Pilot Plant Technician

Aclara Resources; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 56,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Aclara Technologies, Inc. in Blacksburg, VA is seeking a Pilot Plant Technician to support pilot-scale Rare Earth Element separation processes, transitioning from lab-scale chemistry to full production.

The role requires safety‑focused, detail‑oriented individuals with hands‑on equipment experience working in a lab/pilot plant setting. The position features 12‑hour shifts (7:00 PM - 7:00 AM or 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM) and responsibilities including operating reactors, filters, pumps, and mixers,

Qualifications

• Willingness to learn about chemical operations and chemical process equipment.
• Working knowledge of chemical safety practices, including handling acids and bases.
• Ability to read and interpret process instructions and technical documents.
• Strong attention to detail, communication skills, and a proactive attitude.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and maintain pilot plant equipment (e.g., reactors, filters, pumps, mixers).
• Prepare materials and set up equipment for pilot plant trials.
• Collect and record process data accurately; prepare batch records and run logs.
• Support experimental campaigns by adjusting operating conditions as directed.
• Perform routine maintenance and cleaning of equipment to ensure reliable operations.
• Troubleshoot equipment and process malfunctions; collaborate with colleagues for troubleshooting and repairs.
• Follow all safety, environmental, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Contribute to continuous improvement of processes, safety, and operational efficiency.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Hands-on experience

Safety-focused

Detail-oriented

Process instructions

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Tools

Pumps

Reactors

Filters

Mixers

Job description

Aclara Technologies Inc. is the United States subsidiary of Aclara Resources Inc, a rare earth elements company focused on the sustainable development of ionic clay deposits in Latin America. Its flagship projects, the Penco Module in Chile and the Carina Project in Brazil, target the production of heavy rare earth elements such as dysprosium and terbium. These elements are used to manufacture permanent magnets which are critical to EVs and defense applications.Aclara emphasizes environmentally responsible extraction with minimal surface disturbance and no tailings generation. The company is also developing a downstream separation facility in Louisiana which will process and separate the mixed rare earth carbonates into separated oxides. The plan is to put all of these assets into production by 2028 and bring supply security and independence for this critical mineral supply chain to the United States

Role

We are seeking a Pilot Plant Technician with strong mechanical aptitude and hands‑on experience to support the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of our pilot‑scale Rare Earth Element separation processes. This role is essential in the transition from laboratory‑scale chemistry to full‑scale production. The ideal candidate is safety‑focused, detail‑oriented, and passionate about working with equipment and instrumentation.

This position requires working shift work, on a 12‑hour schedule (7:00 PM - 7:00 AM/7:00AM - 7:00PM)

Responsibilities

As a key member of the team, you are accountable for the following:

• Operate, monitor, and maintain pilot plant equipment (e.g., reactors, filters, pumps, mixers).
• Prepare materials and set up equipment for pilot plant trials.
• Collect and record process data accurately; prepare batch records and run logs.
• Support experimental campaigns by adjusting operating conditions as directed.
• Perform routine maintenance and cleaning of equipment to ensure reliable operations.
• Troubleshoot equipment and process malfunctions; collaborate with colleagues for troubleshooting and repairs.
• Follow all safety, environmental, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Contribute to continuous improvement of processes, safety, and operational efficiency.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Willingness to learn about chemical operations and chemical process equipment.
• Working knowledge of chemical safety practices, including handling acids and bases.
• Ability to read and interpret process instructions and technical documents.
• Strong attention to detail, communication skills, and a proactive attitude.

Work Conditions

• Work performed in a laboratory/pilot plant setting with small‑scale equipment.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) required.

Aclara Technologies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply, regardless of race, religion, gender, or background.