R&D Pilot Plant Operations Technologist

About the opportunity

Join Kelly as an on-site partner supporting Dow in Collegeville, PA. We’re seeking an R&D Pilot Plant Operations Technologist for an 18-month assignment.

• Location: Collegeville, PA
• Assignment length: 18 months
• Schedule: 12-hour rotating shifts, 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m., alternating days/nights in a 28-day cycle with a built-in 7-day break each cycle

A day in the pilot plant

You’ll be the point where research ambition meets operational excellence. Your day moves between the pilot plant and labs, collaborating with technicians, scientists, and engineers. You guide the safe, efficient operation of assigned areas, ensure task completion, and develop others through hands-on training and coaching.

• Lead safe and efficient operations across assigned pilot plant areas
• Assign and perform work to complete the Master Task List (field checks, equipment prep, sampling, and more)
• Troubleshoot process deviations, coordinate crisis response, and support Root Cause Investigations
• Create, refine, and approve operating/job procedures; strengthen operating discipline
• Analyze plant inputs to influence process control, utilization, conversion costs, and yields; identify optimization opportunities
• Direct equipment troubleshooting, minor repairs, improvements, and preventive maintenance
• Partner with engineers and site leadership to plan turnarounds and define scopes for special projects
• Evaluate junior technicians for development, performance, and corrective needs; identify knowledge gaps and define training to close them
• Participate in Training Review Boards with input on evaluations and approvals
• Champion Life Critical Standards and model a strong safety and training culture

How you’ll grow

Through job-related training and on-the-job experience, you’ll build full proficiency across a range of technical processes and procedures. You’ll apply established methods to solve operational and analytical problems, explain complex technical topics across teams, and serve as an informal resource to less experienced colleagues. You’ll work independently on familiar tasks and receive supervision on new or complex assignments.

Qualifications

• Associate Degree in Chemistry, Biology, or equivalent local education (requirements may vary)
• Associate’s degree plus relevant work experience preferred

Top must-haves

• Education in process technology or engineering
• Internship or co-op experience in chemical, pharmaceutical, or related industries
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook)

Nice to have

• Experience with process control systems (LabVIEW, Siemens, or DeltaV)
• Demonstrated communication and teamwork (projects, collaboration, or leadership)

Work environment & logistics

• PPE provided: lab coat, safety glasses, safety shoes
• Some one-off items (e.g., prescription safety glasses) may need to be self-procured
• No driving required beyond normal commute
• No TWIC card required

Hiring process

1. Phone screen with hiring manager for role overview and initial fit
2. Panel or small-group interview with team members (preferably on-site; Microsoft Teams available for non-local candidates)

Ready to make an impact?

If this sounds like you, apply today or share with someone who’d be a great fit.