Pilot Plant Technologist

THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY; Freeport (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equitable base pay + bonus

Robust medical and life insurance

Employee stock purchase programs

Paid time off and vacation

Wellbeing portal and fitness amenities

Job summary

Dow has an exciting opportunity for a Pilot Plant Technologist located in Freeport, TX. This role supports process automation systems, provides preventative maintenance, and 24/7 troubleshooting to minimize downtime. Broad knowledge of hardware, OS software, networking, and system software is required.

The role involves upgrades, system installation, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to improve process control across pilot plants. Requires US work eligibility and shift flexibility.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required with 5+ years industry experience, or an Associate’s degree or military training/experience.
• Ability to interpret process and instrumentation diagrams and follow operating instructions.
• Ability to stand long hours and lift up to 10 pounds while performing physically demanding tasks.

Responsibilities

• Provide care and troubleshooting of process automation systems and networks.
• Support client devices within the area and respond as first escalation from the plant.
• Perform predictive and preventative maintenance and health checks on systems.
• Participate in software and hardware upgrades and execute small project work (installation, configuration, design).
• Assist with management of process information systems and control system updates.
• Coach run plant team in troubleshooting Process Control code and hardware problems.
• Collaborate with internal/external groups to address problems beyond technician level.
• Participate in audits of Process Control Strategy Descriptions for new equipment.
• Train on process control platforms to support improvements and strategy for pilot plants.

Skills

Problem Solving

Digital Literacy

R&D Operations

Workplace Safety

Collaboration

Education

High school diploma/GED

Associate's Degree in science-related field

Military training/experience (3+ years)

Job description

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 Technologist located in Freeport, TX. This role: Supports activities relating to the support of process automation systems. Provides preventative maintenance and 7x24 troubleshooting support for installed base systems. Minimizes plant downtime caused by process automation system failures, while providing services that are cost effective and sustainable. Has an overall knowledge of all current hardware, operating system software, networking systems and system software. Requires broadened technical skills in analytical/scientific methods or operational processes to perform a defined array of activities. May act as an informal resource for team members with less experience.

Responsibilities

• Provides care and troubleshooting of the process automation systems, and their associated networks and interfaces.
• Provides support for client-supported devices within the area.
• Provides corrective support in response to a system error condition or failure as the first point of escalation from the plant.
• Performs predictive and preventative maintenance (PPM) and health checks on systems.
• Participates in software and hardware upgrades.
• Completes small project work including system installation, configuration, design and development.
• Assist with the management of process information systems
• Assist with control system and process historian updates.
• Coach run plant team members in applying troubleshooting skills to more accurately identify Process Control code, control interface and hardware problems
• Work with internal and external support groups to effectively address identified problems beyond the Process Control Technician’s level of expertise
• Participate in audits and reviews of Process Control Strategy Descriptions (PCSDs) for new equipment installations
• Train on process control platforms to support process control improvements and strategy for the pilot plants

Required Qualifications

• A minimum of a high school diploma/GED and ONE of the following: 5 or more years of industry related experience, An Associate's Degree or higher with a focus in science related courses OR 3 or more years of military training/experience
• Must have the ability to process and instrumentation diagram concepts, read and follow such diagrams and interpret, and follow without deviation, process operating instructions in list, mathematical, diagram, or prose form and deal with many abstract and concrete variables.
• Must have the ability to stand for long periods of time and lift up to 10 pounds while safely engage in physically demanding tasks.
• Must have the ability to work assigned shift hours, day or night, with effective ownership of the work duties and process areas.
• Must have the ability to work assigned shift hours, day or night, with effective ownership of the work duties and process areas (this role will work the DuPont 12-hour, rotating shift schedule).
• 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.

Your Skills

• Proactive Problem Solving: Identifies, diagnoses, and resolves process automation, control system, hardware, software, and network issues to minimize plant downtime and prevent recurring failures.
• Digital Literacy: Applies knowledge of process automation technologies, operating systems, hardware, networking, process historians, control interfaces, and other digital systems to support plant operations.
• Research and Development Operations: Supports pilot plant operations through the installation, maintenance, configuration, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of process control and automation systems.
• Workplace Safety: Performs maintenance, troubleshooting, system changes, and other plant activities in accordance with established safety procedures, operating instructions, and process requirements.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Works effectively with plant personnel, process control teams, technical specialists, and internal and external support groups to troubleshoot problems, implement improvements, and maintain reliable operations.

Benefits – What Dow offers you

• Equitable and market-competitive base pay and bonus opportunity across our global markets, along with locally relevant incentives.
• Benefits and programs to support your physical, mental, financial, and social well-being, to help you get the care you need...when you need it.
• Competitive retirement program that may include company-provided benefits, savings opportunities, financial planning, and educational resources to help you achieve your long term financial-goals.
• Employee stock purchase programs (availability varies depending on location).
• Student Debt Retirement Savings Match Program (U.S. only). Dow will take the value of monthly student debt payments and apply them as if they are contributions to the Employees’ Savings Plan (401(k)), helping employees reach the Company match.
• Robust medical and life insurance packages that offer a variety of coverage options to meet your individual needs.
• Travel insurance is also available in certain countries/locations.
• Opportunities to learn and grow through training and mentoring, work experiences, community involvement and team building.
• Workplace culture empowering role-based flexibility to maximize personal productivity and balance personal needs.
• Competitive yearly vacation allowance.
• Paid time off for new parents (birthing and non-birthing, including adoptive and foster parents).
• Paid time off to care for family members who are sick or injured.
• Paid time off to support volunteering and Employee Resource Group’s (ERG) participation.
• Wellbeing Portal for all Dow employees, our one-stop shop to promote wellbeing, empowering employees to take ownership of their entire wellbeing journey.
• On-site fitness facilities to help stay healthy and active (availability varies depending on location).
• Employee discounts for online shopping, cinema tickets, gym memberships and more.
• Additionally, some of our locations might offer:
  • Transportation allowance (availability varies depending on location)
  • Meal subsidiaries/vouchers (availability varies depending on location)
  • Carbon-neutral transportation incentives e.g. bike to work (availability varies depending on location)

Join our team, we can make a difference together.

About Dow

Dow (NYSE: DOW) is one of the world’s leading materials science companies, serving customers in high-growth markets such as packaging, infrastructure, mobility and consumer applications. Our global breadth, asset integration and scale, focused innovation, leading business positions and commitment to sustainability enable us to achieve profitable growth and help deliver a sustainable future.

We operate manufacturing sites in 30 countries and employ approximately 36,000 people. Dow delivered sales of approximately $43 billion in 2024.

References to Dow or the Company mean Dow Inc. and its subsidiaries. Learn more about us and our ambition to be the most innovative, customer-centric, inclusive and sustainable materials science company in the world by visiting www.dow.com.

As part of our dedication to inclusion, Dow is committed to equal opportunities in employment. We encourage every employee to bring their whole self to work each day to not only deliver more value, but also have a more fulfilling career.

Further information regarding Dow's equal opportunities is available on www.dow.com.

Dow is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and is committed to providing opportunities without regard for race, color, religion, sex, including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity, national origin, age, disability and genetic information, including family medical history.

We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may call us at 1-833-My Dow HR (833-693-6947) and select option 8.

Dow is a company of more than 36,500 global innovators, believers and solutions providers. We are a diverse community marked by respect, integrity, and a desire to make the world a better place. A career at Dow is an invitation to explore, create, and make valuable contributions to human progress.