Pilot Plant Operator
About The Position
Ayrton Energy's mission is to propel the global shift towards sustainable energy with the broad deployment of our cutting-edge hydrogen storage technology, reshaping hydrogen distribution to mirror the safety, simplicity, and efficiency of traditional fuels such as diesel or gasoline. As a part of this, Ayrton is looking to hire a hands-on Pilot Plant Operator to support process development and scale-up work at our Hawaii-based pilot facility for a 6–9 month contract. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys variety over routine, is comfortable troubleshooting and adjusting to process changes, likes solving difficult problems, and enjoys working closely with process engineers and scientists. The position requires openness to a defined-term contract and relocating to Hawaii for the assignment, with a strong emphasis on careful documentation and disciplined safety practices in a fast-moving, experimental environment.
Requirements
- 5+ years of experience as a process/plant/chemical operator, ideally including pilot plant, lab-scale, or R&D production environments
- Comfort working in a smaller, less routine, more experimental setting compared to a full production plant
- Comfort performing a variety of activities from operating and troubleshooting equipment to maintaining equipment to running lab analysis
- Working knowledge of basic process equipment (pumps, compressors, valves etc.), instrumentation and control (manual and/or DCS/PLC-based systems)
- Ability to troubleshoot process issues using structured approaches eg. 5 whys
- Strong documentation habits — comfortable logging data accurately and following/updating SOPs
- Ability to work independently and communicate clearly with engineering/R&D teams and external stakeholders
- Must be a U.S. citizen or otherwise authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship, and willing to relocate to Hawaii for the contract term (housing and transportation covered)
Nice To Haves
- Experience with batch chemical processes specifically (vs. continuous)
- Prior contract or turnaround work involving short-term relocation
- Familiarity with process safety management (PSM) practices
Responsibilities
- Ensure safe operations of Ayrton pilot plant in adherence with Ayrton and client site’s safety protocols, including chemical handling, PPE requirements and emergency procedures
- Operate pilot-scale process equipment (reactors, distillation/separation units, pumps, and associated instrumentation) per batch and campaign schedules
- Execute experimental runs and process trials alongside engineering and R&D staff, adjusting operating parameters as directed
- Monitor and log process data (temperatures, pressures, flow rates, yields), flag deviations and provide feedback on process optimization/improvements
- Perform routine equipment setup, changeover, and basic troubleshooting
- Run basic lab analysis eg. FTIR, GC-TCD using Ayrton SOPs
- Liaise with stakeholders on site for operational coordination eg. Startups, shutdowns, handling process upsets etc.
- Follow and help write standard operating procedures (SOPs) as processes evolve
- Perform minor maintenance activities eg. Filter change and coordinating with contractors and site client for more substantial maintenance activities
- Ensure good housekeeping in the pilot plant and Ayrton’s work area
- Supervise and train junior team members eg. interns
Benefits
- Housing and transportation costs to and from Hawaii covered for the duration of the contract
- Daily per diem provided for meals
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
