plants to gather data, validate equipment, and refine process parameters before making significant investments in full-scale facilities.

What is the difference between Pilot Plant vs Process Technician?

AspectPilot PlantProcess Technician
CredentialsEngineering degree or technical certificationTechnical diploma or certification in process operations
Work EnvironmentResearch facilities, manufacturing pilot linesProduction floors, manufacturing plants
Industry UsageResearch & development, scale-up projectsOperational, maintenance roles in manufacturing

While a Pilot Plant involves designing, testing, and scaling up processes in a controlled environment, a Process Technician focuses on operating and maintaining production equipment in manufacturing settings. Both roles require technical skills, but Pilot Plant positions are more research-oriented, whereas Process Technicians are hands-on operators in daily production.

More about Pilot Plant jobs
What cities are hiring for Pilot Plant jobs? Cities with the most Pilot Plant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Pilot Plant jobs? The most popular types of Pilot Plant jobs are:
What states have the most Pilot Plant jobs? States with the most job openings for Pilot Plant jobs include:
Infographic showing various Pilot Plant job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,395 per year, or $28.1 per hour.
Pilot Plant Technician

Pilot Plant Technician

Mars

Thompsons Station, TN

Other

Posted yesterday


Mars Inc. rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 380 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Job Description: The Pilot Plant Technician role is responsible to be part of a cross-functional and highly collaborative team reporting to the Pilot Plant Manager. This role Is responsible to help on the completion of projects including preparation of Pilot Plant runs, configuration of equipment, equipment sanitation, routine clean up, pack outs, and housekeeping. They will be relied upon to support ever-evolving trial demands and to collect data for efficient operations. The technician role should help to ensure open communication with the pilot plant manager as well as all other Pilot Plant and trial stakeholders including site HSE, Quality and Food Safety, and R&D platform partners.

This Includes the escalation of concerns, equipment reliability, planning, and resource concerns. It will also include attending all required team meetings, completing all required documentation, and participation in continuous Improvement activities. The Pilot Plant technician role may help in supporting operations with Wet, Dry, C&T, and Innovation process trials to support delivery of site business objectives. Key Responsibilities * Operate food processing and sanitation equipment * Record and distribute data from experiments * Batch raw materials for trials and update impacted inventory systems * Cross train on several pilot plant operations, such as wet and sanitation * Support key stakeholders, such as Quality and HSE departments * Develop and update standard operating procedures for applicable areas * Provides quality control for pilot plant produced finished product and ensure all products leaving the site are food safe * Clean and sanitize equipment/machinery and plant facility according to good manufacturing and sanitation practices. * Responsible for always maintaining associate safety and food safety in the Pilot Plant * Use creativity and innovation to solve mechanical or organizational problems * Flexible to ever-evolving pilot plant demands * Performs other tasks as assigned Education & Professional Qualifications This position requires an AA/AS, BS degree in Science (e.g., Chemistry, Physics, Analytical Chemistry, Food Science, etc.) or Technology (e.g., Engineering Technology), or a HS/Vocational School degree with relevant work experience. with diverse knowledge of food production equipment and processes. Knowledge/Experience Familiar with food processing GMP standards, equipment operations, and laboratory testing.

Attention to detail and able to participate in HSE/QA annual auditing. Ability to stand and bend for 8+ hours during a 10 hour shift. Ability to lift 50 lbs.

Ability to operate forklift. Familiarity with computers and ipad/tablet, as well an ability to navigate general software programs like email, online time keeping and electronic calendars.


What Mars Inc. employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom