Job Title: Pilot Plant Assistant Technician
Location: Midland, MI,48642
Duration: 12 Months
Shift: Primarily Days; mix of straight days between campaigns and long workdays during active campaigns Monday–Friday; option for 5×8s or 4×10s.
Driving Required: Yes – occasional
Special Equipment Required: Full PPE for pilot plant/operations environment (provided by site)
Work Environment: 100% Onsite
 
Job Summary:
This role assists Technicians, Engineers, and R&D staff in transitioning chemical processes from laboratory scale to intermediate scale. The Assistant Technician performs material handling, equipment inspections, housekeeping, equipment readiness checks, and supports pilot plant operations during development campaigns. This is an entry-level role designed for individuals looking to build a long-term career in chemical manufacturing and operations.
 
Responsibilities:

• Handle and transport raw materials, intermediates, and finished Active Ingredients according to safety and quality standards.
• Assist with daily operational tasks, including equipment readiness checks, inspections, rounds, and documentation.
• Perform general housekeeping such as packaging cleanup, organizing deliveries, and participating in Safety (Red/Yellow/Green) walk-throughs.
• Support the development of operating procedures for new technologies and equipment configurations.
• Learn and assist with safe operation of unit operations including reactions, distillations, crystallizations, filtrations, drying, and packaging.
• Work alongside Technicians to maintain equipment and perform campaign-related process modifications (e.g., pipe fitting, tube bending, demolition).
• Assist with process documentation, batch records, sample collection, and process monitoring during campaigns.
• Support troubleshooting of operational and mechanical issues.
• Identify maintenance needs and help prepare equipment for maintenance activities.
• Develop skills to grow into a future Technician role as opportunities arise.

 Basic Qualifications:

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent required.
• Technical and mechanical aptitude to work in a pilot plant or industrial environment.
• Strong commitment to Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) standards, with willingness to intervene when needed.
• Ability to learn industrial equipment (fork truck, condor, etc.) and follow safe operating practices.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
• Continuous improvement mindset with willingness to build troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English fluently.
• Physically able to work in PPE (SCBA, respirators, gloves, goggles, steel-toed shoes).
• Comfortable with frequent lifting, bending, reaching, climbing ladders, standing, and walking for extended periods.

 Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate degree in Chemical Processing or 2+ years of industrial experience.
• Candidates from the Delta College program have historically performed well in this role.
• Seeking candidates with strong learning aptitude, mechanical ability, and a positive attitude toward long-term growth in operations.

 
 
At SPECTRAFORCE, we are committed to maintaining a workplace that ensures fair compensation and wage transparency in adherence with all applicable state and local laws. This position’s starting pay is: $ 20.00/hr.