Pilot Plant Operator

Area: Londonderry Pilot Plant. 

Schedule: Available to work 12-hour shifts as needed (days, nights, weekends, and holidays)

Objective: Support the safe and efficient operation of a pilot plant facility focused on metal processing technologies. Responsibilities include assisting with furnace operations, performing minor repairs and preventative maintenance, supporting commissioning and construction activities, managing materials and inventory, and ensuring strict adherence to safety, environmental, and operational protocols. This position may require rotational shifts including weekends.

Requirements:

 High School Diploma or GED Equivalent required

• Understanding of production procedures. Experience following very specific procedures and documenting the completion of critical steps
• Excellent mechanical skills, including comfort with using tools to make simple repairs
• Capable of effective communication, include speaking, writing, active listening and taking instruction.
• Domain of basic computer skills, including data entry, emailing etc.
• Previous experience in heavy industry, pilot plant operations, steelmaking, foundry work, or similar high-temperature processing environments preferred
• Direct experience working with molten metal (e.g., steel, alloys, foundry operations) strongly preferred
• Hands-on experience with industrial furnaces is highly desirable
• Construction, commissioning, or startup experience in industrial or plant environments preferred
• Demonstrated experience with mechanical maintenance, including troubleshooting, repairs, and preventative maintenance of industrial equipment
• Strong mechanical aptitude, including use of tools and ability to perform basic fabrication, repairs, and component replacement
• Experience working under strict safety regulations, particularly in high-risk environments involving heat, molten materials, or heavy machinery
• Familiarity with cranes, rigging, or material handling systems preferred
• Willingness to learn, adapt, and work in a fast-paced pilot and R&D-driven environment

Job Responsibilities:

• Support operations and engineering team in the safe and efficient operation of pilot-scale furnaces and associated process equipment (e.g., induction furnaces, electric arc furnaces, rotating kilns, and off-gas systems)
• Operate and monitor molten metal processes in accordance with established procedures, including charging, melting, tapping, and handling of high-temperature materials
• Available to work 12-hour shifts as needed (days, nights, weekends, and holidays)
• Support pilot plant commissioning, startup, and construction activities, including equipment installation, system checks, and troubleshooting
• Assist in implementing Best Practices and Continuous Improvement initiatives for pilot operations and process development
• Perform routine inspections, preventative maintenance, and minor repairs on mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems
• Support maintenance activities as required by operational and experimental needs
• Ensure strict adherence to safety protocols related to molten metal handling, high temperatures, confined spaces, and heavy equipment
• Identify safety hazards and actively contribute to risk mitigation and continuous safety improvement
• Maintain compliance with environmental requirements, including emissions control systems and waste handling procedures
• Support process optimization efforts, including data collection, documentation, and feedback to engineering teams
• Accurately follow detailed operating procedures and document completion of critical process steps
• Maintain a high standard of housekeeping in all operational and maintenance areas
• Safely operate material handling equipment (e.g., forklifts, cranes) as required
• Properly follow company and OSHA safety regulations and standard operating procedures

Physical Requirements: 

• Ability to utilize personal protective equipment (hard hat, safety glasses, steel-toes shoes, goggles, respirator, safety harness, safety line, flotation gear, etc.) safely per OSHA standards
• Must have the ability to climb in a safe manner (climbing as a minimum includes stairs and ramps) same as ability to walk long distances and demonstrate good balance on uneven terrain or maneuvering obstacles
• Ability to withstand exposure to elevated ambient temperature for extended periods of time
• Must be able to work in extreme heat
• Exposure to wet and/or humid conditions, vibrations, dust and asphalt
• Must be able to work in a high noise environment where the use of hearing protection is required
• Ability to frequently use hand or fingers to handle or feel objects/materials
• Ability to work in areas with strong magnetic fields
• Bend, twist, lift, stand, walk, reach, see, move, and hear as required by specific position 
• Ability to frequently reach with hands and arms
• Must be able to communicate utilizing radios, phones and/or intercom systems 
• Ability to perform physically demanding work including lifting and/or moving up to 50 lbs. utilizing proper lifting techniques
• Ability to safely use power and hand tools.

Salary: 32.00 hour.