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Pilot Plant Operator Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

The role also supports laboratory operations, pilot plant testing, metallurgical accounting, and ... Coordinate and supervise metallurgical laboratory and plant test work to optimize operating ...

Impact projects mostly through lab and/or pilot plant based activities. * Responsible for ... AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving ...

Impact projects mostly through lab and/or pilot plant based activities. * Responsible for ... AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving ...

Impact projects mostly through lab and/or pilot plant based activities. * Responsible for ... operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community.  ...

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Pilot Plant Operator information

See Arizona salary details

$13

$26

$73

How much do pilot plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for pilot plant operator in Arizona is $26.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.02 and $27.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pilot plant operator?

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 skills and qualifications are needed to be a pilot plant operator?

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 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.

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.

How to get hired as a pilot plant operator?

To get hired as a pilot plant operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring an associate's or bachelor's degree in engineering, chemistry, or a related field. Relevant experience operating laboratory or industrial equipment, knowledge of safety protocols, and certifications such as OSHA training can improve job prospects. Strong technical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to follow detailed procedures are essential for success in this role.

What does a pilot plant operator do?

A pilot plant operator manages and controls small-scale production processes to test and develop new products or processes. They operate equipment, monitor parameters, ensure safety protocols, and document procedures to support scale-up for commercial manufacturing.

What are popular job titles related to Pilot Plant Operator jobs in AZ?

For Pilot Plant Operator jobs in AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Pilot Plant Operator job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Full Time, 48% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,417 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Senior Chemical Process Technician

Bridgestone Americas, Inc

Queen Creek, AZ

$31/hr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Bridgestone Americas rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 137 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

322nd of 543 rated manufacturers


Job description

Company Overview

Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (BSAM), headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, and Bridgestone Europe, Middle East and Africa (BSEMEA), headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, operate collectively as a "Bridgestone West" strategic region. This region services the strategic business needs of teams across the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa. BSAM and BSEMEA are subsidiaries of Bridgestone Corporation, globally headquartered in Japan. Bridgestone and its subsidiaries develop, manufacture and market a wide range of Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand products and solutions to address the needs of a broad range of customers and industries.

Job Category
Engineering & Science
Position Summary
This Senior Process Technician position is located at Bridgestone's Bio-Rubber Process Research Center in Southeast Mesa, Arizona where we are developing and optimizing our bio-rubber extraction processes. The address for this facility is 6533 South Mountain Road, Mesa AZ 85212.
This is a chemical manufacturing pilot plant where our Process Technicians work in a PSM environment helping to manufacture various chemicals for our rubber manufacturing processes. Starting pay would be in the $31.00 per hour range plus overtime as applicable and up to a 5% annual bonus based upon company performance, along with 4 weeks of PTO annually and awesome benefits!
To see more about this project, you can view a quick video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkTopAcOqJI
The initial work schedule is 12 hr day shift alternating 3 or 4 days per week. The final work schedule will be an 8-hr rotating shift working 5 days per week. Shift differential is paid for non-day shift hours.
Responsibilities

Safety

  • Our Process Technicians must ensure daily plant operations are within environmental requirements, comply with all health and safety policies and procedures, including process safety management (PSM).
  • Our Process Technicians must participate in all site specific safety training and meetings and perform work safely
  • Our Process Technicians must comply with company operation policies and procedures to ensure all work areas remain clean and free of hazards.
  • Our Process Technicians will de-energize equipment safely to enable maintenance technicians to perform required preventative maintenance, installations and repair work.
  • Our Process Technicians must demonstrate a steadfast commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and ethical practices in all aspects of your position within the organization.
  • Our Process Technicians must participate in Pre-Startup Safety Reviews and Process Hazard Analysis as required.

Operations

  • Safely startup and shutdown process equipment in a chemical manufacturing environment.
  • Monitor chemical plant process equipment, ensure strict compliance with safety policies while performing work, and consistently take appropriate action to mitigate potential hazards and ensure process optimization.
  • Process Technicians will adjust process controls, take routine readings, perform preventative and minor maintenance onsite, and effectively troubleshoot operational problems to enhance reliability of the asset.
  • Monitor and adjust settings on the equipment affecting the production rate, product quality, and the yield to ensure production is consistently within acceptable limits.
  • Process Technicians will record data and operating conditions, document instrument readings, and rates of flow to identify upward and downward trends.
  • Work outside the unit including both grounds and utilities, inside the asset, and in the control room to monitor the Rockwell PLC HMI screens.
  • Make periodic rounds throughout the shift to walk the asset and identify deviations in operations, adjust process instruments and equipment to ensure proper flows, temperature, pressures, and levels.
  • Participate in projects onsite that improve efficiency, mitigate risk, and reduce operating costs.
  • Collaborate with colleagues, contractors, and vendors to facilitate daily activities.
  • Provide assistance and support to both engineering and maintenance as required to optimize production and ensure smooth operations onsite at the plant.
  • Process Technicians will train and share knowledge with others.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Associate's degree in process technology or successful track record of process operator work experience onsite in a chemical manufacturing plant.
  • 2-4 years of process operator experience working onsite in an industrial chemical manufacturing or related work environment or industry.
  • Must have thorough knowledge of common concepts and procedures used in chemical manufacturing operations.
  • Good verbal and written communication skills are required, with an ability to apply knowledge and skills to effectively carry out instructions furnished in written and diagram form.
  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
  • Ability to drive a forklift or other mobile equipment.
  • Ability to work a twelve-hour schedule with rotating shifts that may include overtime, holidays, nights, and weekends to meet the needs of the business.

At Bridgestone, you are Free to Be


We believe people can only provide superior service and quality to others when they feel safe bringing their chosen version of themselves to work. We believe in championing all perspectives, individuals and teams because we understand the importance of seeing the world and our business through many different lenses. So, show us what you are made of, because who you are is what we need.


What we offer


At Bridgestone, what really matters is to foster co-creation opportunities and empowering you to be creative and curious to make mobility safer, more efficient, and more sustainable for future generations. Whatever role you fill, when you represent Bridgestone, you are a valued teammate, and part of our larger mission to "Serve Society with Superior Quality", for that, we offer you more than just a competitive compensation; we will provide you:


  • A supportive and engaging onboarding experience to ensure a smooth transition into our team.
  • The opportunity to develop and grow, through training and regular mentorship.
  • Corporate Social Responsibility activities.
  • A truly global, dynamic and challenging work environment.
  • Agility and work/life effectiveness and your long-term well-being.
  • An effective and inclusive team.

Bridgestone is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. It is our policy to consider all individuals for employment based on their unique merit and without regard to age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.


Employment Eligibility

If hired, a Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification must be completed at the start of employment. Temporary work authorization or the need for sponsorship may disqualify you from employment.


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