Pilot Plant Technician

Express Employment Professionals - Cincinnati East; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Express Employment Professionals - Cincinnati East is seeking a PilotPlantTechnician to support operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of pilot-scale REE separation processes. The role translates laboratory-scale chemistry to full-scale production in a safety-driven, detail-focused environment.

You will operate equipment, collect data, adjust conditions, and participate in continuous improvement while complying with SOPs and safety requirements. Weekend work may be required during campaigns.

Qualifications

• Willingness to learn chemical operations.
• Knowledge of chemical safety practices.
• Ability to read process instructions and technical docs.
• Detail oriented with good communication and initiative.
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and maintain pilot-plant equipment (reactors, filters, pumps, mixers).
• Prepare materials and configure equipment for pilot-plant trials and experiments.
• Accurately collect and document process data, batch records, and run logs.
• Adjust operating conditions to support development efforts.
• Perform routine maintenance and cleaning for reliable plant operations.
• Troubleshoot equipment and work with engineering on repairs.
• Adhere to safety, environmental, and SOPs.
• Contribute to continuous improvement in process performance and efficiency.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Willingness to learn

Chemical safety

Process instructions

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Lift 50 lbs

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated PilotPlantTechnicianwith strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on experience to support the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting ofpilot-scale Rare Earth Element (REE) separation processes. This position plays a critical role in translating laboratory-scale chemistry into full-scale commercial production. The ideal candidate is safety-driven, detail-oriented, and enthusiastic about working with complex equipment and instrumentation.

Key Responsibilities

As a vital member of the operations team, the PilotPlantTechnician will:

• Operate, monitor, and maintainpilotplantequipment, including reactors, filters, pumps, and mixers.
• Prepare materials and configure equipment forpilotplanttrials and experimental campaigns.
• Accurately collect and document process data, including batch records and run logs.
• Adjust operating conditions as directed to support process development efforts.
• Perform routine maintenance and cleaning to ensure reliable and safeplantoperations.
• Troubleshoot equipment and process issues, collaborating with engineering and technical staff on repairs and corrective actions.
• Adhere to all safety, environmental, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives related to process performance, safety, and operational efficiency.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Willingness to learn chemical operations and process equipment.
• Working knowledge of chemical safety practices, including handling acids and bases.
• Ability to read and interpret process instructions and technical documentation.
• Strong attention to detail, communication skills, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work in a laboratory environment.

Work Environment

• Work is performed in a laboratory orpilotplantsetting using small-scale process equipment.
• Occasional off-shift or weekend work may be required during experimental campaigns.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory.