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Pilot Plant Operator Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Camaco

Plant Superintendent 1st Shift

Lorain, OH · On-site

Revise production schedules and priorities as a result of equipment failure or operating problems ... and plant personnel. Responsible for related safety requirements. Off shift contact person for ...

Nestle

Electro-Mechanical Technician

Solon, OH · On-site

$23 - $29.25/hr

Conduct mechanical and electrical repairs on pilot plant equipment, appliances, and infrastructure ... Work with operators, technicians, engineers and contractors to troubleshoot problems. * Monitor and ...

CYNET SYSTEMS

Maintenance Mechanic

Columbus, OH · On-site

$21 - $26/hr

Adaptability in a dynamic pilot plant environment. * Continuous improvement mindset ... operating across North America and Asia. As a nationally and locally certified Minority Business ...

Nestle

Mechanical Design Technician

Solon, OH · On-site

JOB SUMMARY: The Mechanical Design & Maintenance Technician supports an R&D pilot plant by ... Success requires adaptability, problemsolving, collaboration with engineers and operators, and ...

Owens Corning

Sr Technician

Tallmadge, OH · On-site

$16.75 - $21/hr

Willingness and ability to perform hands-on work, including equipment operation, maintenance activities, and material handling in a pilot plant setting. * Manual dexterity required for operating ...

Owens Corning

Sr Technician

Tallmadge, OH

$16.75 - $21/hr

Willingness and ability to perform hands-on work, including equipment operation, maintenance activities, and material handling in a pilot plant setting. * Manual dexterity required for operating ...

Actalent

Lab Technician

Bedford, OH

$25/hr

Experience operating laboratory glassware washers and dryers. * Experience working in Research and Development or Pilot Plant laboratory environments. * Demonstrated ability to maintain inventory ...

Actalent

Lab Technician Assistant

Bedford, OH · On-site

$25/hr

Experience operating laboratory glassware washers and dryers. * Experience working in Research and Development or Pilot Plant laboratory environments. * Demonstrated ability to maintain inventory ...

Kop-Coat, Inc.

Mechanical Engineer (Jr)

Cleveland, OH

$61K - $80K/yr

... in pilot plant operations. * Use SAP to monitor production/business functions. * Provides ... Interface with leadership, operators, and maintenance to ensure continuous improvement and ...

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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.

Director, Global Pilot Operations

Lubrizol Corporation

Wickliffe, OH • Hybrid

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Lubrizol rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 103 rated chemical manufacturers

Job description


Shape the Future with Us.
At Lubrizol, we’re bringing to life the chemistry behind clean water, efficient transportation, reliable infrastructure, critical medicines, and the products people rely on every day through science, sustainability, and a culture of inclusion.
 
As part of our global team, you’ll be empowered to make a real impact - on your career, your community, and the world around you.

Location: Wickliffe, OH (4 days onsite/ 1 day remote)

Job Type: Full-Time/Exempt

How You’ll Make an Impact 

As the Director of Global Pilot Operations you'll be at the forefront of our innovation, developing world-class global pilot facilities (internal and external) and an optimized global footprint to enable accelerated learning, MET strategy execution, and new product and process commercialization. You'll collaborate with a diverse group of passionate individuals to deliver sustainable solutions to advance mobility, improve wellbeing, and enhance modern life. In this role, you will:

  • Drive global pilot asset safety initiatives including training, visual indicators, safety projects, risk assessments, and procedure reviews.
  • Ensure all process risks, technician health and safety risks are mitigated during laboratory and pilot plant work.
  • Develop and manage Global Scorecard comprising essential safety, cost, standard work and performance leading and lagging KPIs.
  • Ensure capability exists to support MET strategy (Base, Plus and Prime) and Accelerated learning according to project requirements and schedule.  Ensure that lab and pilot trials achieve learning and process capability assessment objectives.    
  • Establish efficient project intake and management process.  Ensure that requested trials will provide expected benefit and answer questions posed.
  • Create and execute capital strategy to ensure effective asset upgrades to enable MET. Ensure assets are reliable and available when needed.  
  • Develop optimal global pilot capability and footprint comprising current internal assets, consolidations, new builds and external partnerships. 
  • Ensure alignment with Lubrizol strategic initiatives around common data streams and management, digitalization (data capture/analysis/generative AI/digital twins), connected workers, Automation, Modeling and Sustainability.
  • Coach engagement and partnership between pilot team members, PT organization and all development partners and customers.
  • Elevate team capabilities and hire talent to align MET and PT strategy and 21st Century Lubrizol engineer.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications that Enable Your Success 

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field (Chemical preferred).
  • Minimum of 5 years managing pilot or production assets.
  • Minimum 10 years’ experience in managing; people, safety, expenses and capital budgeting and cost management.
  • Experienced upgrading pilot or manufacturing processes (equipment, measurement systems and process controls) meeting safety and business needs.
  • Record of building high performance teams.
  • Experienced driving continuous improvement (People, Processes and Technology).
  • Demonstrated success delivering results in a matrix organization.
  • Strong/structured problem-solving skills..
  • Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills as well as facilitation experience.
  • Self-motivated, proactive with the ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced, “high energy", team-oriented environment.
  • Must demonstrate enthusiasm, a sense of urgency, attention to detail, commitment and follow-through while maintaining confidentiality and meeting deadlines.
  • Strategic thinker.

Preferred Qualifications that Drive you Forward   

  • Graduate degree in Engineering or related field (Chemical preferred).
  • Six Sigma Certification (Black Belt preferred).
  • Professional Engineers license or experience in design engineering and construction.

Your Work Environment 


At Lubrizol, we’re committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment where you can do your best work—whether in a lab, on the production floor, or in a hybrid office setting. Depending on your role, your work environment may include: 

  • Standing, walking, or operating equipment for extended periods 

  • Working in a lab or manufacturing setting with appropriate PPE provided 

  • Use of computers and digital tools in an office or hybrid environment 

  • Occasional lifting or movement of materials  

  • Adherence to rigorous safety protocols and ergonomic standards  

We continuously invest in our facilities and technologies to ensure they support your well-being, productivity, and growth. If you require reasonable accommodation, we are committed to working with you to ensure an inclusive and accessible experience. 

Benefits that Empower You  

  • Competitive salary with performance-based bonus plans 

  • 401(k) match + Age-Weighted Defined Contribution 

  • Comprehensive medical, dental & vision coverage 

  • Health Savings Account (HSA) 

  • Paid holidays, vacation, and parental leave 

  • Flexible work environment 

  • Learning and development opportunities 

  • Career and professional growth 

  • Inclusive culture and vibrant community engagement 
    Learn more at benefits.lubrizol.com! 

Lubrizol: Imagined for Life. Enabled by Science. ™ Delivered by You. 

For nearly 100 years, The Lubrizol Corporation, a Berkshire Hathaway company, has been at the forefront of innovation to enhance everyday life, advance mobility, and make the modern world work better. Our specialty chemistry solutions—from engine oils, performance coatings, and skincare to medical devices and plumbing systems —are powered by the expertise, passion, and commitment of people like you.

We tackle the world’s toughest challenges with science-based solutions, deeply understanding our customers to deliver innovative chemistry and differentiated value. Our inclusive culture, dedication to safety, and incredible global talent drive our success. Our solutions meet the evolving needs of the modern world—brought to life by science and, most importantly, delivered by you.

Whether you're in the lab, on the production floor, or in the office, you'll be part of a team around the world that empowers you to think boldly, drive results, and contribute to solutions that shape a better, more sustainable future. 

We win because of you. Let’s build the future together.

#LI-AM1

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About Lubrizol

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Lubrizol Corporation, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is committed to enabling a sustainable future. Our unmatched science unlocks immense possibilities at the molecular level, driving sustainable and measurable results to help the world Move Cleaner, Create Smarter and Live Better. Our solutions are used by people every day, improving billions of lives around the world.

Industry

Chemical manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Wickliffe, OH, US

Year founded

1928

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