Pilot Plant Technician

The Arkema N.A. Corporate R&D Headquarters in King of Prussia, PA has an opening for a Pilot Plant Technician in our multi-Business Unit pilot plant. This position reports directly to the Pilot Plant Manager and works closely with the pilot plant staff, Facilities & Maintenance team, HES, technical resources and outside contractors to successfully complete job activities. It is a non‑supervisory support position that requires non‑normal business hours support and shift work.

The Technician will work under general supervision on a fixed or rotating shift schedule, including weekends. The role may also require an alternate shift schedule to cover for vacancies or other needs in either the pilot plant or boiler house. Responsibilities span chemical process operations, maintenance, mechanical work, and safety duties.

• Operate various pilot plant chemical processes, wastewater treatment and utility systems in accordance with standard operating and safety procedures.
• Record detailed operational data on operator run sheets and in laboratory log notebooks.
• Perform basic troubleshooting of unexpected operations, participate in root‑cause analysis of unplanned events and contribute to implementation of associated corrective actions.
• Develop a basic understanding of process control systems and communicate issues to the pilot plant engineer.
• Perform analytical quality control tests such as capillary rheometry, % solids analysis, pH, etc.
• Participate in commissioning and start‑up activities for new processes and projects.
• Provide emergency backup, vacancy and vacation coverage for boiler house operations when necessary.
• Respond correctly to emergency situations following standardized procedures, maintaining a professional and calm manner.
• Train new employees on shift.

• Utilize mechanical skills to construct new units and repair and improve various equipment systems.
• Participate in 5S activities and other pilot plant and boiler house work area improvements.
• Identify and communicate department maintenance needs to the pilot plant operations coordinator and manager.
• Ensure that the safe work permitting process is followed, including issuing permits, and conduct inspections and safety checks while maintenance and project work is performed.

• Operate the site’s utilities including water tuber boilers, steam generators, air compressors & dryers, secondary cooling water processes, air refrigeration chillers, wastewater holding cells, boiler chemical feed systems, and water quality monitoring and testing.
• Perform preventative maintenance and services on boilers and steam distribution/support systems, which may include using hand tools, laying out piping systems, installing mechanical systems, and other tasks.
• Complete various chemical analyses on waste and boiler water.
• Participate in Responsible Care involvement with REACTS process after normal business hours.
• Respond correctly to emergency situations following standardized procedures, maintaining a professional and calm manner.
• Train new employees on shift.

• Participate in the department’s monthly safety meeting and may act as the department’s safety advocate.
• Perform safety inspections and identify and elevate safety hazards or concerns to the Pilot Plant Manager and/or site HES Manager.
• Participate in Process Hazard Analyses, Management of Change, Pre‑Startup Safety Reviews, and Incident Investigations, contributing to closure of associated action items.

• High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate’s degree or equivalent experience preferred. Math skills are required for conducting basic calculations on the job.
• Demonstrated mechanical skills and ability to troubleshoot equipment issues are required.
• Instrumentation and/or electrical skills are preferred.
• 5 years of experience in a technical lab, production, maintenance (mechanical or instrumentation), or utilities environment is preferred.
• Must be proficient with Microsoft applications and have the ability to operate chemical processes with computer controls.…