R&D Pilot Plant Operator

Are you ready to move your career forward and help shape our company’s and customers’ futures? If you aspire to challenge yourself, work with the best in the industry and join a successful team where you can make a meaningful contribution, then we invite you to join us at Ketjen Corporation, a provider of advanced catalyst solutions to leading producers in the petrochemical, refining, and specialty chemicals industries.

Together, we can create a legacy marked by innovation, excitement, and energy.

Ketjen Corporation is a provider of advanced catalyst solutions to leading producers in the petrochemical, refining, and specialty chemicals industries. Our company is driven by a strong set of core values: curiosity, care, collaboration, humility, accountability, and integrity. These values guide our decisions, shape our culture, and define how we work together to deliver exceptional value to our customers and communities.

The Pilot Plant Operator is responsible for operating pilot plant equipment and executing catalyst preparation processes that support existing products, new product development, and technology trials. Working closely with Researchers, Chemists, Manufacturing teams, and the Pilot Plant Supervisor, this role performs pilot-scale production activities, quality verification testing, equipment troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operations. The ideal candidate brings strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.

• Pilot Plant Operations & Catalyst Production
  • Prepare FCC catalyst slurries and conduct spray-drying and post-processing activities in support of research and development projects.
  • Operate pilot plant equipment safely and efficiently to support existing products, new product development efforts, and technology trials.
  • Accurately record process data and maintain production documentation using spreadsheets and databases.
  • Verify catalyst quality through established testing and inspection methods.
  • Follow operating procedures and standard operating procedures (SOPs), documenting and explaining any deviations as required.
  • Routinely execute published schedules and priorities with minimal supervision while maintaining productivity and quality standards.
• Equipment Reliability & Operational Excellence
  • Monitor, troubleshoot, and maintain pilot plant equipment to ensure reliable operation and minimize downtime.
  • Perform minor equipment repairs, including pump maintenance and other mechanical tasks as needed.
  • Support startup, operation, and evaluation of new product and technology trials.
  • Ensure raw materials are readily available and qualified for use.
  • Maintain the pilot plant in a clean, organized, and inspection-ready condition at all times.
  • Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in response to changing priorities and production requirements.
• Safety, Quality & Collaboration
  • Maintain a strong commitment to safety by proactively identifying and addressing potential hazards.
  • Ensure all work is completed safely and in compliance with company policies and procedures.
  • Communicate effectively and in a timely manner with the Pilot Plant Supervisor, researchers, manufacturing personnel, and other stakeholders.
  • Deliver high-quality catalyst preparations that meet customer and business requirements.
  • Foster a collaborative work environment while supporting cross-functional project objectives.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• 1-4 years of experience in a manufacturing, chemical processing, plant, pilot plant, or laboratory environment; pilot plant or plant operating experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of laboratory, research, manufacturing, or plant operating procedures and methods.
• Proficiency with spreadsheets, basic databases, and mathematical calculations.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong communication skills and initiative to complete assigned tasks.
• Commitment to safe work practices and continuous learning.
• A…