Junior R&D / Pilot Plant Technician

Dow Chemical•Freeport, NY

About The Position

Dow is hiring a Junior R&D / Pilot Plant Technician to support research and development activities in Freeport, Texas, and South Charleston, West Virginia. The role supports the safe and reliable operation of R&D pilot plant and laboratory activities that contribute to the development, testing, characterization, and optimization of products, processes, and technologies. The technician works with research scientists, engineers, technologists, leaders, and other technicians to carry out experiments, produce samples and reliable data, perform testing, and improve laboratory and pilot plant capabilities. The position uses established procedures and operating practices to perform routine work while building technical skills in equipment and process troubleshooting, experimental support, and continuous improvement. The employee is accountable for the safety, quality, accuracy, and timely completion of assigned work, with supervision and technical direction from experienced staff. The required schedule depends on the assigned R&D operation and may include a 12-hour rotating shift. The position does not offer relocation assistance.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED/equivalent.
Ability to work legally in the United States; visa sponsorship or support, including for permanent residency, is not available.
Ability to follow the schedule required by the assigned R&D operation, which may include a 12-hour rotating shift schedule.
Proficiency with Microsoft applications such as Word and Excel, and ability to learn new systems and software.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Strong problem-solving, organizational, and time-management skills.
Ability to identify, prioritize, and accomplish multiple tasks.
Ability to work collaboratively and interact effectively with scientists, engineers, technicians, coworkers, leaders, and other stakeholders.
Ability to read, write, and speak English.
Willingness and ability, with or without reasonable accommodation, to wear required PPE, including safety glasses or goggles, hearing protection, safety footwear, respiratory protection when required, and fall-protection equipment when applicable.
Ability to frequently bend, reach, and lift; stand or walk for extended periods; climb stairs and ladders; and work at heights or in tight or confined spaces where required.
Ability to work indoors and outdoors or in field environments.
Ability to frequently or occasionally lift materials weighing approximately 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Associate's degree in Process Technology, Chemistry, Biology, Chemical Technology, Engineering Technology, or a related technical field.
Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Chemical Technology, or a related scientific or technical field.
Previous laboratory, manufacturing, pilot plant, or related technical experience.
Experience in a physical testing or characterization laboratory.
Experience with physical testing methods related to plastics, including optics, film, rigid materials, or resin properties.
Experience troubleshooting laboratory instrumentation, process equipment, or test methods.
Experience with quality assurance and quality control practices.
Experience developing, implementing, or improving test methods, instrumentation, or operating procedures.

Responsibilities

Safely operate, monitor, and support assigned R&D pilot plant and laboratory equipment in accordance with procedures, safety standards, and quality requirements.
Perform routine operational and laboratory work, including field checks, equipment preparation, sample collection and preparation, physical testing, process monitoring, and data collection.
Execute experiments and testing for R&D programs and provide samples, process information, and test results to internal stakeholders.
Build familiarity with equipment, instruments, test methods, and operating requirements; troubleshoot routine process, equipment, instrument, and testing issues.
Monitor process conditions, equipment, instrumentation, and control systems, and identify deviations or improvement opportunities.
Accurately collect, document, analyze, and report experimental, process, and laboratory data in a timely manner.
Apply quality assurance and quality control practices to support acceptable equipment performance and data quality.
Support troubleshooting, minor equipment repairs, preventive maintenance, equipment improvements, and optimization activities.
Participate in implementing new equipment, instruments, and test methods, including developing or revising operating procedures and training materials.
Conduct experiments to improve R&D process, instrument, test method, and laboratory capabilities, reliability, and efficiency.
Support or conduct R&D projects under the guidance of research scientists, engineers, technologists, or other technical leaders.
Identify and support improvements to safety, data quality, equipment reliability, work processes, asset utilization, productivity, and delivery of results.
Prioritize work based on operational needs, customer requirements, importance, and urgency.
Coordinate work with other laboratories, pilot plants, and technical organizations as needed.
Collaborate with scientists, engineers, technicians, technologists, leaders, and other cross-functional partners to meet project and stakeholder needs.
Develop a foundational understanding of Life Critical Standards, operating discipline, quality systems, and site and facility safety expectations.
Complete assigned technical, safety, and facility training and satisfy applicable safety, quality, and operating requirements.

Benefits

Equitable, market-competitive base pay and bonus opportunity, with locally relevant incentives.
Programs supporting physical, mental, financial, and social well-being.
Competitive retirement program that may include company-provided benefits, savings opportunities, financial planning, and educational resources.
Employee stock purchase programs, depending on location.
Student Debt Retirement Savings Match Program for U.S. employees.
Medical and life insurance packages with a variety of coverage options.
Travel insurance in certain countries or locations.
Training, mentoring, work experiences, community involvement, and team-building opportunities.
Role-based workplace flexibility to support productivity and personal needs.
Competitive yearly vacation allowance.
Paid time off for new parents, including adoptive and foster parents.
Paid time off to care for sick or injured family members.
Paid time off for volunteering and Employee Resource Group participation.
Employee Wellbeing Portal.
On-site fitness facilities, depending on location.
Employee discounts for online shopping, cinema tickets, gym memberships, and more.
Transportation allowance at some locations.
Meal subsidies or vouchers at some locations.
Carbon-neutral transportation incentives, such as bike-to-work programs, at some locations.