Senior Pilot Plant Technician

Goodwin Recruiting; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with company matching

Life/AD&D and long-term disability

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Paid time off & holidays

Job summary

Goodwin Recruiting seeks a Senior Pilot Plant Operations Specialist to lead daily operations at a demonstration facility. You will oversee continuous reactor operations, optimize separation and extraction processes, and drive plant reliability while mentoring junior technicians.

You will collaborate with process engineers, lead root-cause analyses, enhance automation controls, and ensure strict EHS compliance across the facility.

Qualifications

• 7-10+ years hands-on technical ops in chemical manufacturing or pilot plants.
• Deep knowledge of reaction chemistry, fluid dynamics, and process controls.
• Experience leading investigations and implementing SOPs.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operation and tuning of advanced chemical systems to optimize yield and throughput.
• Monitor process data via SCADA, evaluate control loops, and implement tighter process controls.
• Direct in-line sampling and mass-balance activities to meet customer specs.
• Coordinate maintenance, troubleshoot equipment, and minimize downtime.
• Lead Kaizen events, Gemba walks, RCA/5 Whys and document SOPs.
• Mentor junior operators and document procedures clearly.

Skills

Process leadership

Automation/SCADA

Mass balance analysis

Lean/6S

Root-cause analysis

Tools

SCADA systems

DCS systems

PFD/P&ID

Job description

An innovative materials technology firm is seeking an accomplished, highly technical Senior Pilot Plant Operations Specialist (Level III) to serve as an operational lead at its demonstration facility.

This senior role is responsible for driving continuous reactor operations, optimizing chemical separation and extraction processes, championing plant reliability, and serving as a technical mentor to junior operators. Working closely with process engineers and operations leadership, you will lead root-cause investigations, enhance automation controls, standardize operational documentation, and maintain uncompromising EHS compliance across the facility.

Senior Pilot Plant Technician Core Responsibilities

• Process Leadership & Unit Optimization: Lead daily operation and tuning of advanced chemical systems—including continuous reactors, separation vessels, high-pressure mixers, and industrial pumps—driving process adjustments to optimize yield, throughput, and product recovery.
• Instrumentation, Control Systems & Automation: Monitor multi-variable process data via SCADA interfaces, flowmeters, and analytical instruments; evaluate control loops to identify automation enhancements and implement tighter process controls.
• Analytical Quality, Sampling & Mass-Balance Support: Direct in-line process sampling and quality testing regimens, analyzing chemical output data to verify strict customer specifications and refine plant-wide mass balances.
• Advanced Reliability, Maintenance & Vendor Coordination: Execute complex mechanical troubleshooting, routine preventative maintenance, and equipment rebuilds, partnering with equipment OEMs and specialty contractors to eliminate recurring failures and minimize downtime.
• Continuous Improvement, Safety & Mentorship: Lead structured problem-solving initiatives (Kaizen events, Gemba walks, RCA/5 Whys), author and refine Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), enforce chemical safety protocols, and actively mentor junior operations technicians.

Senior Pilot Plant Technician Qualifications

• Experience: 7-10+ years of hands-on technical operations experience within chemical manufacturing, hydrometallurgical processing, battery materials recycling, or advanced pilot/demonstration plants.
• Process Systems Acumen: Deep command of reaction chemistry, fluid dynamics, industrial automation/DCS systems, and PFD/P&ID process flow schematics.
• Mechanical & Diagnostic Mastery: Proven track record diagnosing and resolving complex electromechanical and process equipment malfunctions, with experience eliminating recurring operational bottlenecks.
• Operational Excellence: Demonstrated leadership in Lean/5S environments, including experience applying Six Sigma principles, SPC charts, Design of Experiments (DOE), and structured root-cause analysis tools.
• Leadership & Documentation: Excellent verbal and technical communication skills with a proven history of onboarding, coaching, and developing junior operations staff and authoring clear operating procedures.
• Certifications (Preferred): Material handling/hazmat credentials, OSHA 30-Hour, or HAZWOPER certification.

Senior Pilot Plant Technician Benefits & Total Rewards

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision healthcare coverage (employee, partner, and family plans)
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching
• Company-paid life, AD&D, and long-term disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible paid time off and paid holidays (with a minimum of 3 weeks off annually encouraged)