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Pilot Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Plant Operator

Painesville, OH ยท 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 ...

Plant Operator

Painesville, OH ยท 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 ...

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 ...

Experience operating or supporting equipment in a refinery, chemical processing facility, pilot plant, oilfield operation, wastewater treatment facility, power generation facility, or similar ...

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 ...

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 ...

Operate pilot plant equipment safely and efficiently as a certified operator, ensuring high-usage equipment runs reliably during trials and production runs. * Support cross-functional project teams ...

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 ...

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

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 ...

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 ...

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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 Sep 3, 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 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 cities are hiring for Pilot Plant Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Pilot Plant Operator job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Pilot Plant Operator jobs?

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What states have the most Pilot Plant Operator jobs?

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

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Infographic showing various Pilot Plant Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 37% Full Time, 61% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,395 per year, or $28.1 per hour.

R&D Pilot Plant operator

Albemarle Netherlands BV

Pasadena, TX โ€ข On-site

$55 - $90/hr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Are you ready to move your career forward and help shape our companyโ€™s and customersโ€™ futures?If you aspire to challenge yourself, work with the best in the industry and join a successful team where you can make a meaningful contribution, then we invite you to join us at Ketjen Corporation, a provider of advanced catalyst solutions to leading producers in the petrochemical, refining, and specialty chemicals industries. Together, we can create a legacy marked by innovation, excitement, and energy.R&D Pilot Plant OperatorExcited to grow your career?We value our talented employees, and whenever possible strive to help one of our employees grow professionally before recruiting new talent to our open positions. If you think the open position, you see is right for you, we encourage you to apply!Our people make all the difference in our success.IMPORTANT: To apply, employee must not have been on a Performance Improvement Plan for the past 6 months. Additionally, the employee must have been in their current role for 12 months. If you have not been in role for 12 months, you must notify your current manager before applying for an internal position.All employees will be asked to notify their current manager of their interest if they are identified and selected for an interview.Job SummaryWhen you join the Ketjen team, you contribute to a better tomorrow. You will play a role in powering many of the worldโ€™s largest and most critical industries, from energy and communications to transportation and electronics. We are putting innovations to work to improve peopleโ€™s lives and we want YOU to be a part of it.Ketjen Corporation is currently seeking a Pilot Plant Operator to carry out catalyst preparations in the pilot plant in support of existing and new product development efforts.Responsibilities:Train to work with minimal supervision, independently carrying out catalyst preparations in the pilot plant in support of existing and new product development efforts led by Researchers/chemists and the pilot plant supervisor. This includes manipulating spreadsheets, compounding FCC catalyst slurries, spray-drying, post processing, recording process data, and verifying the quality of catalyst preparations. Provide needed support to the plant for new product and technology trials, and other plant support as needed. Must be able to properly handle small scale analytical methods with training (such as LOI, viscosity measurements, pH meters, etc.) Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills are vital to this position. Knowledge and experience in equipment operation in addition to computer skills and an industrial background are preferred. Job requires daily handling of filled containers (50 lbs.), maneuvering of 55-gallon drums, use of a forklift, repair pumps, among other tasks. Some overtime will be required.Schedules are routinely published and worked through as agreed upon according to priorities.Pilot plant equipment is continually available in good working conditions, and expediently repaired and brought back online when needed.Procedures and other SOPs are closely followed, and deviations are explained and documented.Catalyst preparations are done with high productivity and quality, resulting in excellent customer satisfaction.Communication is effective and timely with pilot plant supervisors and all other customers including other researchers and manufacturing contacts.All work is carried out with no safety incidents, and potential safety issues are proactively dealt with.Raw materials are readily available and qualified for use.Pilot plant remains well-organized, neat, and clean at all times.Demonstrated ability to quickly adapt to rapidly changing priorities with good attitude. Required QualificationsHigh School Diploma or GEDProcess Technology degree or at least two years of experience in chemical manufacturing, industrial operations, or a similar process manufacturing environmentAbility to learn, understand, and follow operating procedures and safety requirementsSolid computer proficiency and the ability to use digital operating systems, production software, and spreadsheetsStrong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skillsSafe and responsible individuals, with a demonstrated ability to multitask, prioritize competing demands, and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environmentAbility to safely perform all physical demands associated with the roleStrong alignment with Ketjenโ€™s core values: curiosity, care, collaboration, humility, accountability, and integrityPreferred Qualifications2 years of experience as a Process Operator in a continuous or batch chemical manufacturing environmentProcess Technology DegreeExperience with DCS/PLC systems, industrial equipment, lockout/tagout, or permit-to-work systemsForklift or industrial equipment experienceBenefits of Joining KetjenCompetitive compensationComprehensive benefits packageA diverse array of resources to support you professionally and personally.Apply today and help Ketjen unleash the POTENTIAL of advanced chemistry for industries that power the world. #J-18808-Ljbffr