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Pilot Plant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pilot Plant Fermentation Operator, Augusta, Georgia, United States, Full-Time Manus works across industries and value chains to accelerate the transition to BioAlternatives - better performing and ...

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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 ...

The Pilot Plant Operator primary job responsibility is to operate PVC pilot plant reactors and associated equipment. This person will be trained in all aspects of how the reaction, recovery and ...

Our pilot plant in Avon Lake, OH is seeking to hire a Chemical Operator to be responsible for operating PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pilot plant reactors and related equipment, supporting reaction ...

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 Operator

Alameda, CA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

The Role - Plant Operator We're looking for an experienced Plant Operators to run and maintain our rare-earth metal production facility. You'll own day-to-day operations of our pilot-scale production ...

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How much do pilot plant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for pilot plant 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 does a pilot plant operator do?

A pilot plant operator manages and oversees small-scale production processes in a pilot plant environment to test and develop new products or processes. They operate equipment, monitor process parameters, ensure safety protocols, and document results to support scale-up for commercial manufacturing.

What does a pilot plant do?

A pilot plant is a small-scale industrial system used to test and develop processes before full-scale production. Pilot plant operators oversee operations, monitor equipment, and ensure safety and quality standards are maintained during testing phases. They often work with process engineers and use specialized tools to optimize manufacturing methods.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a pilot plant environment?

Professionals in a pilot plant often encounter challenges related to scaling up processes from laboratory to industrial scale, which can involve troubleshooting equipment, managing variability in raw materials, and ensuring safety compliance. The environment is highly collaborative, requiring close coordination with R&D, process engineers, and production teams to test and refine new products or manufacturing methods. Adapting quickly to changing project priorities and dealing with unexpected technical issues are also common aspects of the role. Emphasizing flexibility, problem-solving skills, and effective communication will help you thrive in this dynamic setting.

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 strong background in chemical engineering or a related field, practical laboratory experience, and a solid understanding of process operations. Familiarity with process control systems, data acquisition software, and safety protocols is typically required, along with certifications like OSHA safety training. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and innovative operation of pilot-scale processes, bridging the gap between laboratory research and full-scale production.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In the context of pilot plant roles, high-paying positions such as senior engineering managers, plant directors, or specialized process engineers can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially in large manufacturing or pharmaceutical industries. These roles typically require extensive experience, advanced technical skills, and often involve leadership responsibilities or profit-sharing arrangements.

What is the highest paying job in plant science?

In plant science, the highest paying roles are often senior research scientists, plant biotechnologists, or plant geneticists, especially those with advanced degrees and specialized skills. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced certifications, and may involve leadership or management responsibilities, leading to higher salaries within the field.

What are pilot plants and what do they do?

Pilot plants are small-scale industrial systems used to test and optimize processes before they are implemented at full production scale. They allow companies to experiment with new products, processes, or technologies in a controlled environment, helping to identify potential challenges and improve efficiency. Pilot plants are essential for scaling up laboratory research and ensuring that large-scale manufacturing will be safe, cost-effective, and successful. Engineers and scientists use pilot plants to gather data, validate equipment, and refine process parameters before making significant investments in full-scale facilities.

What is the difference between Pilot Plant vs Process Technician?

AspectPilot PlantProcess Technician
CredentialsEngineering degree or technical certificationTechnical diploma or certification in process operations
Work EnvironmentResearch facilities, manufacturing pilot linesProduction floors, manufacturing plants
Industry UsageResearch & development, scale-up projectsOperational, maintenance roles in manufacturing

While a Pilot Plant involves designing, testing, and scaling up processes in a controlled environment, a Process Technician focuses on operating and maintaining production equipment in manufacturing settings. Both roles require technical skills, but Pilot Plant positions are more research-oriented, whereas Process Technicians are hands-on operators in daily production.

More about Pilot Plant jobs
What cities are hiring for Pilot Plant jobs? Cities with the most Pilot Plant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Pilot Plant jobs? The most popular types of Pilot Plant jobs are:
What states have the most Pilot Plant jobs? States with the most job openings for Pilot Plant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Pilot Plant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Pilot Plant jobs are:
Infographic showing various Pilot Plant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,395 per year, or $28.1 per hour.

Pilot Plant Fermentation Operator

Manus

Augusta, GA

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Pilot Plant Fermentation Operator, Augusta, Georgia, United States, Full-Time

Manus works across industries and value chains to accelerate the transition to BioAlternatives - better performing and more sustainable versions of complex molecules traditionally sourced from plants, animals, or fossil fuels. Our platform is proven to work across scales, bridging the Valley of Death between lab and manufacturing more efficiently and more reliably to deliver the benefits of synthetic biology today. We are seeking a highly motivated Pilot Plant Fermentation Operator,. This person will be expected to play an integral part of Manus Bio’s manufacturing and process development team located in Augusta, GA.

The Pilot Plant Fermentation Operator is responsible for the continuing efficient operation of the pilot plant. This includes maintenance, equipment reliability, and operations. Creativity and decision-making skills are required. Must be able to maintain a good working relationship with all personnel. Work as a member of the pilot plant team which includes assisting both with fermentation and downstream work assignments. Controls, monitors, and measures processes as instructed. Abides by all safely, environmental, and quality requirements. Perform minor maintenance and duties related to product testing, including sampling.

Why work at Manus Bio:

  • Opportunity – For motivated, results-oriented team members, our growth creates opportunities for personal and professional advancement.
  • Accountability – You are given the resources you need to succeed and the freedom to make it happen; in return, we hold each other accountable for our high expectations.
  • Passion – We love what we do and enjoy working with others who feel the same way. We embrace the challenge and hard work that come with working on the cutting edge.

Responsibilities:

Interface with process development team to provide resources to solve fermentation and product isolation challenges. Execute and help evaluate experiments. This activity includes:

  • Perform downstream purification operations including centrifugation, chromatography (e.g., affinity, ion exchange), filtration (TFF, depth, sterile).
  • Set up, operate, and clean process equipment such as columns, tanks, and filtration systems.
  • Collect, label, and process in-process and final product samples.
  • Monitor process parameters, record data, and ensure batch documentation is completed accurately.
  • Perform cleaning and sterilization of equipment and cleanroom areas (CIP/SIP procedures).
  • Assist in deviation investigations and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Collaborate with upstream and quality departments to ensure efficient process flow and product quality.
  • Maintain inventory of DSP consumables and request resupply as needed.
  • Become familiar with all required batch records, execute according to the batch records and ensure clear communication of the targeted design parameters.
  • Execute day-to-day Pilot Plant activities, coordinating equipment maintenance and installation activities, troubleshooting process upsets, troubleshooting equipment and instrumentation problems, optimizing operations, addressing contamination issues, addressing downtime or other runtime losses.
  • Maintain the upkeep of the Pilot Plant equipment through the process of initiating work notifications/work orders and maintenance scheduling; Be capable of correcting minor maintenance issues.
  • Adhere to company environmental, safety, and health policies and procedure. Ensure Pilot Plant compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
  • Physical demand requirements are more than sedentary work due to inspection of equipment. Must be able to climb stairs and ladders. Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
  • Must be able to wear the required protective equipment, including respirators when needed.
  • Work schedule is considered shift but will vary depending on manufacturing plan and other extraordinary conditions.

Required Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or GED equivalent.
  • Minimum of 3 years downstream or related plant operator experience.
  • Must be able to follow minimal instructions and support safe work practices.
  • Must be an excellent team member with strong communication skills and a desire to work collaboratively.
  • Must be flexible with day-to-day duties and able to thrive in a start-up environment.
  • Must hold themselves to the highest professional and ethical standards.
  • Some familiarity with the production fermentation and downstream processes and equipment as well as microbiological and analytical laboratory procedures.
  • Demonstrates flexibility in job rotations/various assignments.
  • Basic PC skills which include Windows, Microsoft Office.

Preferred Qualification and Working Style:

  • SAP skills
  • Certified Train the Trainer skills
  • Delta V controls experience