Plant Operations Technician Job

Arkema•Upper Merion Township, PA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Arkema's North America Corporate R&D Headquarters in King of Prussia, PA is seeking a Chemical Operator/Maintenance Technician to join our multi-business unit pilot plant team. This is an exciting opportunity for a mechanically inclined, safety-focused professional who enjoys working at the intersection of research, manufacturing, and process development. In this role, you'll play a critical part in scaling innovative technologies from the laboratory to commercial production. Working alongside engineers, scientists, maintenance professionals, and operations personnel, you'll support pilot-scale chemical processes, troubleshoot equipment, contribute to process improvements, and help bring new products and technologies to life. This is a hands-on position that combines plant operations, mechanical maintenance, process troubleshooting, and continuous improvement in a dynamic R&D environment. The role operates on a rotating shift (1st & 2nd shift) schedule and may require occasional schedule flexibility to support operational needs.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and experience troubleshooting equipment and systems.
Math skills and ability to perform routine operational calculations.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and computer-based operating systems.
Ability to work safely in an industrial environment and on a rotating shift schedule.

Nice To Haves

3 - 5 years of experience in a chemical manufacturing, pilot plant, laboratory, maintenance, utilities, or industrial operations environment (Associates degree is a plus).
Instrumentation and/or electrical troubleshooting experience.
Experience using Distributed Control Systems (DCS) or other automated process control systems.
Ability to read and modify technical drawings, schematics, and P&IDs.
Familiarity with chemical industry safety and environmental regulations.
Relevant military technical experience may be considered in lieu of traditional industry experience.
Demonstrates strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
Remains calm, professional, and safety-focused in high-pressure situations.
Communicates effectively and maintains accurate operational records.
Exercises good judgment and knows when to act independently versus when to seek guidance.
Is curious, eager to learn, and motivated to expand their technical knowledge and skill set.
Thrives in a collaborative, hands-on environment and embraces continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

Safely operate pilot plant processes, wastewater treatment systems, and utility equipment in accordance with established operating procedures.
Monitor process performance using control systems and accurately document operational data, observations, and test results.
Troubleshoot process and equipment issues, participate in root cause investigations, and support corrective actions.
Conduct routine quality control testing, including pH analysis, solids content determination, and rheology testing.
Support commissioning, start-up, and optimization of new pilot plant processes and technologies.
Respond effectively and professionally to emergency situations by following established procedures.
Apply mechanical skills to build, modify, repair, and improve pilot plant equipment and systems.
Participate in 5S and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance workplace organization, safety, and efficiency.
Identify maintenance needs through inspections and safety checks, then collaborate with operations and maintenance teams to prioritize repairs.
Support contractor activities and ensure safe work permit processes are followed during maintenance and project work.
Actively contribute to a strong safety culture by participating in safety programs, inspections, and hazard identification activities and serving as a safety advocate throughout the facility.
Support Process Hazard Analyses (PHA), Management of Change (MOC), Pre-Startup Safety Reviews (PSSR), and incident investigations.
Identify potential safety concerns and partner with site leadership to implement corrective actions.