Pilot Plant Operator 1

Lubrizol Corporation•Wickliffe, OH

19h

About The Position

The Pilot Plant Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of existing and new chemical processing equipment, following equipment limits, Process Engineer instructions, and Standard Operating Procedures. The role supports both process development and commercial manufacturing involving reactive chemistry, exothermic reactions, and solids handling, and provides technical information to engineers and other internal customers. The operator supports Lubrizol business segments and works on product development from laboratory scale (1–12-liter flasks) to pilot plant scale (up to 1,000-gallon reactors). The position routinely collaborates with process development engineers on new product and process development, raw material qualification, and process safety improvement projects. Work is performed on straight 12-hour night shifts, with overtime and holiday work as needed.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent from an accredited school.
10 or more years of experience in manufacturing and/or chemical process development.
Understanding of hazardous materials and safety procedures, including MSDS and JSA documents.
Knowledge of OSHA PSM and Process Hazard Analysis.
Strong verbal and written interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to plan tasks, work independently, and show initiative.
Willingness and ability to occasionally wear SCBA.
Ability to think critically, troubleshoot, solve problems, and recommend process improvements.
Strong mechanical aptitude.
Basic math, reading, and computer skills.
Willingness and ability to work on chemical processes indoors and outdoors in inclement weather.
Willingness to work overtime and holidays as needed.
Ability to maintain a clean-shaven appearance to allow respirator and supplied-air use.
Ability to stand, walk, or operate equipment for extended periods and occasionally lift or move materials.

Nice To Haves

Previous chemical operating experience.
Working knowledge of Microsoft applications such as Outlook, Word, and Excel.
Knowledge of chemistry and chemical hazards.
Working knowledge of SAP.
Previous forklift experience.
Credentials applicable to chemical manufacturing, chemistry, or mechanical construction, such as Process Technology, Process Development, or Pilot Plant credentials.
Understanding of distributed control systems (DCS), including Delta and Delta V, batch automation, data historians and trends, in-line analytical methods, process controls, and safety-critical alarms and interlocks.

Responsibilities

Safely operate industrial equipment using appropriate personal protective equipment and safety procedures.
Process chemical products according to batch sheet instructions.
Read, use, and change process parameters in the field and remotely through a distributed control system.
Set up and process raw materials in a development lab using piping, glassware, and other lab equipment according to written instructions and engineer-drafted diagrams.
Collect samples, conduct laboratory analyses such as colorimetric titrations and viscosity measurements, and accurately record data.
Load and unload material containers, including pails, drums, bags, and totes.
Clean and prepare equipment, including performing Lock Out Tag Out before maintenance.
Participate in the plant emergency response team and successfully complete the required 36-hour Fire Course test and state test.
Track and record process information and production data.
Troubleshoot equipment and processes.
Perform routine safety audits, inspections, and general housekeeping (5S).
Perform additional duties as assigned.