Pilot Plant Team Leader

Syensqo is all about chemistry. We’re not just referring to chemical reactions here, but also to the magic that occurs when the brightest minds get to work together. This is where our true strength lies. In you. In your future colleagues and in all your differences. And of course, in your ideas to improve lives while preserving our planet’s beauty for the generations to come.

Permanent contract

USA - Anaheim, CA, US

Pilot Plant Team Leader

• Leading with HSE practices applicable to chemical and mechanical processing, including SDS use, hazard communication, PPE, lockout/tagout, machine safety, and incident/near-miss reporting, MHA, PHA, MOC, etc.
• Working knowledge of thermoset and/or thermoplastic polymer processing, including the relationship between temperature, viscosity/rheology, pressure, line speed, coating weight/resin content, reinforcement handling, and final material quality.
• Safely operating industrial/pilot resin mixing, coating/filming, and prepregging equipment for continuous carbon fiber reinforced composites and to troubleshoot process and equipment problems using data, observations, and structured problem solving.
• Managing the scheduling of people and equipment against competing priorities and changing timelines, with the judgment to protect safety and quality while meeting urgent customer and development needs.
• Supporting R&I scale-up or process development in an environment where formulations, equipment settings, and procedures are evolving rather than fully standardized.
• Understanding and implementing formulas, batch sheets, work instructions, process specifications, technical procedures, and engineering drawings or equipment documentation independently.
• Coordinating maintenance, calibrations, PMs, etc.
• Managing plant logistics for raw materials and scheduling for use of shared assets.
• Working on the pilot plant production floor for extended periods and performing the physical activities required to safely operate and clean pilot equipment, including lifting and material handling consistent with site requirements.
• Communicating directly with product development and operations teams to manage needs, priorities, expectations, etc.
• Training and upskilling technicians by cross-training on assets, SAP use, and pilot plant operational needs.
• Using common digital tools for scheduling, data entry, inventory management, documentation, email, and communication; experience with manufacturing or laboratory data systems is a plus.

• High school diploma required; relevant technical degree preferred.
• 10+ years of hands-on experience in pilot plant, specialty chemical, polymer, adhesives, coatings, prepreg, composites, film coating, converting, or similar process-manufacturing environments, including 3+ years in a lead or supervisory role.
• Demonstrated hands‑on experience with resin mixing/compounding and at least one continuous web process such as film coating, lamination, impregnation, prepregging, calendaring, or converting; experience across hot‑melt resin, film, and prepreg operations strongly preferred.
• Experience with R&I scale‑up and evolving manufacturing processes as a bridge to scale‑up on production equipment.
• Capable of troubleshooting new products from chemistry, mixing, coating and prepregging.
• Working knowledge of equipment, chemical safety, PPE, SDS, MHA, PHA, MOC, and LOTO.

• Safety‑first leadership and sound operational judgment.
• Hands‑on technical competence; runs equipment with the team.
• Strong coaching, accountability, and conflict‑resolution skills.
• Strong planning, prioritization, scheduling, and adaptability.
• Clear communication and effective cross‑functional teamwork.
• High standards for quality,…