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Pilot Plant Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Land O'Lakes

Purina Pilot Plant Manager

Gray Summit, MO · On-site

$81K - $121K/yr

Purina Pilot Plant Manager The Purina Animal Nutrition R&D organization provides new and strategic ... Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Business Administration, Engineering or a related degree. * 5+ ...

Land O'Lakes

Purina Pilot Plant Manager

Gray Summit, MO

$81K - $121K/yr

Purina Pilot Plant Manager The Purina Animal Nutrition R&D organization provides new and strategic ... Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Business Administration, Engineering or a related degree. * 5+ ...

Land O'Lakes

Purina Pilot Plant Manager

Gray Summit, MO

$81K - $121K/yr

Purina Pilot Plant Manager The Purina Animal Nutrition R&D organization provides new and strategic ... Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Business Administration, Engineering or a related degree. * 5+ ...

Solcoa Industries

Pilot Plant Operator

Alameda, CA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

The Role - Plant Operator We're looking for an experienced Plant Operators to run and maintain our ... Collaborate with R&D engineers and technicians on trial runs, process improvements, and scale-up ...

Solcoa Industries

Pilot Plant Manager

Alameda, CA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

You'll report directly to the founders and work alongside our engineering team. What You'll Do ... Run daily operations of the pilot line, including furnace operations, casting, and downstream ...

3M

Master Pilot Plant Technician*

Cottage Grove, MN · On-site

Job Title Pilot Plant Technician Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where ... Actively engaging with process engineers and customers to conduct product and process experiments.

3M

Master Pilot Plant Technician*

Cottage Grove, MN · On-site

Job Title Pilot Plant Technician Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where ... Actively engaging with process engineers and customers to conduct product and process experiments.

Fortera Corporation

Plant Operator

Redding, CA

$29 - $34/hr

... pilot plant personnel, a candidate's willingness and ability to travel and relocate may be considered in hiring decisions. This position reports directly to the Senior Plant Engineer.

Fortera Corporation

Plant Operator

Redding, CA · On-site

... pilot plant personnel, a candidate's willingness and ability to travel and relocate may be considered in hiring decisions. This position reports directly to the Senior Plant Engineer.

Lithium Americas

Pilot Plant Technician

Lithium, MO

Run and troubleshoot pilot plant equipment that includes key unit operations in a clay extraction ... Work and collaborate with engineers and analytical chemists to execute specific research projects.

Polynt S.p.A.

Pilot Plant Chemist/Engineer

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$20.25 - $27.25/hr

Pilot Plant Chemist/Engineer North Kansas City, MO. Schedule: 2 pm to 10 pm Monday to Friday. About Polynt Composites USA: Polynt Composites USA is a global leader in the manufacturing of composites ...

Herbalife

Sr. Technician, Pilot Plant

Lake Forest, CA · On-site

The Sr. Pilot Plant Technician will support the Technical Services department by conducting experiments employing the rigors of food/pharmaceutical sciences and/or engineering. The Sr. Technician ...

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Pilot Plant Engineer information

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$14

$28

$78

How much do pilot plant engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for pilot plant engineer 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 Pilot Plant Engineers?

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, and why are they important?

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.

More about Pilot Plant Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Pilot Plant Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Pilot Plant Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Pilot Plant Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Pilot Plant Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Pilot Plant Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Pilot Plant Engineer jobs are:
Pilot Plant Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pilot Plant Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,395 per year, or $28.1 per hour.
Pilot Plant Operator

Pilot Plant Operator

Dow

Wilmington, DE • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Dow rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 87 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 92 rated chemical manufacturers

Job description

At Dow, we believe in putting people first and we're passionate about delivering integrity, respect and safety to our customers, our employees and the planet.
Our people are at the heart of our solutions. They reflect the communities we live in and the world where we do business. Their diversity is our strength. We're a community of relentless problem solvers that offers the daily opportunity to contribute with your perspective, transform industries and shape the future. Our purpose is simple - to deliver a sustainable future for the world through science and collaboration. If you're looking for a challenge and meaningful role, you're in the right place.
About This Role
Dow has an exciting opportunity for a Pilot Plant Technician in Wilmington, DE! You are a self-starter who can identify, prioritize and accomplish multiple tasks. You can provide support to the operation of the Research & Development (R&D) Pilot Plant. You can work directly with engineers, scientists, leaders, and other technicians to ensure safe and proficient operation of the plants to deliver product samples and process information as requested in the planned experiments.
Responsibilities
  • Operate and field checks process equipment, and monitors process conditions, equipment, and control systems in a defined area.
  • Perform tasks assigned to operations as per Master Task List (e.g. Field checks, equipment preparation, samples, etc.).
  • Use trouble shooting skills to resolve process related deviations and problems, and understands how the assigned duties relate to others in the team and how the team integrates with other related teams.
  • Monitor, collect, and input plant metrics for Statistical Process Control, asset utilization, conversion costs, production yields, and identifies opportunities for plant optimization
  • Use process knowledge and skills to make improvements in plant performance and Operating discipline, including creating and improving job procedures.
  • Write SWP's and perform lock out/tag out.
  • Participate in Root Cause Investigations.
  • Perform process upset/crisis response activities assigned by Pilot Plant Technologist.
  • Demonstrate proficient application of Life Critical Standards, operate plant discipline and sets role model in safety culture.
  • Complete all assigned training per facility training plan
  • Move drums (55gal) and lift up to 50lbs

Required Qualifications
  • A minimum of a High School Diploma or GED is required and one of the following:
    • An Associate's Degree or higher with emphasis in Process Technology, Chemistry, Biology, or similar technology related area.
    • 3 or more years of relevant technical military experience/training.
    • 3 or more years of work experience in a chemical facility operations role or other relevant industry experience.
  • Willing and able to work shift schedule and 12 hour rotating shift
  • Ability to work overtime and holidays as needed
  • A minimum requirement for this U.S. based position is the ability to work legally in the United States. No visa sponsorship/support is available for this position, including for any type of U.S. permanent residency (green card) process.

Preferred Qualifications
  • You have 3 or more years of experience within chemical, manufacturing, oil/gas or industrial environment.

Physical Requirements
  • Must be willing and able to do the following with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • Wear safety equipment, such as earplugs, goggles, and steel-toed shoes
  • Wear and use respirators
  • Perform frequent bending, reaching, and lifting
  • Work in tight or closed-in spaces
  • Climb stairs/ladders and work high off the ground
  • Stand or walk for extended periods of time
  • Frequent/occasional lifting of material weighing approximately 50 pounds, including repositioning of full 55gal drums on pallets

Skills
  • Maintenance: Must have significant maintenance experience along with the ability to comfortably use hand tools.
  • Mechanical Equipment: Mechanical aptitude and hands-on experience in running large-scale polymer compounding equipment preferred.
  • Operations: Experience with operation of continuous, integrated chemical process pilot plants. Must also have experience in chemical process research and development or production support.
  • Timeliness: Must be prompt and able to stick to the shift schedule. It is imperative that the candidate must be able to arrive to assigned shifts in a timely manner.
  • Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills. Good interpersonal skills.
  • Computer Skills: Microsoft application expertise, to include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook is required.
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: A self-starter who can identify, prioritize and accomplish multiple tasks.
  • Time Management: The individual should have the ability to prioritize their workload depending on significance and deadline

Additional Notes
  • No relocation assistance is available for this position.

Benefits - What Dow offers you
We invest in you.
Dow invests in total rewards programs to help you manage all aspects of you: your pay, your health, your life, your future, and your career. You bring your background, talent, and perspective to work every day. Dow rewards that commitment by investing in your total wellbeing.
Here are just a few highlights of what you would be offered as a Dow employee:
  • Equitable and market-competitive base pay and bonus opportunity across our global markets, along with locally relevant incentives.
  • Benefits and programs to support your physical, mental, financial, and social well-being, to help you get the care you need...when you need it.
  • Competitive retirement program that may include company-provided benefits, savings opportunities, financial planning, and educational resources to help you achieve your long term financial-goals.
    • Employee stock purchase programs (availability varies depending on location).
  • Student Debt Retirement Savings Match Program (U.S. only).
    • Dow will take the value of monthly student debt payments and apply them as if they are contributions to the Employees' Savings Plan (401(k)), helping employees reach the Company match.
  • Robust medical and life insurance packages that offer a variety of coverage options to meet your individual needs. Travel insurance is also available in certain countries/locations.
  • Opportunities to learn and grow through training and mentoring, work experiences, community involvement and team building.
  • Workplace culture empowering role-based flexibility to maximize personal productivity and balance personal needs.
  • Competitive yearly vacation allowance.
  • Paid time off for new parents (birthing and non-birthing, including adoptive and foster parents).
  • Paid time off to care for family members who are sick or injured.
  • Paid time off to support volunteering and Employee Resource Group's (ERG) participation.
  • Wellbeing Portal for all Dow employees, our one-stop shop to promote wellbeing, empowering employees to take ownership of their entire wellbeing journey.
  • On-site fitness facilities to help stay healthy and active (availability varies depending on location).
  • Employee discounts for online shopping, cinema tickets, gym memberships and more.
  • Additionally, some of our locations might offer:
    • Transportation allowance (availability varies depending on location)
    • Meal subsidiaries/vouchers (availability varies depending on location)
    • Carbon-neutral transportation incentives e.g. bike to work (availability varies depending on location)

Join our team, we can make a difference together.
About Dow
Dow (NYSE: DOW) is one of the world's leading materials science companies, serving customers in high-growth markets such as packaging, infrastructure, mobility and consumer applications. Our global breadth, asset integration and scale, focused innovation, leading business positions and commitment to sustainability enable us to achieve profitable growth and help deliver a sustainable future. We operate manufacturing sites in 30 countries and employ approximately 36,000 people. Dow delivered sales of approximately $43 billion in 2024. References to Dow or the Company mean Dow Inc. and its subsidiaries. Learn more about us and our ambition to be the most innovative, customer-centric, inclusive and sustainable materials science company in the world by visiting www.dow.com.
As part of our dedication to inclusion, Dow is committed to equal opportunities in employment. We encourage every employee to bring their whole self to work each day to not only deliver more value, but also have a more fulfilling career. Further information regarding Dow's equal opportunities is available on www.dow.com.
Dow is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and is committed to providing opportunities without regard for race, color, religion, sex, including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity, national origin, age, disability and genetic information, including family medical history. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may call us at 1-833-My Dow HR (833-693-6947) and select option 8.

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