Pilot Plant Technician-1

Who Are We, And What Do We Do?

At Corteva Agriscience, you will help us grow what’s next. No matter your role, you will be part of a team that is building the future of agriculture – leading breakthroughs in the innovation and application of science and technology that will better the lives of people all over the world and fuel the progress of humankind.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Pilot Plant Technician to join our company at our Midland, MI Pilot Plant facility. We offer all the benefits that a Fortune 500 company has to offer while also providing a community feel. The inclusive, motivated team in Midland offers a safe and innovative work environment that allows for personal and professional growth.Through safe and efficient operation, the Pilot Plant staff scales up chemical processes from laboratory to intermediate scale to generate quantities of new chemical intermediates and active ingredients being evaluated for subsequent commercial launch, simultaneously generating and collecting process data which will ultimately enable full-scale manufacturing.

This position requires shift work (12 or 10 hours based on production demand) with built in overtime during campaigns. In between campaigns the team works a day shift schedule. Shift schedules will be published two weeks prior to assignment. Working weekends and holidays are rare but can be necessary to meet business demands.

We are looking for candidates who take initiative, love to learn, work hard, and have a stable work history.

What You’ll Do

• Operate in a safe and efficient manner the Pilot Plants' unit operations, equipment and process control systems associated with chemical reactions, distillations, crystallizations, filtrations, drying, packaging and other processing steps.
• Handle raw materials, intermediates and final Active Ingredients according to safety and quality standards.
• Work shift work as required during campaigns to produce Active Ingredients, preparation (solvent batching), and post-campaign activities (cleaning out).
• Assist with development of operating procedures for new technologies, different equipment configurations, and responses to potential hazards associated with each campaign.
• Maintain Pilot Plant equipment and complete campaign process modifications by competitive work practices such as minor demolition and pipe fitting.
• Serve as facility representative for maintenance and project crews brought into the Pilot Plants.
• During each campaign, complete batch production records and other critical plant operating procedures, collect samples and monitor process data, and respond to process needs while adhering to Corteva standards and work processes.
• Troubleshoot operational and mechanical problems encountered.
• Identify maintenance needs and participate in pre-maintenance equipment preparation work.
• Execute post-campaign equipment cleanout to ready the assets for a subsequent campaign.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

What Skills You’ll Need

• You have a high school diploma/GED.
• You have at least 1 year of education and/or experience in a chemical manufacturing operating position.
• You have good technical and mechanical aptitude.
• You are committed to safety and understand the importance of compliance with Environmental Health & Safety standards.
• You have a valid driver’s license so that you can drive a company vehicle when needed.
• You have good interpersonal skills including good written and verbal communication.
• You can work independently and within a team environment.
• You are committed to continuous improvement and have excellent troubleshooting capabilities and technical knowledge.
• You can read, write, and speak English.
• You are willing and able to work in a variety of environments wearing safety equipment (PPE), such as SCBA, respirators, earplugs, goggles, and steel-toed shoes.
• You are willing and able to perform work that may require frequent bending, reaching, and lifting as well as standing/walking for extended periods of time.
• You understand that delivering to our customers on-time keeps us viable so you are willing and able to work shift work (during campaigns) and a day shift schedule (between campaigns). This includes built in overtime hours during shift work. Shift schedules will be published two weeks minimum prior to assignment. Working weekends and holidays are rare but can be necessary based on business demands.
• Please note there is NO relocation allowance or visa sponsorship available for this position.