Pilot Plant Manager

• This position is designed and intended to be performed in Muscatine, Iowa and offers a comprehensive benefits package, with the opportunity to join a high-performing innovative team!

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Process Development & Scale-Up: Lead the transition of new formulations or process from the lab to pilot scale; identify adjustments needed to make a process feasible for large-scale manufacturing.


• Operations Management: Plan, schedule and oversee daily pilot plant activities, ensuring equipment is properly used, maintained and calibrated; optimizing run conditions to improve yield, efficacy or quality


• Safety & Compliance: Ensure safety protocols specific to experiment or evolving processes; ensure compliance with environmental, chemical handling and industry regulations.  Conduct or oversee hazard analyses (HAZOP, risk assessment)


• Data Collection & Analysis: Capture detailed data during pilot runs to evaluate process performance; analyze results to guide decision-making – what works, what needs redesign and what can scale


• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with R&D scientists, engineering, quality, production teams, safety and maintenance


• Budgeting & Resource Management: Manage materials consumption, labor, maintenance and capital improvements within budget


• Monitor and report on all phases of project planning and execution to ensure alignments with objectives, timelines and budgets


• Oversee coordination among all stakeholders in the planning, design and execution process by assigning tasks and providing guidance


• Performs other duties as assigned

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND QUALIFICATIONS

• 5+ years of experience in pilot plant or plant operations, process development/operation or manufacturing scale-up


• Strong understanding of chemical and process principles


• Experience with equipment (reactors, mixers, extruders, dryers, filtration systems, etc)


• Experience and knowledge of laboratory equipment


• Familiarity with PFDs, P&IDs and SCADA/DCS Systems


• Data analysis and troubleshooting expertise


• Skills in both verbal and written communication

TRAVEL

• 5-10% travel for training, equipment evaluations, and occasionally based on travel