Lead Engineering Technician

Job Category
:
Engineering Support Services

Requisition Number
: LEADE
010134

Full-Time

Showing 1 location

Panama City, FL 32401, USA

Position Summary We are seeking an experienced, hands‑on Lead Engineering Technician to work closely with engineers and scientists in the construction, safe operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of pilot‑scale process units. This role is ideal for a mechanically skilled technician who can translate engineering direction into well‑built, reliable equipment using 1/4‑inch tubing, compression fittings, pumps, heaters, heat exchangers, instrumentation, and process controls.

The successful candidate will lead by example, work safely around high‑pressure and high‑temperature systems, listen carefully, follow instructions precisely, and maintain a positive, team‑oriented attitude. Strong judgment, attention to detail, and pride in high‑quality workmanship are essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Pilot‑unit fabrication and assembly. Build, modify, and support pilot process units from engineering drawings, sketches, marked‑up P&IDs, verbal instructions, and team guidance.
• Tubing and mechanical work. Measure, cut, deburr, bend, route, and install 1/4‑inch tubing; assemble compression fittings, valves, pumps, heaters, heat exchangers, instruments, and related components using sound workmanship practices.
• Safe operation. Prepare, start up, operate, monitor, shut down, and secure high‑pressure/high‑temperature pilot equipment in accordance with approved procedures, permits, operating limits, and safety requirements.
• Inspection and readiness. Perform pre‑startup checks, leak checks, pressure‑boundary inspections, line tracing, equipment verification, and housekeeping before and during operation.
• Troubleshooting and repair. Diagnose mechanical and basic electrical/control issues involving pumps, heaters, temperature controllers, pressure instruments, valves, flow devices, sensors, and data‑acquisition systems; complete or coordinate repairs.
• Testing and data collection. Monitor operating conditions, obtain process samples, record accurate data, maintain logbooks, and compile results for engineering review.
• Team leadership and communication. Coordinate daily technician activities when assigned, communicate equipment status and hazards clearly, raise questions when instructions are unclear, and provide practical feedback to the engineering team.
• Work‑area ownership. Maintain clean, organized, and inspection‑ready laboratory, test‑cell, fabrication, and high‑bay work spaces; properly store tools, parts, and materials.

Safety Expectations

• Treat pressure, temperature, chemical, electrical, and stored‑energy hazards with a high level of care and respect.
• Follow written procedures, lockout/tagout requirements, PPE rules, hazard reviews, and emergency‑response expectations without shortcuts.
• Stop work and immediately communicate unsafe conditions, unexpected equipment behavior, leaks, alarms, or operating‑limit excursions.
• Verify system configuration and understand the flow path before introducing pressure, heat, chemicals, or rotating equipment.
• Support a strong safety culture by keeping accurate records, maintaining equipment, and encouraging clear communication across the team.

Required Experience and Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Three to five years of related experience in pilot plants, laboratories, process development, industrial maintenance, fabrication, chemical processing, or a similar hands‑on technical environment.
• Demonstrated experience working safely with high‑pressure and/or high‑temperature equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands‑on experience assembling, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting process or laboratory equipment.
• Ex…