Pilot Plant Technologist

Kelly Services; Collegeville (PA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Kelly Services in the Collegeville, PA area seeks an experienced Pilot Plant Technologist for a 12+ month assignment. You will work with technicians and scientists in pilot plant and lab facilities to train personnel and ensure safety compliance and operational proficiency.

You will develop proficiency across technical processes, apply knowledge to diverse tasks, and support cross-team collaboration while maintaining quality and timely results.

Qualifications

• Associate Degree in Chemistry or Biology (local education required).
• Associates Degree + relevant work experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Applies technical proficiency to lead safe and efficient operation of pilot plant areas.
• Leads troubleshooting and root cause investigations for process deviations.
• Drives process optimization, evaluates plant inputs, and coordinates with engineers.
• Trains personnel to meet safety compliance and role-specific skills.
• Supports on-site operations with teamwork and clear technical communication.

Skills

Strong communication

Teamwork

Education

Associate Degree in Chemistry or Biology

Associates Degree + relevant work experience preferred

Tools

LabVIEW

Siemens

DeltaV

Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook)

Job description

Kelly is currently seeking an experienced Pilot Plant Technologist for an exciting opportunity in the Collegeville, PA area!

Title: Pilot Plant Technologist

Location: Collegeville, PA

Assignment Length: 12 + month

Pay range: $25 – $35/hr.

12-hour rotating schedule, 7am–7pm, rotating days/nights over a 28-day cycle (Includes a built-in 7-day break every 28 day rotation)

Job description:

• This role works directly with technicians and scientists engineers in pilot plant and lab facilities to assist with training of personnel to meet safety compliance requirements as well as technology specific skill sets and knowledge.
• Works with the group to maintain safe and proficient delivery from research personnel via continuous learning programs developed through role specific skills and experience.
• In this role, you will develop full proficiency in a range of technical processes and procedures through job-related training and on-the-job experience.
• You will need to be able to apply knowledge of technical processes and procedures to perform a range of work assignments.
• You need to understand how multiple teams coordinate efforts and resources to achieve objectives and be able to explain complex technical information to members of your own team and other teams.
• It is your responsibility to provide solutions to operational or analytical problems using established procedures and practices.
• You will serve as informal resource on analytical, scientific method, or operational processes for less experienced team members. Your performance impacts the quality, timeliness, and effectiveness of your own work and your team’s work. You will receive supervision on new complex assignments.

Responsibilities – Duties, projects, tasks, and activities you would be responsible for in this role

• Applies technical proficiency to lead safe and efficient operation of assigned plant areas
• Assigns and performs tasks to ensure Master Task List completion (e.g. Field checks, equipment preparation, samples, etc.)
• Leads trouble shooting efforts to resolve process related deviations and problems and impacts the team’s results through effectiveness of own work and helps facilitate Root Cause Investigations
• Assigns process upset crisis response activities to group technicians as needed
• Leads improvements in plant performance and Operating discipline, including creating, improving, and approving job procedures and provides solutions to analytical or scientific problems in situations that are atypical
• Analyzes plant inputs to drive process control, asset utilization, conversion costs, production yields, and identifies opportunities for plant optimization
• Leads and directs process equipment troubleshooting, minor repairs, improvements and preventative maintenance
• Collaborates with engineers and leadership to plan plant turnarounds and set scope for special projects
• Evaluates lower level technicians for development, performance review, and disciplinary needs
• Identifies knowledge gaps and then defines training needs to resolve gaps.
• Participates in Training Review Boards and provides input to the evaluation and approval process
• Ensures Life Critical Standards are adhered to, drives facility safety and training culture via example

Qualifications

Associate Degree in Chemistry, Biology, or equivalent local education required. (Local requirements may vary).

Associates Degree + relevant work experience preferred.

Top Must-Haves:

Education in process technology or engineering
Internship or co-op experience in relevant industries (chemical, pharmaceutical, etc.)
Proficient computer skills, especially Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook)

Nice-to-Have Skills: Experience with process control systems such as LabView, Siemens, or DeltaV
Strong communication and teamwork skills, demonstrated through projects, collaboration, or leadership

PPE & Requirements:

PPE provided: lab coat, safety glasses, safety shoes
Some one-off items (e.g., prescription safety glasses) may need to be self-procured
No driving required beyond normal commute
No TWIC card required

Interview Process:

Two rounds total
1st round: Phone screen with hiring manager for role overview + initial fit
2nd round: Panel or small-group interview with team members
Preferably on-site, but Teams available for non-local candidates