R&D Pilot Plant Operator

Paragon Laboratories, Inc. is looking for a dedicated and motivated R&D Pilot Plant Operator to join our team.

OUR COMPANY

For over 25 years, Paragon has been a local provider of chemical, physical, and biological laboratory testing services to customers across three primary markets: Environmental, Petroleum, and Chemical.

THE JOB

The R&D Pilot Plant Operator is a Paragon Laboratories, Inc. employee that is assigned to work at our partner's research center in Novi MI. Under the agreement between Paragon and our partner, you will take full responsibility and ownership of the day-to-day operation and mechanical upkeep of a highly specialized, small-scale carbon (CO2) capture pilot plant skid.

In joining our company, you will be providing a critical service in support of our partner's research and development initiatives, while being given the opportunity to learn and grow through extensive role-specific training.

Because this is a dynamic R&D environment rather than a traditional production facility, the ideal candidate is a proactive and independent problem-solver. You won’t just be monitoring screens – you’ll be turning wrenches, routing tubing, troubleshooting instrumentation, and working closely with research engineers to validate novel solvent technologies and optimize steady-state operations of the plant.

This position will work a 9/80 schedule; Monday through Friday (9.5 hours per day with every other Friday off).

Working hours are 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM with a 30 minute unpaid lunch each working day with optional flex earlier or later depending on project requirements.

OUR R&D PILOT PLANT OPERATOR

• System Operation: Execute startup, steady-state, and shutdown sequences for the CO2 capture pilot skid. Monitor and adjust rich and lean solvent loops, gas flows, and thermal systems to ensure safe and efficient operation.
• Instrumentation & Controls: Install, calibrate, and troubleshoot basic process instrumentation, including mass flow controllers, pressure transmitters, level sensors, and thermocouples. Interface with controls hardware and data acquisition systems.
• Process Monitoring: Work alongside engineering teams to maintain tight operational parameters, ensuring mass balance closures during testing runs and identifying process deviations (e.g., diagnosing rich-to-lean cross-leaks or pressure drops).
• Fabrication & Mechanical Assembly: Perform basic fabrication and structural modifications to the skid. Route, cut, bend, and install process piping (e.g., Swagelok tubing, 316L stainless steel components) for gas and liquid service.
• Maintenance & Troubleshooting: Conduct preventative and corrective maintenance on mechanical and electrical components, including pumps, valves, blowers, heat exchangers and instrument panel (low voltage) wiring.
• Safety & Compliance: Maintain rigorous safety and housekeeping standards within the high-bay testing facility. Handle specialized chemical solvents safely and ensure all pressurized lines and vessels are operating within design limits.
• Coordination: Order parts and coordinate with vendors to spec/select components, place orders, and trouble-shoot issues.
• Other duties as assigned

EXPERIENCE MUST HAVES

• Associate’s degree or technical certificate in Process Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or a related field.
• Approximately 5 years of hands-on experience operating pilot plants, preferably in a chemical, petrochemical, gas processing, or R&D environment.
• Solid foundational knowledge across mechanical, process piping, electrical, and structural disciplines.
• Ability to read, interpret, and redline P&IDs (Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams) and basic electrical schematics, as well as equipment manuals and data sheets.
• Basic fabrication capabilities, including proficiency with hand/power tools, tube bending, and mechanical assembly of skid components.
• Working knowledge of process instrumentation and controls hardware. Training on the plant PLC will be provided, but familiarity and experience with plant controls and HMI is required.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Able to safely lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to stand for extended periods, climb ladders, and navigate tightly spaced skid structures.
• Ability to wear PPE as required by internal protocols

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Genuine interest in applying knowledge of plant operation and role-specific training
• Friendliness, enthusiasm, reliability, with a positive team-player attitude
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills, including the ability to interact with engineers, researchers, and suppliers
• Demonstrated ability to work independently
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Strong work-ethic with a desire to learn and grow

WHAT YOU CAN BRING TO THE TABLE

A Positive Attitude and Attention to Detail – Apply your knowledge of plant operation and your role-specific training in a timely and professional manner that reflects our brand and Paragon’s values.

If you are ready for a rewarding position in a growing organization, APPLY WITH US!

Paragon is an equal opportunity employer and maintains a drug- and alcohol-free workplace.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $32.00 - $45.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person