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Pilot Plant Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Ecolab, the leading global developer of premium cleaning, sanitizing and maintenance products and services for the hospitality, institutional and industrial markets is seeking a Pilot Plant Operator!

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Pilot Plant Technician - Rare Earth Element (REE) Processing Position Summary We are seeking ... Adjust process parameters and operating conditions under the direction of engineering and technical ...

You will receive direct mentorship from experienced operators and process development engineers as ... Pilot Plant Operations * Assist with day-to-day pilot plant activities, including equipment checks ...

You will collaborate with engineering, process development, and product teams to optimize equipment ... Experience in pilot plant or process development environments * One or more years of related work ...

You will collaborate with engineering, process development, and product teams to optimize equipment ... Experience in pilot plant or process development environments * One or more years of related work ...

You will collaborate with engineering, process development, and product teams to optimize equipment ... Experience in pilot plant or process development environments * One or more years of related work ...

JOB SUMMARY The Pilot Plant Associate plays a crucial role in supporting pilot batching operations ... Required Qualifications • Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering/Biomedical ...

JOB SUMMARY The Pilot Plant Associate plays a crucial role in supporting pilot batching operations ... Required Qualifications • Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering/Biomedical ...

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Pilot Plant Engineer information

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How much do pilot plant engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 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:
Infographic showing various Pilot Plant Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,395 per year, or $28.1 per hour.
Pilot Plant Technician

Pilot Plant Technician

Solenis

Wilmington, DE

$58K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assist engineers and scientists with laboratory and pilot plant tasks related to paper manufacturing operations.

  • Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair laboratory and pilot plant equipment and systems.

  • Collect, process, and analyze samples, accurately record test results, and prepare reports following standard procedures.


Solenis rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 91 rated chemical manufacturers


Job description

Solenis is a leading global provider of water and hygiene solutions. The company's product portfolio includes a broad array of water treatment chemistries, process aids, functional additives, cleaners, disinfectants, and state-of-the-art monitoring, control and delivery systems. These technologies are used by customers to improve operational efficiencies, enhance product quality, protect plant assets, minimize environmental impact, and create cleaner and safer environments. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, the company has 78 manufacturing facilities strategically located around the globe and employs a team of over ~23000 professionals in >160 countries across six continents. Solenis is a 2025 Best Managed Company Gold Standard honoree.

For additional information about Solenis, please visit www.solenis.comor follow us on social media.

Perks of working with us!

  • Competitive health + wellness benefit plan

  • Continuous professional development with many opportunities for growth!

  • Recharge with 15 days of paid time off

  • Competitive Salary and Bonuses

  • 401k Plan

Job Summary:
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 involves conducting laboratory and pilot plant experiments, assisting with paper production trials, maintaining equipment, and ensuring accurate data collection while adhering to all safety and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Assist engineers and scientists with a wide range of laboratory and pilot plant tasks
  • Perform chemical and physical analyses and scientific tests using both routine and specialized techniques
  • Ensure all work complies with established safety, health, and infection control standards
  • Collect, process, and analyze laboratory and pilot plant samples
  • Accurately record test results, organize data, and perform basic calculations
  • Prepare reports, summaries, and analyses following standard procedures and guidelines

Paper Making Responsibilities:

  • Operate and maintain hand sheet processes for paper testing and development
  • Assist in operating the pilot paper machine to produce paper for new product development and customer evaluations
  • Support pulp and fiber preparation processes for trials on the pilot paper machine
  • Monitor paper quality and process conditions, reporting observations and deviations

Equipment & Operations:

  • Install, operate, troubleshoot, maintain, and repair laboratory and pilot plant equipment, systems, and instruments
  • Monitor process and equipment performance, identifying and reporting issues as needed

Qualifications:

  • Diploma or degree in Chemical Technology, Pulp & Paper Technology, Chemistry, or a related field
  • Experience in a laboratory, pilot plant, or paper manufacturing environment is an asset
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
  • Ability to follow standard operating procedures and accurately document work
  • Mechanical aptitude for equipment maintenance and troubleshooting

We understand that candidates will not meet every single desired qualification. If your experience looks a little different from what we've identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we'd love to learn more about you.

At Solenis, we understand that our greatest asset is our people. That is why we offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits which include medical, dental, vision & 401K, and numerous opportunities for professional growth and development. So, if you are interested in working for a world-class company and enjoy solving complex challenges, whether in the lab or the field, consider joining our team.

Solenis is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer, including Minorities / Women/ Veterans / Disabled.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Should you require assistance in applying to this opportunity, please reach out to Solenis Talent Acquisition at talentacquisition@solenis.com

The expected compensation range for this position is between $58,030.00 and $85,107.00 plus discretionary bonuses. The exact compensation may vary based on your skills, experience and other factors permitted by law.

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