Pilot Plant Operator

The Dow Chemical Company; Wilmington (DE); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Dow Chemical Company in Wilmington, DE is seeking a Pilot Plant Technician to support the operation of the R&D Pilot Plant. You will work with engineers, scientists, and technicians to ensure safe, efficient operation and to deliver product samples and data for planned experiments.

Candidates should have a high school diploma or GED with additional technical education or experience in process technology or chemistry, and be willing to work 12-hour rotating shifts, including overtime.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required, plus one of: Associate’s degree or higher in Process Technology, Chemistry, Biology or similar; 3+ years military technical experience/training; 3+ years in a chemical facility operations role or related industry.
• Need to work 12-hour rotating shifts and overtime as needed.
• U.S. work authorization required; no visa sponsorship available.

Responsibilities

• Operate and field checks process equipment, monitor conditions, equipment and control systems in a defined area.
• Perform tasks per Master Task List (field checks, equipment prep, samples, etc.).
• Troubleshoot process deviations and coordinate with team members.
• Monitor, collect and input plant metrics for SPC, asset utilization, yields; identify optimization opportunities.
• Apply process knowledge to improve plant performance and operating discipline; write and update procedures.
• Write SWPs and perform lockout/tagout procedures.
• Participate in Root Cause Investigations.
• Support pilot plant operations during upsets/crises as directed by Pilot Plant Technologist.
• Demonstrate commitment to safety culture and adhere to Life Critical Standards.
• Complete all required training; move drums (55 gal) and lift up to 50 lbs.

Skills

Maintenance experience

Mechanical aptitude

Polymer equipment

Plant operations

Shift punctuality

Safety communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate’s Degree in Process Technology

Military technical training (3+ years)

Chemical facility operations experience (3+ years)

Job description

Primary Location:Wilmington (DE, USA),Delaware,United States of America

At Dow, we believe in putting people first and we’re passionate about delivering integrity, respect and safety to our customers, our employees and the planet.

Our people are at the heart of our solutions. They reflect the communities we live in and the world where we do business. Their diversity is our strength. We’re a community of relentless problem solvers that offers the daily opportunity to contribute with your perspective, transform industries and shape the future. Our purpose is simple - to deliver a sustainable future for the world through science and collaboration.If you’re looking for a challenge and meaningful role, you’re in the right place.

About This Role

Dow has an exciting opportunity for a Pilot Plant Technician in Wilmington, DE! You are a self-starter who can identify, prioritize and accomplish multiple tasks. You can provide support to the operation of the Research & Development (R&D) Pilot Plant. You can work directly with engineers, scientists, leaders, and other technicians to ensure safe and proficient operation of the plants to deliver product samples and process information as requested in the planned experiments.

Responsibilities

• Operate and field checks process equipment, and monitors process conditions, equipment, and control systems in a defined area.
• Perform tasks assigned to operations as per Master Task List (e.g. Field checks, equipment preparation, samples, etc.).
• Use trouble shooting skills to resolve process related deviations and problems, and understands how the assigned duties relate to others in the team and how the team integrates with other related teams.
• Monitor, collect, and input plant metrics for Statistical Process Control, asset utilization, conversion costs, production yields, and identifies opportunities for plant optimization
• Use process knowledge and skills to make improvements in plant performance and Operating discipline, including creating and improving job procedures.
• Write SWP's and perform lock out/tag out.
• Participate in Root Cause Investigations.
• Perform process upset/crisis response activities assigned by Pilot Plant Technologist.
• Demonstrate proficient application of Life Critical Standards, operate plant discipline and sets role model in safety culture.
• Complete all assigned training per facility training plan
• Move drums (55gal) and lift up to 50lbs

Required Qualifications

• A minimum of a High School Diploma or GED is required and one of the following:
  • An Associate’s Degree or higher with emphasis in Process Technology, Chemistry, Biology, or similar technology related area.
  • 3 or more years of relevant technical military experience/training.
  • 3 or more years of work experience in a chemical facility operations role or other relevant industry experience.
• Willing and able to work shift schedule and 12 hour rotating shift
• Ability to work overtime and holidays as needed
• A minimum requirement for this U.S. based position is the ability to work legally in the United States. No visa sponsorship/support is available for this position, including for any type of U.S. permanent residency (green card) process.

Preferred Qualifications

• You have 3 or more years of experience within chemical, manufacturing, oil/gas or industrial environment.

Physical Requirements

• Must be willing and able to do the following with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Wear safety equipment, such as earplugs, goggles, and steel-toed shoes
• Wear and use respirators
• Perform frequent bending, reaching, and lifting
• Work in tight or closed-in spaces
• Climb stairs/ladders and work high off the ground
• Stand or walk for extended periods of time
• Frequent/occasional lifting of material weighing approximately 50 pounds, including repositioning of full 55gal drums on pallets

Skills

• Maintenance: Must have significant maintenance experience along with the ability to comfortably use hand tools.
• Mechanical Equipment: Mechanical aptitude and hands-on experience in running large-scale polymer compounding equipment preferred.
• Operations: Experience with operation of continuous, integrated chemical process pilot plants. Must also have experience in chemical process research and development or production support.
• Timeliness: Must be prompt and able to stick to the shift schedule. It is imperative that the candidate must be able to arrive to assigned shifts in a timely manner.
• Communication: Strong written and