Job Description

Kelly is currently seeking a Pilot Plant Operator in Collegeville, PA to support a 24/7 attended pilot plant process operation within a New Technologies group, contributing to the delivery of innovative process technologies for the company’s monomers product line!

The Operator will attentively monitor a complex chemical process operation via computer control screens, including reactors and distillation columns. Manage control system setpoints and intelligently respond to chemical process changes according to process control strategy. Conduct process walkthroughs and review in-process sensor and equipment readouts. Ensure proper data logging, capturing operating notes. Monitor feed and waste vessel states and levels, coordinate fills/drains to maintain steady uninterrupted operation. Collect process chemical samples via in-process sampling ports according to sampling strategy. Correctly label collected process chemical samples and prepare them for analysis. Conduct composition analysis of process chemical samples according to analytical strategy, including loading the samples to appropriate analytical instruments (GCs, titrators, etc.). Record analysis result data in appropriate entry fields.

The Operator will exercise effective stewardship over the assigned process area, chemicals, equipment and other infrastructure to allow safe and uninterrupted operations in compliance with all Dow Safety policies, protocols and practices.

This position is located at the company’s Northeast Technical Center in Collegeville, PA, and reports to the R&D Manager for Performance Monomers’ New Technologies group.

MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Attentively and reliably monitors a complex chemical process operation via computer control screens, including reactors and distillation columns, utilizing plant P&ID’s and SOP’s when required.
• Reliably manages control system setpoints and intelligently responds to chemical process changes according to process control strategy.
• Performs chemical process start-up and shutdown operations.
• Conducts process walkthroughs and reviews in-process sensor and equipment readouts.
• Ensures proper data logging, capturing operating notes, and required documentation.
• Monitors feed and waste vessel states and levels, coordinates fills/drains to maintain steady uninterrupted operation.
• Collects process chemical samples via in-process sampling ports according to sampling strategy.
• Loads process chemical samples into analytical instruments (GCs, titrators, etc.) according to analytical strategy.
• Effectively executes shift acceptance at start of shift and shift turnover at end of shift.
• Reliably operates as needed other laboratory and pilot scale equipment (heating baths, chillers, sampling systems, etc.).
• Consistently generates high quality, reliable results.
• Makes accurate experimental observations and infers valid conclusions as per training.
• Communicates effectively with supervisor, crew members, management, and other personnel, and provides clear progress updates as needed.
• Understands assignments and priorities.
• Completes compliance requirements, including EH&S and other training for position as required.
• Demonstrates proficient application of Life Critical Standards, operating plant discipline and sets role model in safety culture.
• Maintains the assigned process area cleanly and orderly according to guidelines.
• Performs other related duties, as required.

HEALTH, SAFETY, & ENVIRONMENTAL

• Committed to Business Principles and Policies concerning Environmental, Health, Safety, Security and Sustainable Development practices.
• Complies with all regulatory and corporate requirements in areas of responsibility.
• Completes safety actions in a timely fashion following all site and laboratory expectations.
• Reports safety observations promptly and clearly, committed to safe workplace practices.
• Ensures all operations in area of responsibility are covered and documented under current Hazard Analysis (HA), Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), and Management of Change (MOC) Review practices.
• Participates in HA/MOC reviews and SOP development and training as needed.
• Complies with all policies and procedures of the laboratory Chemical Hygiene Plan.
• Leads by example. Serves as a role model to others on the team.

SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE - REQUIRED

• Familiarity with continuous chemical process laboratory and/or pilot and/or production operations.
• Familiarity with and excellent skills in hazardous chemical handling.
• Familiarity with sample composition analysis using analytical instruments, e.g. GC, LC, titrations.
• Knowledge of and compliance with good laboratory practices.
• Knows names and uses of laboratory apparatus for common chemical engineering operations.
• Familiarity with process and instrumentation diagram concepts, general ability to read and follow such diagrams.
• Computer skills and learning aptitude to operate process control, analytical, spreadsheet and word processing software for design and data analysis and communication.
• Ability to interpret, and follow without deviation, process operating instructions in list, mathematical, diagram, or prose form and deal with many abstract and concrete variables.
• Ability to work 12 hour day or night shift with effective ownership of the work duties and process areas.
• Demonstrated ability to perform experiments, record data, directionally interpret results, offer and communicate interpretations, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Competent in the basic concepts of chemistry and engineering, chemical reactions of elements and compounds equivalent to an introductory Organic Chemistry course, including the laboratory component.
• Good teamwork and interpersonal skills, a reliable team member.
• Excellent communication skills to engage effectively with others, clearly discuss results, observations, and needs.
• Demonstrates respect, inclusion, cooperation and responsibility.
• Strong bias for action and keen attention to detail.

SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE - DESIRED

• Experience in chemical process research and development or production support.
• Experience with design, building, and operation of continuous, laboratory scale, integrated chemical process pilot plants.
• Experience in laboratory and pilot scale data acquisition and automation hardware and software.
• Experience in the operation of gas chromatographs (e.g., Agilent 7890).
• Experience with titrimetric methods of analysis (Karl Fischer, Acid-base Titration, etc.)
• Knowledge of engineering methods and concepts for common chemical process operations.
• Knowledge of (Meth)Acrylate monomer manufacturing technology.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering

OR

• Associates degree or higher education in chemistry with a minimum of five (5) years relevant experience in a chemical process development or production environment.

OR

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) with a minimum of ten (10) years relevant experience in a chemical process development or production environment.

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