Plant Operations Technician Job

Role details

Location: King of Prussia, PA Reports To: Pilot Plant Manager

Join Arkema's Innovation Team

Arkema's North America Corporate R&D Headquarters in King of Prussia, PA is seeking a Chemical Operator/Maintenence Technician to join ourmulit-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 ahands-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.

What You'll Do

Plant Operations (75%)

• 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.

Maintenance & Continuous Improvement (15%)

• 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.

Safety, Health & Environmental Excellence (10%)

• 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.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Key Success Factors

We're looking for someone who:

• 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.