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Pilot Plant Operator Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Olon USA LLC

Plant Operator

Painesville, OH · On-site

$22 - $29/hr

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

$22 - $29/hr

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

Plant Operator (Technician II) OLON USA LLC is seeking qualified candidates to operate chemical process equipment in a pilot plant and laboratory environment. These positions are 12 hours shifts and ...

Olon USA LLC

Plant Operator

Painesville, OH · On-site

Plant Operator (Technician II) OLON USA LLC is seeking qualified candidates to operate chemical process equipment in a pilot plant and laboratory environment. These positions are 12 hours shifts and ...

Olon USA LLC

Plant Operator

Painesville, OH · On-site

Plant Operator (Technician II) OLON USA LLC is seeking qualified candidates to operate chemical process equipment in a pilot plant and laboratory environment. These positions are 12 hours shifts and ...

LSU AgCenter

Pilot-Plant Manager

Clyde, OH

Pilot-Plant Manager Position Type:Professional / Unclassified Department:LSUAG PL3 - SNFS - Food ... Ensure proper development, implementation, and continuous improvement of operating procedures and ...

Nestle

Pilot Plant Technician

Marysville, OH · On-site

Technicians play a key role in our innovation process by organizing and executing pilot plant ... Review and provide feedback for updates to Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) * Apply good ...

Owens Corning

Technician

Tallmadge, OH

$16.75 - $21/hr

Pilot Plant Technician - Foam Pilot Line PURPOSE OF THE JOB The Pilot Line Technician actively ... Records operating conditions, material usage, and trial notes in logs or software systems; supports ...

Owens Corning

Technician

Tallmadge, OH · On-site

$16.75 - $21/hr

Pilot Plant Technician - Foam Pilot Line PURPOSE OF THE JOB The Pilot Line Technician actively ... Records operating conditions, material usage, and trial notes in logs or software systems; supports ...

ALOIS LLC

Production Operator in Stow, OH, 44224

Stow, OH · On-site

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

Specific activities include basic and routine aspects of producing catalyst carriers at the pilot plant and plant level scale. Required to maintain a clean work area and be knowledgeable of and ...

Austinpowder

Lab Tech

Mcarthur, OH · On-site

$15 - $19.75/hr

... operating and troubleshooting production equipment at R&D's new Pilot-Scale Emulsion Plant. As new tasks develop in the Emulsion R&D Lab, the candidate must be open-minded and willing to take on new ...

New

HiFyve

Operations Engineer

Middletown, OH

$110K - $140K/yr

Troubleshoot process and equipment issues alongside operators. * Drive continuous improvement and ... Hands-on plant floor experience (not lab, pilot plant, or project-only). * PSM experience required.

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All JobsPilot Plant Operator JobsPilot Plant Operator Jobs in Ohio

Pilot Plant Operator information

See Ohio salary details

$14

$26

$74

How much do pilot plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for pilot plant operator in Ohio is $26.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.36 and $28.56 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 OH?

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

Pilot Plant Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pilot Plant Operator job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 41% Full Time, 54% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,515 per year, or $26.7 per hour.

Plant Operator

Olon USA LLC

Painesville, OH • On-site

$22 - $29/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Chemical Manufacturing Operator

Job Description

Plant Operator (Technician II)

OLON USA LLC is seeking qualified chemical manufacturing operator candidates to execute batch processes within the sites pilot plant and laboratory environments. The available plant operator position is a straight 12 hour day or night shift (non-rotating, traditional 2-3-2 scheduling). Shift differential premium available for night shift employees.

**We offer competitive wages and great benefits including: 

2 Medical Plans 

Dental 

Vision

Company-Paid Life Insurance and Income Continuation Plan(s)

Supplemental Life

401K (w/ Company Matching**)


Essential Job Functions:

The Chemical Manufacturing Operator is responsible for the execution of written batch processes/recipes utilizing both fixed/mobile manufacturing processing equipment within the pilot plant or laboratory environments. In this role you will support activities including but not limited to API small-lot production, first-time scale-ups, process optimization and commercial scale batches in compliance with FDA’s current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMPs) guidelines. The successful candidate will execute processing activities according to approved written procedures. The candidate will be capable of monitoring batch processes, making & documenting observations, recording required real-time data and maintaining accurate documentation in accordance with ALCOA++ requirements. 

In this role you will play a critical part in our joint success in delivering to our customers’ needs. 


Educational Requirements:

High school diploma or equivalent with basic math skills.

Job Requirements:

Candidates should have mechanical aptitude, demonstrated strong communication skills and be able to work in both team environments and independently on some occasions. Must be able to lift up to 45lbs and be cable of moving various containers of materials up to and including drum quantities of chemicals. Previous experience, as a chemical plant/pilot plant operator is desirable. Knowledge of chemical hazards, forklift operation and college courses in chemistry are considered a plus. 



We offer competitive wages along with a comprehensive benefit plan and a great workplace!

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Olon USA LLC. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.



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