Pilot Plant Operations Technician

AVN Corporation; South Charleston (WV); On-site; USD 30,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) plan

HSA eligibility

Job summary

AVN Corporation is seeking an Advanced Operations & Maintenance Technician to support pilot-scale facilities in South Charleston, WV. The role covers installation, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, data collection, and safety compliance in a dynamic research-to-production environment.

You will work with engineers and technicians, install equipment, run experiments, collect samples, and participate in safety permits and life-critical procedures, with regular hours and potential overtime.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 3 years in chemical operations or pilot plant environments.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting.
• Proficiency with MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Operate pilot-scale chemical equipment using field controls and DCS.
• Document process data and observations.
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance.
• Assist with pilot plant construction and startup activities.
• Follow safety procedures including LOTO and permits.
• Support installation and instrumentation activities.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Troubleshooting

Safety practices

Documentation

Microsoft Office

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree (preferred)

Tools

Distributed control systems (DCS)

P&IDs understanding

Process instrumentation

Job description

Job Title: Pilot Plant Operations Technician

About AVN

AVN is a strategic innovation partner providing deep, uncommon expertise and infrastructure to solve the most challenging problems of science and technology. AVN's expertise in chemicals, energy, environmental, and advanced software enables its partners to move ideas from conception to market quickly and efficiently. AVN's chemical, energy, and environmental services business unit is headquartered in South Charleston, West Virginia. This business unit provides a broad range of unbiased technical services in industrial R&D, ranging from fundamental research to highly applied development in both the process and product arenas. Our laboratory technicians are essential in providing valuable R&D services to AVN's global customers from our South Charleston laboratories.

We are seeking an experienced and adaptable Advanced Operations & Maintenance Technician to support the construction, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of pilot-scale chemical facilities. This position offers the opportunity to work on a wide variety of technologies and processes, providing hands‑on experience in research, process development, and chemical manufacturing.

About the Position

AVN Pilot Plant Operations Technician’s work alongside engineers, operators, and instrumentation personnel to safely construct, operate, maintain, and improve pilot plant systems. Responsibilities include equipment installation, process operations, troubleshooting, maintenance activities, data collection, sample handling, and execution of critical safety procedures.

Successful candidates will thrive in a dynamic environment where projects frequently transition between design, startup, operation, and decommissioning phases. The ideal candidate is mechanically inclined, safety-focused, and comfortable learning new technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate pilot-scale chemical processing equipment using both field controls and distributed control systems (DCS).
• Execute operating procedures and experimental run plans.
• Monitor process conditions and respond appropriately to process deviations.
• Collect and document research-quality operating data and observations.
• Assist with pilot plant construction and modification projects.
• Install tubing, small-bore piping, process equipment, valves, and instrumentation.
• Support rigging and equipment placement activities.
• Read and understand basic engineering drawings, P&IDs, and equipment layouts.
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on mechanical equipment.
• Troubleshoot pumps, valves, piping systems, instruments, and process equipment.
• Assist engineers in identifying and resolving operational challenges.
• Participate in equipment startup, shutdown, and turnaround activities
• Collect process samples safely and accurately.
• Perform basic analytical testing and routine laboratory measurements.
• Assist with handling high‑pressure, reactive, flammable, or hazardous materials.
• Document and communicate analytical results and observations.
• Execute and support Life Critical Work Processes, including: Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), Safe Work Permits, Hot Work Permits, Confined Space Entry, and Elevated Work Activities
• Follow all HSES procedures and operating standards.
• Maintain proper chemical handling, labeling, storage, and waste management practices.
• Participate in safety reviews, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Train and mentor less experienced technicians.
• Support facility housekeeping and maintenance activities.
• Contribute to a positive, collaborative team environment.
• Assist with special projects and other operational needs as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in chemical operations, chemical manufacturing, pilot plant operations, maintenance, or a related industrial environment.
• Working knowledge of process equipment, piping systems, and chemical operations.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to understand and execute safe work practices.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel.
• Strong written communication and documentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree in Process Technology, Industrial Technology, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline.
• Five or more years of experience in chemical processing, pilot plant operations, or industrial manufacturing.
• Experience with distributed control systems (DCS).
• Experience with basic analytical techniques such as gas chromatography, titration, or process sampling.
• Experience with pilot plant construction, commissioning, and startup activities.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders and work at elevated locations.
• Ability to work in industrial environments, including outdoor conditions and confined spaces.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment, including respirators, hearing protection, FR clothing, and chemical‑resistant PPE.

Position Location

South Charleston, WV

Work Hours

Monday-Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM but may be required to work irregular hours based on project needs. This could include rotating shifts, evening shifts, 10 or 12-hour workdays, or weekend coverage. Occasional overtime is required, and will be compensated for at 1.5x hourly pay.

Position Pay Range

AVN offers competitive pay based on experience level.

Benefits

AVN Corporation provides a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee health and financial well‑being, including health, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan, and Health Savings Account (HSA) eligibility.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, familial status, disability status, genetic information, national origin, age, veteran status, or current or future service in the uniformed services, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state or federal law.