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Pilot Plant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Elanco

TSMS Pilot Plant Manager

Elwood, KS · On-site

TSMS Pilot Plant Manager Your day-to-day will include: * Responsible for optimization of new product processes within the Elwood, Kansas monoclonal antibody (mAb) pilot plant. * Present finding of ...

Eurofins

On-Call Pilot Plant Technician

Lafayette, CO · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

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 ...

3M

Master Pilot Plant Technician*

Cottage Grove, MN · On-site

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 ...

3M

Master Pilot Plant Technician*

Cottage Grove, MN

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 ...

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. For over 150 years, we've been a trusted leader in sourcing, transforming, and distributing ...

Sibelco

Pilot Plant Controls Engineer

Red Hill, SC

$74K - $87K/yr

Pilot Plant Controls Engineer Location: SP Red Hill At Sibelco, we advance life through materials. For over 150 years, we've been a trusted leader in sourcing, transforming, and distributing ...

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Pilot Plant information

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$14

$28

$78

How much do pilot plant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 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 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 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:
Pilot Plant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pilot Plant job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,395 per year, or $28.1 per hour.
Pilot Plant Technician

Pilot Plant Technician

Nestle Operational Services Worldwide SA

Saint Louis, MO • On-site

$42K - $61K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Driven by integrity and united by the people-and-pet bond, we find strong purpose in the work we do and an even greater joy in those we get to work alongside. Together, we harness the expertise of our long-standing tradition of excellence to embrace possibility and continuously push to do what's never been done before in pet care. Discover your purpose and fuel your passions when you bring your love of pets to a team that prides itself on the power of togetherness-We are Proudly Connected. Purely Driven.
Position Summary
We're a leader in the pet care industry, which means we're not only ahead in volume, profit, and market share, we're at the forefront of innovative product and process development that's allowing us to lead the march in pushing pet nutrition forward. Your larger team-the Research & Development group-creates the flavors, shapes, and textures often developed in marketing and brought to life through innovative engineering. These solutions not only safely drive our efficiency but help us move the marker on our ambitious sustainability goals so that with you on the team we can better serve our customers, communities, and planet.
As a Pilot Plant Technician, you'll be responsible for assisting with organization and performance with pilot plant trials and associated support work. Come prepared to perform light mechanical repair/plumbing and participate in project discussions. You'll also actively participate in cross-training and learn new skills required due to technology advances.
  • Organize and prepare formulations, as per research & development requirements, and perform pilot plant trials in a safe and efficient manner
  • Set-up, operate, and clean food-processing equipment
  • Maintain equipment in good sanitary and working condition
  • Organize and record data as outlined in the pilot plant request
  • Prepare summaries of trial results with recommendations for processing/product improvements based on observations
  • Adhere to all facility policies concerning safety, security, Good Laboratory and Good Manufacturing Practices (GLP & GMP)
  • Review and update SOPs and SSOPs

Requirements
  • High School Diploma (or GED)
  • 3+ years of manufacturing, mechanical, and/or maintenance experience

Other
  • Experience with factory type equipment and/or unit operations in a manufacturing setting or pilot plant is preferred
  • Ability to travel for factory trials, factory start-ups, or training is preferred
  • Must be able to stand, push, pull, kneel, walk, bend, and lift up to 50 pounds frequently throughout the day

The approximate pay range for this position is $42,000.00 to $61,000.00. Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to background, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as geographic location of the position. Nestlé offers performance-based incentives and a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 401k with Company match, healthcare coverage and a broad range of other benefits. Incentives and/or benefit packages may vary depending on the position. Learn more at About Us | Making an Impact | Nestle Careers (nestlejobs.com).
It is our business imperative to remain a very inclusive workplace.
To our veterans and separated service members, you're at the forefront of our minds as we recruit top talent to join Nestlé. The skills you've gained while serving our country, such as flexibility, agility, and leadership, are much like the skills that will make you successful in this role. In addition, with our commitment to an inclusive work environment, we recognize the exceptional engagement and innovation displayed by individuals with disabilities. Nestlé seeks such skilled and qualified individuals to share our mission where you'll join a cohort of others who have chosen to call Nestlé home.
The Nestlé Companies are equal employment opportunity employers. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any special accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience. Contact us at accommodations@nestle.com or please dial 711 and provide this number to the operator: 1-800-321-6467.
This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.
Review our applicant privacy notice before applying at https://www.nestlejobs.com/privacy.
Job Requisition: 402041
Driven by integrity and united by the people-and-pet bond, we find strong purpose in the work we do and an even greater joy in those we get to work alongside. Together, we harness the expertise of our long-standing tradition of excellence to embrace possibility and continuously push to do what's never been done before in pet care. Discover your purpose and fuel your passions when you bring your love of pets to a team that prides itself on the power of togetherness-We are Proudly Connected. Purely Driven.
Position Summary
We're a leader in the pet care industry, which means we're not only ahead in volume, profit, and market share, we're at the forefront of innovative product and process development that's allowing us to lead the march in pushing pet nutrition forward. Your larger team-the Research & Development group-creates the flavors, shapes, and textures often developed in marketing and brought to life through innovative engineering. These solutions not only safely drive our efficiency but help us move the marker on our ambitious sustainability goals so that with you on the team we can better serve our customers, communities, and planet.
As a Pilot Plant Technician, you'll be responsible for assisting with organization and performance with pilot plant trials and associated support work. Come prepared to perform light mechanical repair/plumbing and participate in project discussions. You'll also actively participate in cross-training and learn new skills required due to technology advances.
  • Organize and prepare formulations, as per research & development requirements, and perform pilot plant trials in a safe and efficient manner
  • Set-up, operate, and clean food-processing equipment
  • Maintain equipment in good sanitary and working condition
  • Organize and record data as outlined in the pilot plant request
  • Prepare summaries of trial results with recommendations for processing/product improvements based on observations
  • Adhere to all facility policies concerning safety, security, Good Laboratory and Good Manufacturing Practices (GLP & GMP)
  • Review and update SOPs and SSOPs

Requirements
  • High School Diploma (or GED)
  • 3+ years of manufacturing, mechanical, and/or maintenance experience

Other
  • Experience with factory type equipment and/or unit operations in a manufacturing setting or pilot plant is preferred
  • Ability to travel for factory trials, factory start-ups, or training is preferred
  • Must be able to stand, push, pull, kneel, walk, bend, and lift up to 50 pounds frequently throughout the day

The approximate pay range for this position is $42,000.00 to $61,000.00. Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to background, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as geographic location of the position. Nestlé offers performance-based incentives and a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 401k with Company match, healthcare coverage and a broad range of other benefits. Incentives and/or benefit packages may vary depending on the position. Learn more at About Us | Making an Impact | Nestle Careers (nestlejobs.com).
It is our business imperative to remain a very inclusive workplace.
To our veterans and separated service members, you're at the forefront of our minds as we recruit top talent to join Nestlé. The skills you've gained while serving our country, such as flexibility, agility, and leadership, are much like the skills that will make you successful in this role. In addition, with our commitment to an inclusive work environment, we recognize the exceptional engagement and innovation displayed by individuals with disabilities. Nestlé seeks such skilled and qualified individuals to share our mission where you'll join a cohort of others who have chosen to call Nestlé home.
The Nestlé Companies are equal employment opportunity employers. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any special accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience. Contact us at accommodations@nestle.com or please dial 711 and provide this number to the operator: 1-800-321-6467.
This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.
Review our applicant privacy notice before applying at https://www.nestlejobs.com/privacy.
Job Requisition: 402041

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