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Pilot Plant Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CPChem

Pilot Plant Operator

Bartlesville, OK

The pilot plant operator will perform day to day monitoring of processes, proactively troubleshoot process issues, and work with other operators, engineers, contractors, and supervision to safely ...

Cynet Systems

Pilot Plant Operator

Ridgefield, CT · On-site

$17.16 - $22.16/hr

Pilot Plant Operator Job Location: Ridgefield, CT Job Type: Contract Job Overview: Pay Range: $17 ... We deliver agile, scalable talent solutions across IT, engineering, life sciences, clinical, and ...

New

CPChem

Pilot Plant Operator

Bartlesville, OK · On-site

The pilot plant operator will perform day to day monitoring of processes, proactively troubleshoot process issues, and work with other operators, engineers, contractors, and supervision to safely ...

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 ...

Nestle

Pilot Plant Technician

Marysville, OH · On-site

Our team of experts range from product developers to engineers, working across our portfolio of ... Technicians play a key role in our innovation process by organizing and executing pilot plant ...

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.

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All JobsPilot Plant Engineer Jobs

Pilot Plant Engineer information

See salary details

$14

$28

$78

How much do pilot plant engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 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 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.

More about Pilot Plant Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Pilot Plant Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Pilot Plant Engineer job openings:
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Pilot Plant Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pilot Plant Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,395 per year, or $28.1 per hour.

Pilot Plant Operator

CPChem

Bartlesville, OK

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

You may not realize it, but you've likely used a product today made possible by the plastics and chemicals manufactured by Chevron Phillips Chemical. From medical supplies and electronics to food packaging and cosmetics, we create the building blocks for more than 70,000 consumer and industrial products.

Even as a global company with 5,000 employees, we maintain a "small company feel." Our commitment to foster a culture of belonging ensures that regardless of your background or experience, your voice is valued and heard, empowering you to make a meaningful impact and grow both personally and professionally. Ask any Chevron Phillips Chemical employee what they like best about their job, and universally, the answer is "the people I work with!" We value work-life balance, and love to see our employees thrive both professionally and personally. There has never been a better time to work for Chevron Phillips Chemical. If you're ready to grow with us and become part of our vision of being the premier Chemical Company, apply today!

Introduction

Chevron Phillips Chemical is seeking a Pilot Plant Operator to join our team at the Research and Technology facility in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.  The Pilot Plant Operator will operate various processes supporting the day-to-day operations of the PSM Pilot Plant units.  The pilot plant operator will perform day to day monitoring of processes, proactively troubleshoot process issues, and work with other operators, engineers, contractors, and supervision to safely execute tasks necessary for the operation of a chemical process. The Pilot Plant Operator will work a 12-hour rotating shift schedule including weekends.

Responsibilities
  • Make changes to the operating process necessary to maintain safety and reliable operations within quality targets
  • Promptly respond to process alarms / constraints
  • Safely start up and shut down process equipment
  • Prepare equipment for Maintenance and safely Return to Service
  • Monitor the performance of plant equipment and process conditions, read flow meters and temperature and pressure gauges, and take routine readings on process equipment
  • Operate control room DCS systems
  • Effectively troubleshoot process issues in the Plant
  • Draw samples of products from the process for laboratory testing
  • Follow the Tenets of Operations, COO/OD, and Life Saving Rules
  • Perform housekeeping in the work area 
  • Load and unload chemical shipments/products from trucks or railcars 
  • Train and share knowledge with other operators 
  • Complete regulatory and operating training
  • Participate in Management of Change reviews, Pre-Startup Safety Reviews, and Process Hazard Analysis as required
  • Document relevant information and perform shift turnover according to expectations set by unit management
Required Qualifications
  • High School Diploma/GED with at least 5 years of experience OR an Associate degree in Process Technology with at least 3 years of experience OR equivalent Military service with at least 3 years of applicable experience
  • Experienced in troubleshooting process and mechanical issues
  • Possess a valid driver's license
  • Basic computer skills
  • Able to drive a forklift
  • Able to walk, climb stairs and ladders to a height of 100 feet, and lift up to 50 pounds
  • Able to read and communicate verbally, written, and electronically in English

Chevron Phillips Chemical offers competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package and at most locations, alternate work schedules. To learn more about Chevron Phillips Chemical and to be considered for a position, please visit us online today at www.cpchem.com.

Paper resumes will not be accepted. All job seekers must go to the web site to be considered for positions. If you are interested in applying for this position and need an accommodation to apply, please contact our Human Resources Service Center at 1-800-446-1422, option 4.

Chevron Phillips Chemical Company is an Equal Opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, pregnancy, veteran status or marital status.

To all recruitment agencies: We are not responsible for any fee related to unsolicited resumes from 3rd party staffing and recruiting agencies (whether submitted through this website or sent directly to employees) unless a written agreement is in place between the agency and Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP ("Company") and an authorized Company representative makes a written request to the agency to assist with this requisition. Similarly, no fee will be paid for candidates who apply and claim to be represented by an agency. Any unsolicited resumes, CVs, or other candidate information submitted by an agency will become the property of Company, and no fee will be paid in the event such candidate is hired.

Travel Requirements: None

Eligibility for Relocation: No

Closing Date: 08/21/2026

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