Pilot Plant Operations Technician Job

The Arkema, Inc. Corporate R&D Headquarters in King of Prussia, PA, has an opening for a Pilot Plant Operations Technician.  

This is a rotating 1st and 2nd shift M-F position. The Pilot Plant Technician reports directly to the Pilot Plant Manager and works closely with the pilot plant staff, Facilities & Maintenance team, HES, Engineering  and R&D personnel and outside contractors to successfully complete job activities. 

Th role of the Pilot Plant Technician is to work with various functions to conduct assigned chemical process operations and associated maintenance and mechanical work.  Job assignments will require both mechanical and operations skills, including ability to utilize instrumented control systems and other PC based tools running programs such as operations logs, procedures, etc. The position requires the ability to independently follow operating procedures and various safety protocols, including use of personal safety equipment, to operate and maintain complex systems. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

Pilot Plant Operations

• Operate various pilot plant chemical processes and 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, participates in root-cause analysis of unplanned events and contribute to implementation of associated corrective actions.
• Develop 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 boilerhouse operations when necessary.
• Respond correctly to emergency situations following standardized procedures, responding in professional and calm manner by contacting appropriate personnel to take further actions per procedure.
• Train new employees on shift. 

Maintenance & Capital Improvement

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

Boiler House Operations

• Operate the site’s utilities including: water tuber boiler(s) and steam generator(s), air compressors & air 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 system which may include utilizing hand tools, laying out piping systems, installing mechanical systems, and other tasks. 
• Complete various chemical analyses on waste and boiler water.
• Responsible Care involvement with REACTS process after normal business hours.
• Respond correctly to emergency situations following standardized procedures, responding in professional and calm manner by contacting appropriate personnel to take further actions per procedure.
• Train new employees on shift. 

 Safety & Environmental

• Participates in the department’s monthly safety meeting and may act as the department’s safety advocate.
• Performs safety inspections and identifies and elevates safety hazards or concerns to the Pilot Plant Manager and/or site HES Manager.
• Participates in Process Hazard Analyses, Management of Change, Pre Startup Safety Reviews, and Incident Investigations and contributes to closure of associated action items.

REQUIRED / DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.  Associates degree or equivalent experience preferred. 
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a technical lab, production, maintenance (mechanical or instrumentation), or utilities environment is 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.
• Must be proficient with Microsoft applications and have ability to operate chemical processes with use of computer controls.  Familiarity with DCS preferred.
• Ability to read and modify technical drawings is preferred.
• Familiarity with federal health and safety regulations for chemical industry is desired.

DEMONSTRATED COMPETENCES IN ROLE:

• Strong problem solving skills and bias for action.
• Ability to handle emergencies in a safe, calm, and professional manner.
• Ability to keep accurate records and convey information to others.
• Understanding of when to make an independent decision and when to ask for help.
• Has interest and displays a good attitude for continued learning.  Takes advantage of training opportunities and applies skills to daily work.  Actively seeks to learn and operate multiple processes in the pilot plant.