Manager, Pilot Facility, Chemical Research

Job Description

Job Title: Manager, Pilot Facility, Chemical Research

Reports To: Executive Director, Polymer Industry Cluster

Location: PIC Polymer Innovation Pilot Plant – Akron, Ohio (specific location TBD)

Status: Salary, Exempt

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Polymer Industry Cluster (PIC) is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Pilot Facility Manager to lead the operation of a new state-of-the-art facility dedicated to polymer research, product development, and scale-up. This role is essential to ensuring safe, efficient, and innovative operations that support the development and commercialization of advanced polymer materials. The Manager, Pilot Facility, Chemical Research will oversee day-to-day plant operations, supervise technical staff, and coordinate projects with internal and external stakeholders.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the safe and effective operation of pilot-scale chemical and polymer processing equipment.
• Manage daily pilot plant operations, including scheduling, maintenance, and resource allocation.
• Provide technical leadership in polymer process development and scale-up of novel materials.
• Ensure compliance with EH&S regulations and company safety protocols.
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering, and external partners to design and execute pilot campaigns.
• Supervise and mentor a team of technical operators, engineers, and support staff.
• Oversee commissioning, validation, and troubleshooting of new process equipment.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) and documentation systems.
• Track and report key performance indicators (KPIs) related to plant operations and project outcomes.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and implement best practices in pilot operations.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field required.
• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) a plus but not required.

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in process development, scale-up, or manufacturing within the chemical or polymer industry.
• Demonstrated experience in operating and managing chemical process laboratories or pilot plants.
• Hands-on knowledge of polymerization processes, mixing, extrusion, or other relevant chemical processing operations.
• Experience commissioning new pilot equipment and implementing new technologies preferred.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES:

• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving capabilities.
• Deep understanding of process safety, regulatory compliance, and risk management.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for working with multi-disciplinary teams and external partners.
• Proficient in technical documentation, data analysis, and project management tools.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:

• May be required to work more than 8 hours during a workday.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.
• Occasionally moves office materials and/or supplies weighing up to 25 pounds throughout the office.

SCHEDULING REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be available to work occasional off-hours.
• Must be available during standard business hours.
• While this position will be based in the plant facility in Akron, OH in the GAC’s main office, aspects of this role may be fulfilled through periodic telecommuting as determined appropriate and in conjunction with project supervision.
• Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.