Junior R&D / Pilot Plant Technician

Dow•Freeport, TX

About The Position

Dow is hiring a Junior R&D / Pilot Plant Technician to support Research & Development activities in Freeport, Texas, and South Charleston, West Virginia. The role supports safe, reliable operation of R&D pilot plant and laboratory activities involved in developing, testing, characterizing, and optimizing products, processes, and technologies. The technician works with Research Scientists, Engineers, Technologists, leaders, and other technicians to perform planned experiments, generate samples and high-quality data, conduct testing, and improve laboratory and pilot plant capabilities. The role uses established procedures and standard operating practices for routine activities while building technical skills to troubleshoot equipment and processes, support experiments, and contribute to continuous improvement. The technician is accountable for safety, quality, accuracy, and timely completion of assigned work, with supervision, guidance, and technical direction from experienced technical staff. Work schedules depend on the assigned R&D operation and may include a 12-hour rotating shift schedule. 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.
Ability and willingness, with or without reasonable accommodation, to wear required PPE, including safety glasses or goggles, hearing protection, safety footwear, and other applicable protective equipment.
Ability and willingness to use respiratory protection when required.
Ability and willingness to frequently bend, reach, and lift; stand or walk for extended periods; climb stairs and ladders; work at heights, in confined spaces, and indoors, outdoors, or in field environments; lift materials weighing approximately 50 pounds; and use fall-protection equipment or harnesses when applicable.

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 operating procedures, safety standards, and quality requirements.
Perform routine operational and laboratory activities, 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.
Develop familiarity with equipment, instruments, test methods, and operating requirements, and build troubleshooting skills to resolve routine issues.
Monitor process conditions, equipment, instrumentation, and control systems, and identify deviations or improvement opportunities.
Collect, document, analyze, and report experimental, process, and laboratory data accurately and promptly.
Apply quality assurance and quality control practices to help ensure 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 the capabilities, reliability, and efficiency of R&D processes, instruments, test methods, and laboratory operations.
Support or conduct R&D projects under the guidance of Research Scientists, Engineers, Technologists, or other technical leaders.
Identify and support improvements in safety, data quality, equipment reliability, work processes, asset utilization, productivity, and delivery of results.
Prioritize work based on operational needs, customer requirements, relative 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 all assigned technical, safety, and facility training.
Satisfy applicable safety, quality, and operating requirements.

Benefits

Equitable, market-competitive base pay and bonus opportunity, along 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, subject to location availability.
U.S. Student Debt Retirement Savings Match Program, which applies the value of monthly student debt payments as if they were contributions to the Employees’ Savings Plan (401(k)).
Medical and life insurance packages with a variety of coverage options; travel insurance is available in certain 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.
Wellbeing Portal for Dow employees.
On-site fitness facilities, depending on location.
Employee discounts for online shopping, cinema tickets, gym memberships, and more.
Some locations may offer transportation allowances, meal subsidies or vouchers, and carbon-neutral transportation incentives.