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Pilot Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Manus Bio

Pilot Plant Operator Apprentice

Augusta, GA · On-site

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

We are looking for a motivated and curious individual to join our Augusta, GA pilot plant team as a Pilot Plant Operator Apprentice. This is a structured, hands-on learning role designed for ...

Olon USA LLC

Plant Operator

Painesville, OH · On-site

Chemical Manufacturing Operato r Plant Operator (Technician II) OLON USA LLC is seeking qualified chemical manufacturing operator candidates to execute batch processes within the sites pilot plant ...

Olon USA LLC

Plant Operator

Painesville, OH · On-site

Chemical Manufacturing Operato r Plant Operator (Technician II) OLON USA LLC is seeking qualified chemical manufacturing operator candidates to execute batch processes within the sites pilot plant ...

Manus Bio

Pilot Plant Operator Apprentice

Augusta, GA · On-site

$12.75 - $15.50/hr

We are looking for a motivated and curious individual to join our Augusta, GA pilot plant team as a Pilot Plant Operator Apprentice. This is a structured, hands-on learning role designed for ...

Manus

Pilot Plant Operator Apprentice

Augusta, GA

$12.75 - $15.50/hr

We are looking for a motivated and curious individual to join our Augusta, GA pilot plant team as a Pilot Plant Operator Apprentice. This is a structured, hands-on learning role designed for ...

Cambrex

Pilot Plant Operator

Charles City, IA · On-site

Job Overview Reporting to the shift supervisor, the Reactor Operator will be expected to successfully produce chemical and pharmaceutical products in our manufacturing environment. Responsibilities ...

Mars

Pilot Plant Technician

Thompsons Station, TN

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

Mars

Pilot Plant Technician

Thompsons Station, TN

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

Cambrex

Pilot Plant Operator

Charles City, IA · On-site

Job Overview Reporting to the shift supervisor, the Reactor Operator will be expected to successfully produce chemical and pharmaceutical products in our manufacturing environment. Responsibilities ...

Cambrex

Pilot Plant Operator

Charles City, IA

Reporting to the shift supervisor, the Reactor Operator will be expected to successfully produce chemical and pharmaceutical products in our manufacturing environment. Responsibilities: Operate batch ...

Arkema

Pilot Plant Technician Job

King Of Prussia, PA · On-site

The Pilot Plant Technician works with various functions to conduct assigned chemical process ... Record detailed, operational data on operator run sheets and in laboratory log notebooks. * Perform ...

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Pilot Plant Operator information

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$14

$28

$78

How much do pilot plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for pilot plant operator 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 Operators?

Pilot Plant Operators are professionals responsible for operating and overseeing small-scale industrial plants, known as pilot plants, which are used to test and optimize processes before they are implemented on a full-scale production level. Their duties include monitoring equipment, collecting data, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. They play a crucial role in bridging the gap between laboratory research and commercial manufacturing, helping companies refine processes and evaluate new technologies. Pilot Plant Operators often work closely with engineers, scientists, and production teams to ensure the smooth transition of new products and processes to larger-scale operations.

What is the difference between Pilot Plant Operator vs Process Technician?

AspectPilot Plant OperatorProcess Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical training often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical certifications beneficial
Work EnvironmentLaboratory or pilot plant settings, handling small-scale productionManufacturing or production facilities, maintaining equipment
Industry UsagePharmaceutical, chemical, and biotech industriesChemical, manufacturing, and processing industries
Job FocusOperating and monitoring pilot-scale equipment for R&D and testingOperating and troubleshooting production equipment for ongoing manufacturing

The Pilot Plant Operator and Process Technician roles share similarities in working with industrial equipment and requiring technical skills. However, Pilot Plant Operators focus on small-scale testing and development in R&D environments, while Process Technicians support large-scale manufacturing processes. Both roles are essential in their respective industries and often require similar certifications and technical knowledge.

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 solid background in chemical engineering or process technology, along with experience in operating and troubleshooting pilot-scale equipment. Familiarity with process control systems, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications such as OSHA or HAZMAT training are typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are important soft skills for coordinating with teams and ensuring operational efficiency. These qualifications are critical for safely scaling up processes, maintaining product quality, and supporting innovation in industrial settings.

What are some common challenges faced by Pilot Plant Operators during scale-up processes?

Pilot Plant Operators often encounter challenges such as translating laboratory-scale procedures into larger, operational systems while maintaining product quality and safety. Variations in equipment, unexpected process inefficiencies, and troubleshooting new or modified machinery are typical hurdles. Working closely with engineers, chemists, and safety teams is essential to address these issues, ensure compliance with protocols, and optimize production runs. Operators must be adaptable and detail-oriented to respond quickly to process deviations and ensure smooth scale-up operations.
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What states have the most Pilot Plant Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Pilot Plant Operator jobs include:
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Pilot Plant Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pilot Plant Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 53% Full Time, 45% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. 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 Operator - Technician

Sea Dragon Energy

Kailua Kona, HI • On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Pilot Plant Operator-Technician

Job Type: Full-time rotating shifts, overtime expected

Work Location: Sea Dragon Energy at the Hawaii Ocean Science & Technology Park, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Pay: $30-$40/hour

Benefits:

  • Health insurance
  • 401(k) retirement program with matching
  • Flexible PTO policy including 12 company holidays and 1 floating holiday

About Us

Sea Dragon Energy is a commercial startup and veteran-owned company developing a process to generate sustainable aviation fuel. This project combines breakthrough technologies that extract carbon dioxide and hydrogen from seawater to synthesize jet fuel in distributed units while requiring no crude oil input.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Maintain a safe working environment with chemical process equipment. Follow all safety standards and wear appropriate PPE when required to do so, including flame resistant clothing, work gloves, and masks/respirators.
  • Operate chemical process skids as directed by the Site Manager, including interacting with valves, PLC screens, pumps, compressors, electrolyzers, and reactors.
  • Monitor chemical process skid operation. Identify problems or defects during process operation. Make process adjustments and attempt to independently troubleshoot process parameter deviations.
  • Acquire chemical samples from the process skids and analyze them in the site quality laboratory.
  • Perform maintenance checks on equipment. Perform basic repairs of equipment such as fixing small leaks or changing out broken pumps. For more advanced repairs, work with equipment vendors to assist in the repair.
  • Respond to spills and cleanup with appropriate corrective action.
  • Operate a forklift as required. Previous forklift experience is not required.
  • During chemical operating campaigns work rotating 12 hour shifts. Night shifts will be required during operating campaigns.

Minimum qualification requirements:

  • High school diploma/GED or higher.
  • Three (3) years of experience in a manufacturing, pilot plant, or laboratory environment.
  • Proactive communication in alerting others to issues around the pilot plant.

Additional qualifications that would help you succeed further:

  • Associates degree or similar two-year technical degree or higher.
  • Experience with Swagelok.
  • Experience in petroleum refining, petrochemical research, or similar process equipment.
  • Experience with Lock Out Tag Out.
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of how to disassemble and reassemble basic machines.
  • Strong electrical aptitude and basic knowledge of circuits.
  • Strong hydraulic aptitude and basic knowledge of fluid dynamics or plumbing.
  • Ability to complete work with little to no supervision.

Apply