Pilot Plant Technician

Synthomer•Mogadore, OH

About The Position

The Pilot Plant Technician supports innovation and development of new polymer products. The role involves preparing and running polymerization reactions, including cleaning reactors, weighing raw materials, charging batches, monitoring reactions, and testing products. The position also supports a commercial manufacturing process involving raw material charging, vessel operation, product testing, and finished-goods packaging. The position is assigned to either the second (afternoon) or third (midnight) shift based on business needs. The standard afternoon shift is 10 hours and the midnight shift is 8 hours. Overtime, including weekends, may be required.

Requirements

High school diploma and/or equivalent.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while paying attention to detail.
Must be able to pass powered industrial truck certification within the first 60 days of employment.
Ability to function effectively in a team and work independently.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to solve problems effectively and multitask.
Ability to handle up to 50 pounds and the physical dexterity to assemble equipment.
Motivation to learn new tasks, concepts, and applications.
Basic computer skills.
Safety-consciousness and ability to wear a respirator while meeting fit-test requirements.

Nice To Haves

General chemical laboratory experience preferred.
Previous experience operating process-control computers.
Previous powered industrial truck experience, including electric and LPG equipment.
Manufacturing experience is not required.

Responsibilities

Follow safe work practices and support safety goals and objectives, including Synthomer Golden Rules and SHE Principles.
Follow standard operating procedures to operate process equipment safely and efficiently.
Learn and work across all aspects of the manufacturing process.
Communicate effectively with all levels of the innovation team.
Collect, record, and communicate experimental data, both in writing and verbally.
Identify opportunities for improvement.
Perform in-process and final product testing.
Support ISO-9001 and RCMS compliance efforts.
Participate as an active member of the emergency response team.
Prepare and clean equipment and vessels ranging in size from 2 to 1,000 gallons.
Assist with shipping and receiving when necessary.
Assist in developing new processes and establishing standard operating procedures.
Prepare and run polymerization reactions, including reactor cleaning, weighing raw materials, charging batches, and monitoring reactions.
Support commercial manufacturing activities, including raw material charging, vessel operation, product testing, and finished-goods packaging.

Benefits

Starting rate of $25.00 per hour.
A $1.00-per-hour shift differential for employees assigned to afternoon or midnight shifts.
An additional $8.00 per hour after completing training and sign-off in all four Pilot Plant departments, earned incrementally at $2.00 per hour for each certified unit operation; this typically takes a minimum of 6–12 months.
Uniforms provided and laundered.
Annual safety boot allowance of $400.
Sign-on bonus of $750 initially and $750 at six months, with a one-year clawback period.
Referral bonus.
Attendance bonus of $300 each quarter, plus an additional $300 for a full year of perfect attendance, for up to $1,500 total.
Paid time off and paid holidays, including 10 holidays and 2 floating holidays.
Paid breaks, including lunch.
Discretionary global bonus scheme.
Healthcare, tailored to regional locations.
Parental leave and family support, including maternity, paternity, and adoption benefits aligned with regional policies.
Learning and development opportunities, including training, online platforms, buddy and mentorship programs, and Internal Synthomer University.
Employee assistance program, mental health resources, and wellbeing initiatives.
Retirement or pension contributions, with plans varying by country.
Global reward and recognition programs.