Pilot Plant Operator

Dow•Bristol, PA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

At Dow, we believe in putting people first and we’re passionate about delivering integrity, respect and safety to our customers, our employees and the planet. Our people are at the heart of our solutions. They reflect the communities we live in and the world where we do business. Their diversity is our strength. We’re a community of relentless problem solvers that offers the daily opportunity to contribute with your perspective, transform industries and shape the future. Our purpose is simple - to deliver a sustainable future for the world through science and collaboration. If you’re looking for a challenge and meaningful role, you’re in the right place. Dow has an opening for a Pilot Plant Operator located in Bristol, PA within the Wire and Cable R&D group. About You: You will provide basic technical support to Scientists and Technologist Leaders in the preparation and execution of experimental activities and studies in a pilot plant environment. You will also provide technical support for product development, application development, technical service, and/or product or process research. Additionally, you will complete the following tasks: Works as part of a team in a pilot-plant supporting chemists and engineers in developing, screening and commercializing new products and process. Conducts plastic compounding, wire & cable fabrication, and miscellaneous unit operations using one or more of the following: Banbury compounding machine, Buss Compounding machine, Thermoplastic wire extrusion lines, Twin-Screw extruder, Drying, Solid-liquid and solid-solid dry blending equipment, Bulk-scale Product and raw material drying equipment Providing hands-on training to newly hired technicians and contract employees on operating one or more of the equipment mentioned above Manages and then safely executes pilot-plant work requests, maintaining and running relevant compounding and fabrication equipment and documenting and reporting all data through an electronic data management system. Prepares for and independently performs standard and some non-routine procedures using relevant equipment and instruments, for which activities may include sample or materials preparations, equipment setup and/or configurations, and proper handling and disposal of waste materials that may be generated from experimental activities. Acts responsible for calibration, safe operation, and routine maintenance of simple and moderately complex instruments or machinery, and troubleshoots faulty equipment effects repairs or initiates repair processes as appropriate. Maintain ISO certification for equipment, operator training, and quality critical instruments complying with W&C quality systems requirements (ISO-9001) Participate in all safety programs mandated by the site and the department; frequently evaluate operating procedures for safety and data quality purposes Maintains inventories of consumable materials, chemicals, and supplies related to activities by anticipating usage rates, order lead times, and ordering/purchasing procedures. Promptly and effectively communicates issues to Technology Leader or lead scientists in order to enable or accelerate problem resolution. Actively participate in work group team meetings to address safety, process improvement, problem solving, and other work group, department, and functional topics. Write SWP's and perform lock out/tag out Demonstrates proficient application of Life Critical Standards, operate plant discipline and sets role model in safety culture

Requirements

A minimum of a High School Diploma/GED
Must be 18 years old or older.
A minimum requirement for this U.S. based position is the ability to work legally in the United States.
No visa sponsorship/support is available for this position, including for any type of U.S. permanent residency (green card) process.
Mechanical Equipment: Mechanical aptitude and hands-on experience in running large-scale polymer compounding equipment preferred.
Computer Work: Proficiency in Microsoft applications, such as Word and Excel, and have the ability to learn new systems quickly.
Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills. Good interpersonal skills.
Multi-tasking: Must have strong problem solving and time management skills.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: A self-starter who can identify, prioritize and accomplish multiple tasks.
Plant Safety: Experience with industrial safety practices and Dow Safety Standards.
Willing and able to meet physical demands of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations: Wear safety equipment, such as earplugs, goggles, and steel-toed shoes Wear and use respirators Stand or walk for extended periods of time

Nice To Haves

A technical advanced degree with 16 hours of chemistry
5+ years of relevant experience
Prior polymer compounding experience
Prior chemical manufacturing experience
Prior Mechanical & Electrical industrial experience

Responsibilities

Works as part of a team in a pilot-plant supporting chemists and engineers in developing, screening and commercializing new products and process.
Conducts plastic compounding, wire & cable fabrication, and miscellaneous unit operations using one or more of the following: Banbury compounding machine, Buss Compounding machine, Thermoplastic wire extrusion lines, Twin-Screw extruder, Drying, Solid-liquid and solid-solid dry blending equipment, Bulk-scale Product and raw material drying equipment
Providing hands-on training to newly hired technicians and contract employees on operating one or more of the equipment mentioned above
Manages and then safely executes pilot-plant work requests, maintaining and running relevant compounding and fabrication equipment and documenting and reporting all data through an electronic data management system.
Prepares for and independently performs standard and some non-routine procedures using relevant equipment and instruments, for which activities may include sample or materials preparations, equipment setup and/or configurations, and proper handling and disposal of waste materials that may be generated from experimental activities.
Acts responsible for calibration, safe operation, and routine maintenance of simple and moderately complex instruments or machinery, and troubleshoots faulty equipment effects repairs or initiates repair processes as appropriate.
Maintain ISO certification for equipment, operator training, and quality critical instruments complying with W&C quality systems requirements (ISO-9001)
Participate in all safety programs mandated by the site and the department; frequently evaluate operating procedures for safety and data quality purposes
Maintains inventories of consumable materials, chemicals, and supplies related to activities by anticipating usage rates, order lead times, and ordering/purchasing procedures.
Promptly and effectively communicates issues to Technology Leader or lead scientists in order to enable or accelerate problem resolution.
Actively participate in work group team meetings to address safety, process improvement, problem solving, and other work group, department, and functional topics.
Write SWP's and perform lock out/tag out
Demonstrates proficient application of Life Critical Standards, operate plant discipline and sets role model in safety culture

Benefits

Equitable and market-competitive base pay and bonus opportunity across our global markets, along with locally relevant incentives.
Benefits and programs to support your physical, mental, financial, and social well-being, to help you get the care you need...when you need it.
Competitive retirement program that may include company-provided benefits, savings opportunities, financial planning, and educational resources to help you achieve your long term financial-goals.
Employee stock purchase programs (availability varies depending on location).
Student Debt Retirement Savings Match Program (U.S. only). Dow will take the value of monthly student debt payments and apply them as if they are contributions to the Employees’ Savings Plan (401(k)), helping employees reach the Company match.
Robust medical and life insurance packages that offer a variety of coverage options to meet your individual needs. Travel insurance is also available in certain countries/locations.
Opportunities to learn and grow through training and mentoring, work experiences, community involvement and team building.
Workplace culture empowering role-based flexibility to maximize personal productivity and balance personal needs.
Competitive yearly vacation allowance.
Paid time off for new parents (birthing and non-birthing, including adoptive and foster parents).
Paid time off to care for family members who are sick or injured.
Paid time off to support volunteering and Employee Resource Group’s (ERG) participation.
Wellbeing Portal for all Dow employees, our one-stop shop to promote wellbeing, empowering employees to take ownership of their entire wellbeing journey.
On-site fitness facilities to help stay healthy and active (availability varies depending on location).
Employee discounts for online shopping, cinema tickets, gym memberships and more.
Additionally, some of our locations might offer: Transportation allowance (availability varies depending on location) Meal subsidiaries/vouchers (availability varies depending on location) Carbon-neutral transportation incentives e.g. bike to work (availability varies depending on location)