Senior Pilot Operator

At Aquatech, we tackle the challenges of water scarcity and complexity by leveraging technology, expertise, and financing to deliver comprehensive solutions that reduce carbon and recycled water footprint. As a leading global provider of water and process technology solutions, we help the world's most recognized companies achieve their sustainability and operational goals by implementing innovative approaches for water reuse, desalination, minimal and zero liquid discharge, and critical minerals recovery. Our work catalyzes the transition toward a more sustainable future and showcases our commitment to addressing water's role in climate adaptation. Learn more at www.aquatech.com.

Aquatech immediately needs a full-time Senior Pilot Operator to work in our Albany, Oregon office.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a senior-level Pilot Operator with 10 to 15 years of hands-on experience to lead the deployment, assembly, operation, and maintenance of advanced water filtration pilot systems in the field. When not deployed on active field assignments, the candidate will report to the Albany office to support equipment preparation, system staging, and technical planning. n this senior role, you will be responsible for the mechanical setup, 24/7 commissioning, and advanced maintenance of complex fluid handling and filtration systems on customer sites worldwide. You will direct field operator teams during critical start-up phases and serve as the primary technical trainer for customer staff.

Job Description:

System Assembly, Transport & Rigging

• Deliver and position mobile pilot trailers/skids.
• Safely operate forklifts, scissor lifts, and overhead cranes to position heavy equipment, structural components, and piping assemblies.
• Lead mechanical assembly, structural mounting, and pipe fitting (PVC, stainless steel, flexible hoses, valves, and manifolds) to integrate pilot equipment into host facilities.

Operations, Maintenance & Troubleshooting

• Operate, monitor, and optimize advanced water treatment pilot systems (e.g., ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis, media filters, chemical dosing systems).
• Perform advanced troubleshooting and field repairs on small motors, centrifugal/positive displacement pumps, diesel generators, and low-voltage electrical controls.
• Maintain hydraulic and pneumatic fluid handling systems, including actuators, control valves, pressure regulators, and compressors.
• Execute routine preventive maintenance and maintain detailed operational logs and equipment service records.

Site Leadership & Customer Training

• Manage shift schedules and direct teams of operators in a 24/7 operational environment during pilot start-ups and commissioning phases.
• Deliver clear, structured on-site training to customer operators and technical personnel on system operation, monitoring procedures, and basic troubleshooting.
• Serve as the primary technical point of contact on customer sites, maintaining professional communication and delivering daily status reports to engineering teams and client management.

Safety & Compliance

• Rigorously implement and enforce OSHA safety standards, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), Confined Space
• Entry, Fall Protection, and Hazard Communication (HazCom).
• Lead daily Job Safety Analyses (JSAs) and tailgate safety meetings prior to executing field work.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Skill Requirements

• Expert proficiency in industrial pipe fitting, including threaded, solvent-welded, flanged, and high-pressure flexible lines.

• Advanced knowledge of fluid power systems, including hydraulic power units, pneumatic controls, and dynamic and positive displacement pumps.

• Strong electrical and mechanical diagnostic skills, including multimeter use, reading electrical schematics, and troubleshooting motors and generators.

Benefits:

Aquatech offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, company-paid holidays, and a 401K plan (all benefits are based on eligibility).

Physical Job Demands:

Must be able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and within active industrial site environments, lift up to 50 lbs, stand for long durations, climb ladders, and work safely at heights or in confined spaces.

Qualifications/Experience:

• 10 to 15 years of direct experience in water or wastewater treatment, industrial fluid-handling equipment, or mobile pilot operations.

• Associate degree or trade school certification as a Field Technician, Agricultural Technician, Industrial Mechanic, Millwright, or related technical discipline preferred; Equivalent military technical training will also be considered.

• Proven experience managing field personnel during 24/7 commissioning and start-up operations.

• Experience operating forklifts and scissor lifts. Valid passport and driver's license. Commercial Driver's License (CDL) preferred, but not required.

• Willingness and ability to travel both domestic and international 75%, including continuous site assignments lasting four to six weeks.