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Pilot Plant Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SHIFT: 4 day work schedule, 10 hour days; 7am-5:30pm The Pilot Plant Technician role is responsible to be part of a cross-functional and highly collaborative team reporting to the Pilot Plant Manager.

Pilot Plant Technician The Pilot Plant Technician operates and maintains pilot plant equipment, supports cross-functional research and development projects, and ensures that all processes meet food ...

The Pilot Plant Technician will assist in all activities ongoing in the pilot plant as required by the supervisor or project leaders. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: * Demonstrates and ...

The Pilot Plant Technician will assist in all activities ongoing in the pilot plant as required by the supervisor or project leaders. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: * Demonstrates and ...

Pilot Plant Technician

Glenview, IL · On-site

$56K - $71K/yr

The Technician is responsible for executing trial plans by operating pilot plant machinery and equipment, controlling process flow, and completing manual process work in packaging and/or less complex ...

Beyond daily responsibilities, the Technician must recognize the critical role their work plays in ensuring food safety, product quality, and reliable pilot plant operations, and promptly report any ...

Job Title Pilot Plant Technician Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where to start and grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it ...

Job Title Pilot Plant Technician Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where to start and grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it ...

Job Title Pilot Plant Technician Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where to start and grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it ...

Job Title Pilot Plant Technician Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where to start and grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it ...

Technicians play a key role in our innovation process by organizing and executing pilot plant trials and associated support under general supervision. Technicians perform mechanical troubleshooting ...

Pilot Plant Technician

Le Sueur, MN · On-site

$22.65 - $28.68/hr

This position is responsible for Pilot Plant equipment and conducting all routine activities as directed by the Pilot Operations Manager while maintaining quality and safety standards. Essential ...

Pilot Plant Technician

Le Sueur, MN · On-site

$22.65 - $28.68/hr

This position is responsible for Pilot Plant equipment and conducting all routine activities as directed by the Pilot Operations Manager while maintaining quality and safety standards. Essential ...

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Pilot Plant Technician information

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How much do pilot plant technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for pilot plant technician in the United States is $23.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pilot plant technician?

Pilot Plant Technicians are professionals who operate and maintain equipment in pilot plants, which are small-scale versions of industrial plants used for testing and developing new processes or products. They assist engineers and scientists by setting up experiments, monitoring operations, collecting data, and troubleshooting issues. Their work helps ensure that processes are safe, efficient, and ready for full-scale production. Pilot Plant Technicians play a crucial role in research and development within industries such as chemical manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and food processing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pilot plant technician?

To thrive as a Pilot Plant Technician, you need a solid background in chemical engineering or a related technical field, often supported by an associate degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, process control systems (such as SCADA or DCS), and safety protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork distinguish top performers in this role. These abilities ensure safe, efficient operation and troubleshooting of pilot-scale processes, which is essential for successful scale-up and innovation in manufacturing environments.

What are some common challenges faced by pilot plant technicians, and how can they be addressed?

Pilot Plant Technicians often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting unexpected equipment malfunctions, adapting to frequently changing experimental protocols, and ensuring strict adherence to safety and quality standards. Addressing these challenges requires strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication with engineers, scientists, and fellow technicians. Staying proactive in learning new processes and participating in ongoing training can help technicians remain adaptable and efficient in a dynamic pilot plant environment.

What is the difference between Pilot Plant Technician vs Process Technician?

AspectPilot Plant TechnicianProcess Technician
CredentialsAssociate degree or technical certification, relevant experienceAssociate degree or technical certification, relevant experience
Work EnvironmentLaboratory, pilot plant facilities, manufacturing settingsManufacturing plants, production lines, industrial settings
Industry UsagePharmaceuticals, chemicals, food processing, R&DManufacturing, chemical processing, pharmaceuticals
Job FocusAssisting in pilot plant operations, testing new processesOperating and monitoring production equipment, ensuring process efficiency

Both roles require technical skills and similar certifications, often working in manufacturing or R&D environments. While Pilot Plant Technicians focus on testing and developing new processes in pilot plants, Process Technicians handle ongoing production operations. The roles are complementary but differ mainly in scope and focus within industrial settings.

More about Pilot Plant Technician jobs

What cities are hiring for Pilot Plant Technician jobs?

Cities with the most Pilot Plant Technician job openings:

What states have the most Pilot Plant Technician jobs?

States with the most job openings for Pilot Plant Technician jobs include:

Infographic showing various Pilot Plant Technician job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,108 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

Pilot Plant Technician

Mars

Thompsons Station, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Operate food processing and sanitation equipment and support pilot plant operations.

  • Record experiment data, batch raw materials, and update inventory systems.

  • Support quality control, equipment sanitation, and ensure safety and food safety compliance.


Mars Inc. rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

127th of 445 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Job Description:

SHIFT: 4 day work schedule, 10 hour days; 7am-5:30pm

The Pilot Plant Technician role is responsible to be part of a cross-functional and highly collaborative team reporting to the Pilot Plant Manager. This role Is responsible to help on the completion of projects including preparation of Pilot Plant runs, configuration of equipment, equipment sanitation, routine clean up, pack outs, and housekeeping. They will be relied upon to support ever-evolving trial demands and to collect data for efficient operations.

The technician role should help to ensure open communication with the pilot plant manager as well as all other Pilot Plant and trial stakeholders including site HSE, Quality and Food Safety, and R&D platform partners. This Includes the escalation of concerns, equipment reliability, planning, and resource concerns. It will also include attending all required team meetings, completing all required documentation, and participation in continuous Improvement activities.

The Pilot Plant technician role may help in supporting operations with Wet, Dry, C&T, and Innovation process trials to support delivery of site business objectives.

This role executes business essentials tasks for pilot plant operations and R&D trials such as batching raw ingredients, operating food processing equipment, and sanitation support. Their support ensures efficient operations both site wide and on a global scale. The role will operate in compliance with Mars standards and expectations related to Quality (QMP) and Safety. Key responsibilities include:

  • Operate food processing and sanitation equipment
  • Record and distribute data from experiments
  • Batch raw materials for trials and update impacted inventory systems
  • Cross train on several pilot plant operations, such as wet and sanitation
  • Support key stakeholders, such as Quality and HSE departments
  • 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
  • Clean and sanitize equipment/machinery and plant facility according to good manufacturing and sanitation practices.
  • Responsible for always maintaining associate safety and food safety in the Pilot Plant
  • Use creativity and innovation to solve mechanical or organizational problems
  • Flexible to ever-evolving pilot plant demands
  • Performs other tasks as assigned

Education & Professional Qualifications: This position requires an AA/AS, BS degree in Science (e.g., Chemistry, Physics, Analytical Chemistry, Food Science, etc.) or Technology (e.g., Engineering Technology), or a HS/Vocational School degree with relevant work experience. with diverse knowledge of food production equipment and processes.


Knowledge/Experience: Familiar with food processing GMP standards, equipment operations, and laboratory testing. Attention to detail and able to participate in HSE/QA annual auditing. Ability to stand and bend for 8+ hours during a 10-hour shift. Ability to lift 50 lbs. Ability to operate forklift. Familiarity with computers and iPad/tablet, as well an ability to navigate general software programs like email, online time keeping and electronic calendars.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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