Pilot Plant Operator

Lubrizol Corporation; Wickliffe (OH); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with bonus plans

401(k) matching plans

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Paid holidays and vacation

Job summary

Lubrizol Corporation is seeking a experienced Pilot Plant Operator to safely manage chemical processing equipment on maintenance and development projects. You will follow SOPs, operate reactors, and support process engineers with data and analyses.

The role involves handling 1–12 L lab scales up to 1000-gallon reactors, working across development and production processes, and adhering to safety and environmental standards on a 12-hour shift.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 10+ years in manufacturing and/or chemical process development.
• Understanding of hazardous materials and safety procedures (MSDS, JSA’s).
• OHSA PSM and Process Hazard Analysis.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills (verbal/written).
• Ability to plan tasks, work independently, and display initiative.
• Willing/able to occasionally wear SCBA.
• Proven ability to think critically, troubleshoot, problem solve and recommend process improvements.
• Strong mechanical aptitude.
• Basic math, reading, and computer skills.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate and work with industrial equipment using proper PPE and safety procedures.
• Process chemical products using batch sheet instructions.
• Adjust and read process parameters in the field and remotely through DCS.
• Set up and process raw materials in development lab with appropriate equipment.
• Collect samples and conduct lab analyses and record data accurately.
• Load and unload material containers.
• Perform Lock Out Tag Out prior to maintenance.
• Participate in the plant emergency response team and complete required training.
• Track and record process information and production data.
• Conduct safety audits, housekeeping, and compliance checks.

Skills

Strong interpersonal communication

Independent work

Critical thinking

Troubleshooting

Mechanical aptitude

Basic math/computer literacy

Education

High school diploma

Tools

MS Office

SAP

DCS familiarity

Job description

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At Lubrizol, we’re bringing to life the chemistry behind clean water, efficient transportation, reliable infrastructure, critical medicines, and the products people rely on every day through science, sustainability, and a culture of inclusion.

As part of our global team, you’ll be empowered to make a real impact - on your career, your community, and the world around you.

Job Type: Full-Time -12 hours shifts

As a Pilot Plant operator, you areresponsible for the safe and efficient operation of all existing new chemical processing equipment.

This includes safely operating within the limits of the equipment, following all instructions provided by Process Engineers, and following all Standard Operating Procedures.

You can work on both process development and commercial manufacturing processes. These processes will involve reactive chemistry, exothermic reactions, solids handling, and providing valuable technical information and insights for chemical engineers and other internal customers.

You will support all Lubrizol business segments, improving products with a variety of chemistry and process equipment. Product development work includes working in a lab using 1–12-liter flasks to pilot plant scale working with up to 1000-gallon reactors.

routinely works with process development engineers on new product and process development, raw material qualification and process safety improvement projects.

How You’ll Make an Impact

• Safely operate and work with industrial equipment using the proper PPE and safety procedures.
• Process chemical products using batch sheet instructions.
• Ability to understand, read, use, change process parameters in the field and remotely through DCS
• Set up and process raw materials in development lab using piping, glassware and other lab equipment according to written instructions and diagrams drafted by engineers.
• Collect samples and conduct lab analyses (colorimetric titrations, viscosity measurements, etc.) according to instructions outlined by engineers or supervisors and accurately record the data.
• Load and unload material containers (pails, drums, bags, totes).
• Clean/prepare equipment including Lock Out Tag Out prior to maintenance.
• Participate in plant emergency response team (ERT) with the requirement of successfully completing the 36-Hour Fire Course test and state test.
• Track/record process information and production data.
• Routinely perform safety audits, inspections, and general housekeeping (5S).
• Additional duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications that Enable Your Success

• High school diploma or equivalent from an accredited school.
• 10+ years previous experience in manufacturing and/or chemical process development.
• Understanding of hazardous materials and safety procedures (MSDS, JSA’s, etc.)
• OHSA PSM and Process Hazard Analysis
• Strong interpersonal communication skills (verbal/written).
• Ability to plan tasks, work independently, and display individual initiative.
• Willing/able to occasionally wear SCBA.
• Proven ability to think critically, troubleshoot, problem solve and recommend process improvements.
• Strong mechanical aptitude
• Basic math, reading, and computer skills.

Relevant Equipment Operated

• Batch reactors, continuous processes, steam/water heating utilities, hot oil heating utilities, scrubbers and vent abatement, low pressure vacuum systems, filtration/separations unit operations (plate and frame, agitated filter dryers, thin-film evaporation, distillation, molecular sieves/membranes), extruders and kneader reactors, solids feeders, solids mixers, high shear pumps/mixers.
• Understanding of distributed control systems (DCS) (Delta, Delta V ,Batch Automation), data historians and trends, in-line analytical methods (IR, particle size, turbidity, viscosity, color, pH, etc.), process controls and safety critical alarms/interlock familiarity.

Preferred Qualifications that Drive you Forward

• Previous chemical operating experience.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.)
• Knowledge of chemistry and chemical hazards.
• Working SAP knowledge.
• Other credentials applicable to chemical manufacturing/chemistry/mechanical construction (Process Technology, Process Development, Pilot Plant, etc.)

Your Work Environment
At Lubrizol, we’re committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment where you can do your best work—whether in a lab, on the production floor, or in a hybrid office setting. Depending on your role, your work environment may include:

• Straight 12-hour shifts-7a-7p OR 7p-7a
• Willing/able to work on chemical processes indoors and outdoors in inclement weather.
• Willing to work overtime, and holidays as needed.
• Maintain clean shaven appearance to allow for respirator and supplied air usage.
• Standing, walking, or operating equipment for extended periods
• Working in a lab or manufacturing setting with appropriate PPE provided
• Use of computers and digital tools in an office or hybrid environment
• Occasional lifting or movement of materials
• Adherence to rigorous safety protocols and ergonomic standards

Benefits that Empower You

• Competitive salary with performance-based bonus plans
• 401(k) match + Age-Weighted Defined Contribution
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Paid holidays, vacation, and parental leave

Lubrizol: Imagined for Life. Enabled by Science. ™ Delivered by You. For nearly 100 years, The Lubrizol Corporation, a Berkshire Hathaway company, has been at the forefront of innovation to enhance everyday life, advance mobility, and make the modern world work better. Our specialty chemistry solutions—from engine oils, performance coatings, and skincare to medical devices and plumbing systems —are powered by the expertise, passion, and commitment of people like you. We tackle the world’s toughest challenges with science-based solutions, deeply understanding our customers to deliver innovative chemistry and differentiated value. Our inclusive culture, dedication to safety, and incredible global talent drive our success. Our solutions meet the evolving needs of the modern world—brought to life by science and, most importantly, delivered by you. Whether you're in the lab, on the production floor, or in the office, you'll be part of a team around the world that empowers you to think boldly, drive results, and contribute to solutions that shape a better, more sustainable future. We win because of you. Let’s build the future together .

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