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Pilot Plant Engineer Jobs in Middleton, WI (NOW HIRING)

Stefanini

TECHNICIAN

Madison, WI

Directly work with developers /pilot plant staff to understand and advance business initiatives and objectives. Set up and execute Pilot Plant tests as planned. Work with Pilot Plant Leader to ensure ...

Realta Fusion Inc

Nuclear Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

The Nuclear Engineer will be a critical contributor to Anvil - Realta's reactor scale simple ... pilot plant, HAMMiR. Realta Fusion is a rapidly growing start‑up developing compact magnetic ...

Realta Fusion Inc.

Nuclear Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

$99K - $118K/yr

The Nuclear Engineer will be a primary contributor to Hammir-DD, Realta's reactor-scale tandem magnetic mirror and development platform ahead of Realta's first-of-a-kind fusion pilot plant. Realta ...

Realta Fusion, Inc.

Nuclear Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

$99K - $118K/yr

The Nuclear Engineer will be a primary contributor to Hammir-DD, Realta's reactor-scale tandem magnetic mirror and development platform ahead of Realta's first-of-a-kind fusion pilot plant. Realta ...

Realta Fusion Inc.

Nuclear Engineer

Madison, WI

$99K - $118K/yr

The Nuclear Engineer will be a primary contributor to Hammir-DD, Realta's reactor-scale tandem magnetic mirror and development platform ahead of Realta's first-of-a-kind fusion pilot plant. Realta ...

Realta Fusion Inc.

Mechanical Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

The Mechanical Engineer will be a primary contributor to Hammir-DD, Realta's reactor-scale tandem magnetic mirror and development platform ahead of Realta's first-of-a-kind fusion pilot plant. Realta ...

Realta Fusion Inc.

Mechanical Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

The Mechanical Engineer will be a primary contributor to Hammir-DD, Realta's reactor-scale tandem magnetic mirror and development platform ahead of Realta's first-of-a-kind fusion pilot plant. Realta ...

Realta Fusion, Inc.

Mechanical Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

The Mechanical Engineer will be a primary contributor to Hammir-DD, Realta's reactor-scale tandem magnetic mirror and development platform ahead of Realta's first-of-a-kind fusion pilot plant. Realta ...

Realta Fusion Inc

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

$85 - $110/hr

... pilot plant. The Senior Mechanical Engineer will be expected to drive complex engineering initiatives, mentor junior engineers, and contribute to strategic decisions that support the ...

Realta Fusion, Inc.

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

$105K - $139K/yr

... pilot plant. They will be expected to drive complex engineering initiatives, mentor junior engineers, and contribute to strategic decisions that support the commercialization of fusion energy. Realta ...

Realta Fusion Inc.

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

$105K - $139K/yr

... pilot plant. They will be expected to drive complex engineering initiatives, mentor junior engineers, and contribute to strategic decisions that support the commercialization of fusion energy. Realta ...

Realta Fusion Inc.

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Madison, WI

$105K - $139K/yr

... pilot plant. They will be expected to drive complex engineering initiatives, mentor junior engineers, and contribute to strategic decisions that support the commercialization of fusion energy. Realta ...

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All JobsPilot Plant Engineer JobsPilot Plant Engineer Jobs in Middleton, WI

Pilot Plant Engineer information

See Middleton, WI salary details

$14

$28

$78

How much do pilot plant engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for pilot plant engineer in Middleton, WI is $28.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.32 and $30.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pilot plant engineer?

Pilot Plant Engineers are professionals who design, operate, and optimize small-scale versions of industrial processes, known as pilot plants. Their primary role is to test and refine manufacturing processes before they are scaled up to full production. Pilot Plant Engineers work closely with research scientists and production teams to ensure that new processes are safe, efficient, and economically viable. They also troubleshoot issues, analyze data, and make recommendations for process improvements.

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

To thrive as a Pilot Plant Engineer, you need a strong background in chemical or process engineering, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and experience in process scale-up. Familiarity with process simulation software (like Aspen Plus or HYSYS), instrumentation, and safety protocols is crucial, along with knowledge of industry standards and potentially certifications such as Six Sigma. Standout soft skills include problem-solving, collaboration, and effective communication to coordinate with multidisciplinary teams and adapt to evolving project requirements. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure safe, efficient, and innovative development of scalable processes from laboratory to production environments.

What are some common challenges pilot plant engineers face when transitioning from lab-scale to pilot-scale production?

Pilot Plant Engineers often encounter challenges such as scaling up processes while maintaining product quality and consistency, adapting to equipment limitations, and managing increased safety risks. Unlike laboratory work, pilot-scale operations require troubleshooting unexpected equipment behavior and integrating various systems under real-world conditions. Effective collaboration with chemists, operators, and safety teams is essential to address these challenges and ensure seamless process development.

What is the difference between Pilot Plant Engineer vs Process Engineer?

AspectPilot Plant EngineerProcess Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Chemical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering; often requires experience in pilot plant operationsBachelor's or Master's in Chemical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering; focus on process design and optimization
Work EnvironmentHands-on work in pilot plants, testing new processes at small scaleOffice and plant settings, analyzing and improving manufacturing processes
Industry UsageUsed in chemical, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing industries for scale-up testingCommon across manufacturing, chemical, and process industries for process improvement

The Pilot Plant Engineer focuses on operating and testing small-scale pilot plants to develop and validate processes before full-scale production. In contrast, the Process Engineer designs, analyzes, and optimizes manufacturing processes. Both roles require engineering credentials and work closely with production teams, but the Pilot Plant Engineer is more hands-on with pilot testing, while the Process Engineer emphasizes process efficiency and scalability.

Is plant engineering a stressful job?

Plant engineering can be stressful due to the responsibility of maintaining safe and efficient operations, troubleshooting technical issues, and meeting production deadlines. Engineers often work in fast-paced environments that require problem-solving skills and adherence to safety regulations, which can contribute to job stress.
Pilot Plant Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pilot Plant Engineer job openings in Middleton, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,602 per year, or $28.2 per hour.

TECHNICIAN

Stefanini

Madison, WI

Contractor

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Company Description

We help Procurement and Recruiting departments faced with the challenge of filling multiple IT-related openings for either long-term employment, or short-term projects. They need to find reliable candidates, with the right expertise, quickly and at the right cost to enable their company to remain competitive, and to increase profit and efficiency.


Stefanini provides the IT contract resources you need to implement crucial projects, handle short-term assignments, or fulfill long-term placements. Our IT staffing services free you from the challenges of finding, recruiting, training and retaining high-quality professional staff, and allow you to focus on managing your business growth.


We provide the ongoing skill development to ensure that professionals placed at your site are trained in leading technologies to support your information technology hardware, software, and network infrastructure. Augment your staff for short or long-term engagements, or for specialized expertise on specific projects.


We have more than 25 years of staffing industry knowledge and can provide you with superior

candidates to match your technical and professional needs.

Job Description

Directly work with  developers /pilot plant staff to understand and advance business initiatives and objectives.

Set up and execute Pilot Plant tests as planned.

Work with Pilot Plant Leader to ensure Pilot Plant and business needs are met on an on-going and continual basis.

Execute proper sanitation of pilot plant equipment and facilities as needed for on-going site production.

Proper facilitation of pilot plant plans and required documentation

Follow training programs for the Madison pilot plant.


Qualifications

Knowledge of meat processing and meat processing equipment is a plus.

Knowledge of SSOP's & GMP's as they pertain to food processing. 

Strong organizational skills with the ability to work autonomously.

Strong inner-personal skills with the ability to work in a team environment.

Able to lift 75 lbs. on a regular basis.

2+ years food industry or lab experience.


Additional Information

Duration: 6  Months Contract

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