Pilot Plant Technician

Staff Management | SMX; Westlake (OH); On-site; USD 32,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Job summary

Staff Management | SMX is seeking a Pilot Plant Technician in Westlake, OH to support R&D through pilot-scale trials and process development on the alkaline line. You will maintain throughput, operate separator handling, electrolyte filling, and cell assembly equipment, and collect data for real-time feedback.

The ideal candidate has hands-on mechanical skills, 2–5 years of experience, and the ability to read schematics.

Qualifications

• 2–5 years of technical, laboratory, pilot plant, or manufacturing experience.
• Associate-level coursework (or equivalent) in science, engineering, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Execute pilot-scale trials to evaluate new materials, designs, and process improvements.
• Operate and maintain equipment used in separator handling, electrolyte filling, and cell assembly.
• Support development and optimization of separator materials and related processes.
• Manage and process raw materials into finished products to support new technology development.
• Collect, measure, and analyze data; provide real-time feedback to R&D teams.
• Troubleshoot process and equipment issues and work cross-functionally to resolve them.
• Maintain safety protocols including chemical handling and LOTO procedures.
• Identify and report unsafe conditions and support continuous safety improvements.
• Maintain housekeeping and 5S standards within the pilot line.
• Participate in continuous improvement and team-based problem-solving initiatives.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

MS Office

Interpret schematics

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Lifting 30 pounds

Overtime flexibility

Education

HS Diploma or GED

Job description

With Staff Management | SMX, you'll get a weekly paycheck, learn new skills, meet new people, and work with a great management team in a clean and safe environment.

The Pilot Plant Technician provides critical support to Research & Development by executing pilot-scale trials, supporting process development, and enabling scale-up of new and improved alkaline battery technologies. This role is focused on the separator, fill, and close areas of the Alkaline Pilot Line. The technician will play a critical role in maintaining pilot line throughput and process continuity, ensuring successful execution of alkaline research and development projects.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on, self-motivated individual who works independently, demonstrates a strong aptitude for mechanical systems, understands complex equipment, and processes, and collaborates effectively with scientists and cross-functional teams.

This position offers direct involvement in next-generation battery, development, hands-on role influencing product performance and manufacturability, collaborative environment across R&D, engineering, and operations and a safety-first culture with focus on continuous improvement and innovation.

Perks & Benefits: Weekly paychecks, Direct Deposit or Cash Card pay options, Medical / Dental Insurance.

Shifts: 1st Shift.

Employment Types: Full Time, Long Term.

Pay Rate: $23.00 - $25.50 / hour

Duties:

• Execute pilot-scale trials to evaluate new materials, designs, and process improvements.
• Operate and maintain equipment used in separator handling, electrolyte filling, and cell assembly.
• Support development and optimization of separator materials and related processes.
• Manage and process raw materials into finished products to support new technology development.
• Collect, measure, and analyze data; provide real-time feedback to R&D teams.
• Troubleshoot process and equipment issues and work cross-functionally to resolve them.
• Maintain strict adherence to safety protocols, including chemical handling and LOTO procedures.
• Identify and report unsafe conditions and support continuous safety improvements.
• Maintain housekeeping and 5S standards within the pilot line.
• Participate in continuous improvement and team-based problem-solving initiatives.

Position Requirements:

• 2-5 years of technical, laboratory, pilot plant, or manufacturing experience.
• Associate-level coursework (or equivalent experience) in science, engineering, or related field.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to operate process equipment.
• Ability to interpret schematics, work instructions, and technical documentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Ability to lift to 30 pounds regularly.
• Ability to wear respiratory protection.
• Willingness to work overtime as needed.
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality.

Requirements: Background Check, Drug Test, Must be at least 18 years old.Able to Lift 30 pounds., required education: HS Diploma or GED.

Work Location: SMXENG, Westlake, OH 44145.

Job Types: Manufacturing, Material Handler, Engineering, Laboratory, Quality.

Industry: Manufacturing.

The hourly rate for this position is anticipated between $23.00 - $25.50 per hour. This range is a good‑faith estimate, based on the shift you work and other considerations permitted by law. An employee''s pay history will not be a contributing factor where prohibited by local law. In addition to monetary compensation, we offer medical, dental, vision, life, and more. More details about benefits can be found at https://flimp.live/trueblueassociates#home .

SMX, LLC is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, sexual orientation, age, gender identification, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with applicable law.

Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in the selection process. If you require disability-related accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact your Recruiter or Employee Relations at [e-mail] or 1-800-610-8920. TrueBlue, Inc. and its brands will consult with all applicants who request disability-related accommodation during the recruitment process to ensure that the accommodation provided takes into account the applicant's individual accessibility needs.