Pilot Operator (Entry-Level)
About The Position
Aquatech is seeking an Entry or Mid-Level Pilot Operator to assist in the training and leadership of deploying, assembling, operating, and maintaining advanced water filtration pilot systems in the field. When not deployed on active field assignments, the candidate will report to the Albany office to support equipment preparation, system staging, and technical planning. This role involves the mechanical setup, 24/7 commissioning, and advanced maintenance of complex fluid handling and filtration systems on customer sites worldwide. The Pilot Operator will direct field operator teams during critical start-up phases and serve as the primary technical trainer for customer staff.
Requirements
- Familiar with industrial pipe fitting, including threaded, solvent-welded, flanged, and high-pressure flexible lines.
- Familiar with fluid power systems, including hydraulic power units, pneumatic controls, and dynamic and positive displacement pumps.
- Familiar with electrical and mechanical diagnostic skills, including multimeter use, reading electrical schematics, and troubleshooting motors and generators.
- Experience operating forklifts and scissor lifts.
- Valid passport and driver’s license.
- Willingness and ability to travel both domestic and international 75%, including continuous site assignments lasting four to six weeks.
Nice To Haves
- Associate degree or trade school certification as a Field Technician, Agricultural Technician, Industrial Mechanic, Millwright, or related technical discipline preferred; Equivalent military technical training will also be considered.
- Exposure to or knowledge of water or wastewater treatment, industrial fluid-handling equipment, or mobile pilot operations.
Responsibilities
- Deliver and position mobile pilot trailers/skids.
- Safely operate forklifts, scissor lifts, and overhead cranes to position heavy equipment, structural components, and piping assemblies.
- Lead mechanical assembly, structural mounting, and pipe fitting (PVC, stainless steel, flexible hoses, valves, and manifolds) to integrate pilot equipment into host facilities.
- Operate, monitor, and optimize advanced water treatment pilot systems (e.g., ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis, media filters, chemical dosing systems).
- Perform advanced troubleshooting and field repairs on small motors, centrifugal/positive displacement pumps, diesel generators, and low-voltage electrical controls.
- Maintain hydraulic and pneumatic fluid handling systems, including actuators, control valves, pressure regulators, and compressors.
- Execute routine preventive maintenance and maintain detailed operational logs and equipment service records.
- Manage shift schedules and direct teams of operators in a 24/7 operational environment during pilot start-ups and commissioning phases.
- Deliver clear, structured on-site training to customer operators and technical personnel on system operation, monitoring procedures, and basic troubleshooting.
- Serve as the primary technical point of contact on customer sites, maintaining professional communication and delivering daily status reports to engineering teams and client management.
- Rigorously implement and enforce OSHA safety standards, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), Confined Space Entry, Fall Protection, and Hazard Communication (HazCom).
- Lead daily Job Safety Analyses (JSAs) and tailgate safety meetings prior to executing field work.
- Additional duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Paid time off
- Company-paid holidays
- 401K plan (all benefits are based on eligibility)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
