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Pilot Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cargill

Pilot Plant Specialist

Fort Collins, CO

$66K - $78K/yr

... and operating conditions. * Follow and promote food manufacturing standards, including GMPs ... Experience in pilot plant or process development environments * One or more years of related work ...

Nestle

Pilot Plant Technician

Saint Joseph, MO

$46K - $65K/yr

As a Pilot Plant Technician, you'll be actively engaged in a dynamic and quality-focused ... operating material handling equipment such as forklift, Powered Industrial Truck (PIT) equipment ...

Valar Atomics

Plant Operator

Orangeville, UT

Our first pilot plant in Orangeville, Utah will demonstrate how advanced nuclear systems and fuel ... Operators may be assigned to either the reactor plant or the pilot fuel fabrication facility ...

Valar Atomics

Plant Operator

Orangeville, UT · On-site

Our first pilot plant in Orangeville, Utah will demonstrate how advanced nuclear systems and fuel ... Operators may be assigned to either the reactor plant or the pilot fuel fabrication facility ...

Compunnel, Inc.

Pilot Plant Associate

Clark, NJ · On-site

JOB SUMMARY The Pilot Plant Associate plays a crucial role in supporting pilot batching operations and material handling. Responsibilities include maintaining a clean and organized facility and ...

Compunnel, Inc.

Pilot Plant Associate

Clark, NJ · On-site

$25/hr

JOB SUMMARY The Pilot Plant Associate plays a crucial role in supporting pilot batching operations and material handling. Responsibilities include maintaining a clean and organized facility and ...

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3M

Master Pilot Plant Technician*

Cottage Grove, MN · On-site

Job Title Pilot Plant Technician Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where ... Preparing and operating development equipment which can vary with process and/or product ...

Sibelco

Pilot Plant Controls Engineer

Bakersville, NC · On-site

$77K - $91K/yr

Pilot Plant Controls Engineer Location: SP Red Hill At Sibelco, we advance life through materials ... Hands-on experience operating and controlling mineral/chemical processing plant systems, including ...

Sibelco

Pilot Plant Controls Engineer

Red Hill, SC

$71K - $84K/yr

Pilot Plant Controls Engineer Location: SP Red Hill At Sibelco, we advance life through materials ... Hands-on experience operating and controlling mineral/chemical processing plant systems, including ...

Doe Run

Pilot Plant Technician

Viburnum, MO

The Doe Run Company is seeking a Pilot Plant Technician to conduct specific chemical and ... The company also owns six operating mines in one of the world's largest lead mining districts, also ...

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Pilot Plant Operator information

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How much do pilot plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 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 a pilot plant operation?

A pilot plant operation involves running a small-scale version of a manufacturing process to test and optimize procedures before full-scale production. Pilot plant operators oversee equipment, monitor process parameters, and ensure safety and quality standards are maintained during these experimental runs.

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 manufacturing methods. They operate equipment, monitor process parameters, ensure safety protocols, and document procedures to optimize efficiency and quality in a controlled environment.

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.

Is being a plant operator worth it?

A pilot plant operator is responsible for running small-scale production processes, often requiring technical skills and safety training. The role can offer steady employment and opportunities for advancement, especially in manufacturing or chemical industries, but it may involve shift work and physical demands.

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 jobs pay $2000 a day?

Pilot plant operators typically do not earn $2000 a day; such high daily pay is usually associated with specialized roles like senior executives, certain medical specialists, or highly experienced consultants. In some industries, roles requiring advanced certifications, extensive experience, or working in high-stakes environments may reach or exceed this level of daily compensation.

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.
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? The top employers for Pilot Plant Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Pilot Plant Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Pilot Plant Operator jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Pilot Plant Operator jobs? For Pilot Plant Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Pilot Plant Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pilot Plant Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 11% Contract, and 8% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,395 per year, or $28.1 per hour.
Pilot Plant Specialist

Pilot Plant Specialist

Cargill

Fort Collins, CO

$66K - $78K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Cargill rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 217 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 48 rated food wholesalers

Job description

Cargill is committed to providing food and agricultural solutions to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. Sitting at the heart of the supply chain, we partner with farmers and customers to source, make and deliver products that are vital for living.
Our 155,000 team members innovate with purpose, providing customers with lifes essentials so businesses can grow, communities prosper, and consumers live well. With over 160 years of experience as a family company, we look ahead while remaining true to our values. We put people first. We reach higher. We do the right thingtoday and for generations to come.

Job Purpose and Impact

The Pilot Plant Specialist will support operations within the Crop Innovation Center oil processing pilot lab. In this role, you will execute pilot-scale projects supporting research discovery, process development, and product innovation in oil seed processing and oil manufacturing. You will collaborate with engineering, process development, and product teams to optimize equipment performance, process safety, product quality, and scalability to commercial operations.

Key Accountabilities
  • Operate and maintain pilot-scale oil seed processing equipment, including seed handling, preparation, pressing/crushing, solvent extraction, and refining systems.
  • Support safe operation of mechanical, electrical, and process control systems, including troubleshooting routine equipment and process issues.
  • Assist with bulk material handling, including receiving, staging, loading, and disposal of raw materials and byproducts.
  • Monitor and operate process instrumentation (e.g., temperature, pressure, flow, mass) and document process data, samples, and operating conditions.
  • Follow and promote food manufacturing standards, including GMPs, sanitation practices, and food safety programs.
  • Adhere to occupational, process, and environmental safety requirements (e.g., lockout/tagout, chemical handling, hazard communication).
  • Handle basic issues and problems under direct supervision, while escalating more complex issues to appropriate staff.
  • Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelors degree in a related field or equivalent hands-on manufacturing experience
  • Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in oil seed processing, edible oil manufacturing, or related food/industrial operations
  • Mechanical aptitude with industrial or pilot-scale equipment
  • Forklift Driver Certification
  • Familiarity with LOTO, GMPs, HACCP concepts, and food safety practices
  • Experience in pilot plant or process development environments
  • One or more years of related work experience
  • Strong communication and documentation skills

#LI-DD1 #themuse #FGB

Position Information

Relocation assistance is not provided for this role
Accepting applications until job is filled and/or 60 days from the postingdate.
Location: Fort Collins, CO

The expected salary for this position is $66,000 $78,000. Compensation varies depending on a wide array of factors including but not limited to the specific location, certifications, education, and level of experience. The disclosed range estimate may be adjusted for any applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. This position is eligible for a discretionary incentive award. The incentive award amount is dependent upon company performance and your personal performance.


At Cargill we put people first. As part of your overall rewards, we offer a comprehensive benefit program including medical and/or other benefits dependent on the position offered and hours worked. Visit: https://www.cargill.com/page/my-health/mh-health-and-wellness to learn more.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disability/Vet.


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About Cargill

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Cargill was founded in 1865 as a single grain warehouse in Iowa, U.S. Since then, we’ve grown to become a global partner connecting people around the planet. But one thing has remained constant over the years: our purpose of nourishing the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way. Cargill is committed to conducting business with integrity, operating responsibly, enriching communities and nourishing the world. In the fiscal year 2021, Cargill provided $110.5 million in total charitable contributions in 56 countries to support our communities. Cargill businesses and employee-led groups partner with local civic, nonprofit and non-governmental organizations on programs and projects that improve food security and nutrition; support human rights, equity and inclusion; strengthen farmer livelihoods; and advance our commitments in the areas of land use, water and climate.

Industry

Food and drink manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US

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