Senior Pilot Plant Technician

Dow•Freeport, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Dow is hiring a Senior Process R&D Technician in Freeport, Texas. The role contributes to catalyst and process development, process scale-up, product sales support, and customer trials through batch validation and safe, reliable pilot plant operations. The technician performs operating activities according to the Master Task List, trial documents, and run sheets; troubleshoots process and equipment issues; and coordinates pilot plant maintenance. This is a 24-hour operation requiring shift work and a willingness to work overtime when needed. The position provides technical support to engineers and scientists, helps operate reactors and related process equipment safely and reliably, and supports catalyst validation and customer trials by executing experimental runs and monitoring processes. It requires hands-on chemical plant experience, familiarity with process control systems, effective troubleshooting, accurate operational documentation, and a strong safety mindset. The role is based in a chemical manufacturing environment and involves field and outdoor work, elevated work, and physical tasks such as lifting, pushing, and pulling up to 55 pounds. Dow offers compensation and benefits including base pay and bonus opportunity, wellbeing programs, retirement programs, insurance, training and mentoring, vacation, paid time off, and other programs. Relocation assistance is not available.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED and at least 5 years of relevant work experience, or an Associate’s degree (science-related field preferred), or at least 3 years of military experience.
Familiarity with process control systems, such as ABB, Siemens, or similar DCS/PLC platforms.
Hands-on ability to operate, monitor, and troubleshoot pilot plant equipment.
Competence in data collection, trend analysis, and technical reporting.
Demonstrated safety mindset and knowledge of chemical processing hazards.
DCS and field experience operating a chemical plant.
Strong troubleshooting skills with equipment and instrumentation.
Strong communication, prioritization, and technical skills.
Leadership skills, including the ability to inspire and lead others through influence.
Willingness and ability to meet the physical demands of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, including lifting, pushing, and pulling up to 55 pounds; frequent bending, reaching, and lifting; climbing stairs; field and outdoor work; and elevated work at or above four feet.
Ability to wear and use personal protective equipment, including harnesses with a total weight capacity of 300 pounds.
Ability to work legally in the United States; visa sponsorship or support is not available.

Nice To Haves

Six or more years of chemical industry experience.
Experience maintaining and troubleshooting mechanical or rotating equipment.
Experience working in a cross-functional team environment.
Associate’s degree in a science-related field.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with technical teams to execute research and development and scale-up activities.
Adjust and troubleshoot process controls and instrumentation.
Perform routine operations, including sampling, calibration, and maintenance, according to standard operating procedures.
Support validation runs for customer trials.
Document operations through logs, batch records, and standard operating procedures.
Analyze plant metrics to identify and implement optimization opportunities.
Ensure safety compliance through active participation in hazard management programs.
Contribute to the development of standard operating procedures and training materials.
Provide technical support to engineers and scientists conducting research and development and scale-up activities.
Help ensure safe and reliable operation of pilot plant reactors and associated process equipment.
Support catalyst validation and customer trials by executing experimental runs and monitoring processes.
Troubleshoot process deviations and maintain accurate operational documentation.
Coordinate pilot plant maintenance activities.
Work a shift schedule for 24-hour operations and work overtime when needed.

Benefits

Equitable, market-competitive base pay and bonus opportunity, with locally relevant incentives.
Programs supporting physical, mental, financial, and social wellbeing.
Competitive retirement program that may include company-provided benefits, savings opportunities, financial planning, and educational resources.
Employee stock purchase programs, where available.
Student Debt Retirement Savings Match Program for U.S. employees.
Medical and life insurance coverage options; travel insurance is available in certain locations.
Training, mentoring, work experiences, community involvement, and team-building opportunities.
Role-based workplace flexibility to support productivity and personal needs.
Competitive yearly vacation allowance.
Paid time off for new parents, including adoptive and foster parents.
Paid time off to care for sick or injured family members.
Paid time off for volunteering and Employee Resource Group participation.
Wellbeing Portal for Dow employees.
On-site fitness facilities, depending on location.
Employee discounts, including online shopping, cinema tickets, and gym memberships.
Some locations may offer transportation allowances, meal subsidies or vouchers, and carbon-neutral transportation incentives.