Director of Pilot Plant Manufacturing

The Director, Pilot Plant Manufacturing is a hands‑on leader responsible for pilot plant operations, process scale‑up, commercialization, and process safety. This role bridges R&D and Manufacturing, ensuring new technologies are safely and efficiently transitioned to full‑scale production. Ideal candidates bring strong chemical engineering or manufacturing leadership experience within chemical manufacturing or specialty chemical environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead pilot plant operations, ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient execution of trials and production campaigns
• Plan and prioritize pilot activities, manage equipment reliability, maintenance, and capital improvements
• Own process safety and compliance (OSHA, EPA, PSM), including PHA, MOC, PSSR, and incident investigations
• Drive scale‑up and commercialization, translating lab processes into manufacturing‑ready operations
• Support technology transfer and provide input for cost and business case evaluations
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives (Lean/Six Sigma) to enhance safety, quality, and productivity
• Provide technical input on raw material sourcing and pilot testing
• Oversee SOP governance and document control across manufacturing sites.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering (Chemistry considered with relevant experience)
• 10+ years in pilot plant or process development, ideally within chemical manufacturing
• 5+ years in leadership roles
• Strong experience in scale‑up, commercialization, and technology transfer
• Expertise in process safety and regulatory compliance (OSHA, PSM, EPA; familiarity with FIFRA, TSCA, RCRA)
• Background in specialty or industrial chemicals preferred
• Lean Six Sigma experience and financial acumen (MBA) are advantageous