Lead Pilot-Scale Process Technician

Applied Research Associates, Inc.; Panama City (FL); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is seeking a Lead Engineering Technician to collaborate with engineers and scientists in the construction, safe operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of pilot‑scale process units in Panama City, FL.

You will lead by example, translate engineering direction into reliable equipment, and ensure safety and high‑quality workmanship across high‑pressure systems. This role requires hands‑on fabrication, debugging, and team coordination.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• 3–5 years of related hands‑on experience in pilot plants, laboratories, process development, industrial maintenance, fabrication, or chemical processing.
• Demonstrated experience with high‑pressure and/or high‑temperature equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands‑on experience assembling, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting process or laboratory equipment.
• Experience using hand and power tools (saws, drills, wrenches, tube cutters, deburring tools).
• Experience with compression fittings, small‑bore tubing, piping, pumps, heaters, heat exchangers, valves, mixers, and process instrumentation.
• Ability to read and follow engineering drawings, P&IDs, equipment manuals, and checklists.

Responsibilities

• Pilot‑unit fabrication and assembly from engineering drawings and P&IDs.
• Tubing and mechanical work including 1/4‑inch tubing and fittings.
• Safe operation of high‑pressure/high‑temperature pilot equipment.
• Pre‑startup checks, leak checks, line tracing, and housekeeping.
• Troubleshooting mechanical and basic electrical/control issues; coordinate repairs.
• Data collection, monitoring, and recording operational results.
• Coordinate daily technician activities and communicate equipment status.
• Maintain clean, organized, inspection‑ready workspaces.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Reading engineering drawings

Problem solving

Team leadership

Strong communication

Documentation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Job description

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is seeking a Lead Engineering Technician to collaborate with engineers and scientists in the construction, safe operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of pilot‑scale process units in Panama City, FL.

You will lead by example, translate engineering direction into reliable equipment, and ensure safety and high‑quality workmanship across high‑pressure systems. This role requires hands‑on fabrication, debugging, and team coordination.