Pilot Plant Operator

About the role

This position is ideal for operators and technicians from refinery, chemical processing, oilfield, wastewater treatment, or similar industrial process environments who enjoy hands-on work, troubleshooting equipment, and solving operational challenges.

Responsibilities

• Operate pilot-scale distillation and process equipment using PLC control systems while monitoring pressures, temperatures, flow rates, levels, and overall process conditions.
• Collect, document, and analyze process data and chemical samples to support testing activities and project objectives.
• Install, configure, troubleshoot, and maintain instrumentation, controls, and pilot plant equipment used in research operations.
• Prepare, modify, and maintain test equipment including pumps, heat exchangers, piping, tubing, insulation, and other mechanical systems.
• Safely handle chemicals, execute test procedures, support equipment startups and shutdowns, and respond appropriately to abnormal operating conditions.
• Support fabrication, modification, and repair of test equipment and prototypes through welding, metal forming, 3D printing, and other mechanical work as experience allows.
• Maintain compliance with all safety requirements and safe work practices, including HAZWOPER, confined space entry, hot work permitting, lockout/tagout, forklift operation, hoist operation, respirator use, and related safety programs.
• Apply sound operator judgment by identifying potential issues, communicating concerns, asking questions when conditions are unclear, and collaborating with technicians and engineers to achieve successful testing outcomes.

Requirements

• Experience operating or supporting equipment in a refinery, chemical processing facility, pilot plant, oilfield operation, wastewater treatment facility, power generation facility, or similar commercial process plant environment.
• Experience working with process equipment, instrumentation, controls, mechanical systems, maintenance activities, or plant operations.
• Experience following operating procedures, safety requirements, permits, or standard work practices in an industrial environment.
• Ability to be clean shaven and fit tested to wear a respirator as required.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to squat, bend, and lift up to 50 pounds. Ability to stand for up to 10 hours in a non-climate-controlled plant environment. Ability to climb stairs and ladders multiple times throughout the day.

Qualifications

• Experience operating refinery, chemical processing, petrochemical, gas processing, or other industrial process equipment, including startup, shutdown, monitoring, and troubleshooting activities.
• Experience with instrumentation and controls including installation, calibration, troubleshooting, controller tuning, or maintenance support.
• Experience operating PLC- or DCS-controlled process equipment.
• Mechanical, pipefitting, welding, rotating equipment, pump, heat exchanger, or maintenance experience, including the ability to read and interpret P&IDs and equipment drawings.

Skills

• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to follow procedures closely.
• Good communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Flexible spending and health savings accounts.
• Life insurance.
• Disability insurance.
• Retailer retirement plan.
• Paid vacation/time off.
• Educational assistance.
• Infertility assistance.
• Paid parental leave and adoption assistance.

Pay

Compensation is commensurate with experience.

Schedule

Shift: This position works a fixed third-shift schedule of 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. on a 4-day work week. Scheduled workdays begin Monday night through Thursday night, with the final shift ending Friday morning at 8:00 a.m.