Plant Operations Technician Job

The Arkema Group; King of Prussia (PA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Arkema's North America Corporate R&D Headquarters in King of Prussia, PA seeks a Chemical Operator/Maintenence Technician to join our pilot plant team. You will operate pilot plant processes, troubleshoot equipment, and support process improvements, bridging laboratory work and commercial production.

This hands-on role combines plant operations, maintenance, and continuous improvement in a dynamic R&D setting, with a rotating 1st/2nd shift and occasional schedule flexibility to meet operational

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting experience.
• Ability to perform routine operational calculations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and basic computer systems.
• Ability to work safely in an industrial environment and on a rotating shift.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate pilot plant processes and utility equipment.
• Monitor process performance and document data and tests.
• Troubleshoot equipment issues and support root-cause investigations.
• Conduct routine quality control testing and rheology analysis.
• Support commissioning, start-up, and optimization of pilot plant processes.
• Respond to emergencies following established procedures.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Troubleshooting

Math skills

MS Office

Safety mindset

Rotating shift

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associates degree preferred

Tools

DCS

P&ID interpretation

Job description

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Location: King of Prussia, PA
Reports To: Pilot Plant Manager

Join Arkema's Innovation Team

Arkema's North America Corporate R&D Headquarters in King of Prussia, PA is seeking a Chemical Operator/Maintenence Technician to join ourmulit-business unit pilot plant team. This is an exciting opportunity for a mechanically inclined, safety-focused professional who enjoys working at the intersection of research, manufacturing, and process development.

In this role, you'll play a critical part in scaling innovative technologies from the laboratory to commercial production. Working alongside engineers, scientists, maintenance professionals, and operations personnel, you'll support pilot-scale chemical processes, troubleshoot equipment, contribute to process improvements, and help bring new products and technologies to life.

This is ahands-on position that combines plant operations, mechanical maintenance, process troubleshooting, and continuous improvement in a dynamic R&D environment. The role operates on a rotating shift (1st & 2nd shift) schedule and may require occasional schedule flexibility to support operational needs.

What You'll Do

• Safely operate pilot plant processes, wastewater treatment systems, and utility equipment in accordance with established operating procedures.
• Monitor process performance using control systems and accurately document operational data, observations, and test results.
• Troubleshoot process and equipment issues, participate in root cause investigations, and support corrective actions.
• Conduct routine quality control testing, including pH analysis, solids content determination, and rheology testing.
• Support commissioning, start-up, and optimization of new pilot plant processes and technologies.
• Respond effectively and professionally to emergency situations by following established procedures.

Maintenance & Continuous Improvement (15%):

• Apply mechanical skills to build, modify, repair, and improve pilot plant equipment and systems.
• Participate in 5S and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance workplace organization, safety, and efficiency.
• Identify maintenance needs through inspections and safety checks, then collaborate with operations and maintenance teams to prioritize repairs.
• Support contractor activities and ensure safe work permit processes are followed during maintenance and project work.

Safety, Health & Environmental Excellence (10%):

• Actively contribute to a strong safety culture by participating in safety programs, inspections, and hazard identification activities and serving as a safety advocate throughout the facility.
• Support Process Hazard Analyses (PHA), Management of Change (MOC), Pre-Startup Safety Reviews (PSSR), and incident investigations.
• Identify potential safety concerns and partner with site leadership to implement corrective actions.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and experience troubleshooting equipment and systems.
• Math skills and ability to perform routine operational calculations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and computer-based operating systems.
• Ability to work safely in an industrial environment and on a rotating shift schedule.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 3 - 5 years of experience in a chemical manufacturing, pilot plant, laboratory, maintenance, utilities, or industrial operations environment (Associates degree is a plus).
• Instrumentation and/or electrical troubleshooting experience.
• Experience using Distributed Control Systems (DCS) or other automated process control systems.
• Ability to read and modify technical drawings, schematics, and P&IDs.
• Familiarity with chemical industry safety and environmental regulations.
• Relevant military technical experience may be considered in lieu of traditional industry experience.

Key Success Factors

• Demonstrates strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Remains calm, professional, and safety-focused in high-pressure situations.
• Communicates effectively and maintains accurate operational records.
• Exercises good judgment and knows when to act independently versus when to seek guidance.
• Is curious, eager to learn, and motivated to expand their technical knowledge and skill set.
• Thrives in a collaborative, hands-on environment and embraces continuous improvement.

Who we are?

Arkema is a world leader in Innovative Materials for a Sustainable World with the ambition to become a pure Specialty Materials player.

We thrive as One Arkema, comprised of many businesses and brands including Bostik, ArrMaz, and more! and operating with a global reach in 55 countries with more than 20,700 employees. Each one contributes to positioning Arkema as a recognized leader of specialty chemicals and advanced materials, reporting annual sales of €9.1 billion, of which 3.1% allocated to R&D for 1,800 researchers in 17 R&D centers.

Changing the world requires the right formula.

The right formula consists of our innovative and sustainable materials, and you. Join us to develop the materials of tomorrow and make a difference together.

If you pursue excellence, love innovation and are inspired by challenges

we encourage you through www.arkema.com to learn more about our values – Solidarity, Performance, Simplicity, Empowerment, and Inclusion – and how we concentrate on advances in bio-based and recyclable materials, new energies, water management, electronic solutions, lightweight materials and design, home efficiency and insulation.

What are you made of?

The legal information below pertains specifically to positions posted in the United States

however we strive for diversity, equity and inclusion in all the countries that we hire. Arkema Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Arkema Inc. complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting and hiring.

Nearest Major Market:

Philadelphia

Job Segment:

Maintenance, Plant Operator, Facilities, 2nd Shift, Chemical Research, Manufacturing, Operations, Night, Engineering