Pilot Plant Operator

About the role

Ayrton Energy's mission is to propel the global shift towards sustainable energy with the broad deployment of our cutting-edge hydrogen storage technology, reshaping hydrogen distribution to mirror the safety, simplicity, and efficiency of traditional fuels such as diesel or gasoline. As part of this, Ayrton is hiring a hands‑on Pilot Plant Operator to support process development and scale‑up work at its Hawaii‑based pilot facility for a 6–9 month contract. Relocation to Hawaii is covered.

Responsibilities

• Ensure safe operations of Ayrton pilot plant in adherence with Ayrton and client site’s safety protocols, including chemical handling, PPE requirements and emergency procedures
• Operate pilot-scale process equipment (reactors, distillation/separation units, pumps, and associated instrumentation) per batch and campaign schedules
• Execute experimental runs and process trials alongside engineering and R&D staff, adjusting operating parameters as directed
• Monitor and log process data (temperatures, pressures, flow rates, yields), flag deviations and provide feedback on process optimization/improvements
• Perform routine equipment setup, changeover, and basic troubleshooting
• Run basic lab analysis eg. FTIR, GC-TCD using Ayrton SOPs
• Liaise with stakeholders on site for operational coordination eg. Startups, shutdowns, handling process upsets etc.
• Follow and help write standard operating procedures (SOPs) as processes evolve
• Perform minor maintenance activities eg. Filter change and coordinating with contractors and site client for more substantial maintenance activities
• Ensure good housekeeping in the pilot plant and Ayrton’s work area
• Supervise and train junior team members eg. interns

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience as a process/plant/chemical operator, ideally including pilot plant, lab-scale, or R&D production environments
• Comfort working in a smaller, less routine, more experimental setting compared to a full production plant
• Comfort performing a variety of activities from operating and troubleshooting equipment to maintaining equipment to running lab analysis
• Working knowledge of basic process equipment (pumps, compressors, valves etc.), instrumentation and control (manual and/or DCS/PLC-based systems)
• Ability to troubleshoot process issues using structured approaches eg. 5 whys
• Strong documentation habits — comfortable logging data accurately and following/updating SOPs
• Ability to work independently and communicate clearly with engineering/R&D teams and external stakeholders
• Must be a U.S. citizen or otherwise authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship, and willing to relocate to Hawaii for the contract term (housing and transportation covered)

Skills

• Experience with batch chemical processes specifically (vs. continuous)
• Prior contract or turnaround work involving short-term relocation
• Familiarity with process safety management (PSM) practices

Benefits

• Housing and transportation costs to and from Hawaii covered for the duration of the contract
• Daily per diem provided for meals

Pay

Competitive Salary

Schedule

10 hours/day, 6 days/week