Plant Operations Technician Job

Arkema Inc; Lafayette Park (PA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Arkema Inc. in King of Prussia, PA is seeking a Chemical Operator/Maintenance Technician to join our pilot plant team. The role blends plant operations, mechanical maintenance, and process development in a dynamic R&D setting.

You'll scale innovative technologies from lab to production, support process improvements, and work with engineers, scientists, and maintenance professionals. A rotating 1st/2nd shift may be required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot equipment.
• Strong math skills and ability to perform routine calculations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and computer-based systems.
• Ability to work safely in an industrial environment and on a rotating shift.

Responsibilities

• Operate pilot plant processes and support equipment safely and in accordance with procedures.
• Monitor process performance and document data, observations, and test results.
• Troubleshoot process and equipment issues; participate in root cause investigations and corrective actions.
• Support commissioning, start-up, and optimization of pilot plant processes and technologies.
• Maintain safety, health, and environmental excellence; participate in hazard analyses, MOC, PSSR, and incident investigations.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Troubleshooting

Math skills

Microsoft Office

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma

Associates degree (plus)

Tools

Distributed Control Systems (DCS)

P&IDs reading

Job description

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

Plant Operations (75%):

• 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

We're looking for someone who:

• 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.