Pilot Plant Technician

Synthomer is a leading supplier of high-performance, highly specialised polymers and ingredients that play vital roles in key sectors such as coatings, construction, adhesives, and health and protection – growing markets that serve billions of end users worldwide. Headquartered in London, UK and publicly listed there since 1971, we employ c.3,500 employees across our 5 innovation centres of excellence and more than 28 manufacturing sites across Europe, North America and Asia. Around 20% of our sales volumes are from new and patent protected products.

At our innovation centres of excellence in the UK, Germany, China, Malaysia and Ohio, USA we collaborate closely with our customers to develop new products and enhance existing ones tailored to their needs, with an increasing range of sustainability benefits. Since 2021, we have been proud holders of the London Stock Exchange Green Economy Mark, which recognises green technology businesses making a significant contribution to a more sustainable, low-carbon economy.

Job Overview:  

The Pilot Plant Technician supports the innovation and development of new polymer products.  The main responsibilities include all aspects of preparing and running polymerization reactions including cleaning reactors, weighing up raw materials, charging batches, monitoring reactions, and product testing.  In addition, the position supports a commercial manufacturing process that includes raw material charging, vessel operation, product testing, and finished goods packaging. 

Shift Requirement:

This position is assigned to either 2nd Shift (Afternoon Turn) or 3rd Shift (Midnight Turn) based on business needs. The standard afternoon shift is a 10-hour schedule and the midnight shift is an 8-hour schedule. Overtime, including weekends, may be required.

Job Responsibilities:  

• Follow safe work practices and support safety goals/objectives including Synthomer Golden Rules and SHE Principles.

• Follow all standard operating procedures to safely and efficiently operate process equipment.

• Actively involved in learning and working in all aspects of the manufacturing process.

• Effectively communicate with all levels of the innovation team.

• Collect, record, and communicate experimental data both written and verbally.

• Identify opportunities for improvement.

• Perform in-process and final product testing. 

• Support ISO-9001 and RCMS compliance efforts. 

• Be an active member in the emergency response team. 

• Preparing and cleaning equipment and vessels as necessary (range in size from 2-gallons to 1,000-gallons)  

• Assist with shipping and receiving functions when necessary. 

• Assist in the development of new processes and establishing standard operating procedures. 

Requirements:

• High School Diploma and/or equivalent

• Capable of working in a high-paced environment while paying attention to detail.

• Must be able to pass powered industrial truck certification (within first 60 days of employment).

• Ability to function effectively in a team environment and work independently as well.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to solve problems effectively and multitask.

• Able to handle up to 50 lbs. and physical dexterity to assemble equipment.

• Motivated to learn new tasks, new concepts, new applications, etc.

• Basic computer skills required.
• Must be safety conscientious and able to wear a respirator (Meet fit test requirements)

Preferred Requirements:

• Manufacturing experience not required.

• General chemical laboratory experience preferred.

• Previous experience in process control computer operations

• Previous powered industrial truck experience (Electric and LPG) preferred.

What we offer!

• $25.00/hour starting rate
• Employees assigned to the afternoon (2nd) or midnight (3rd) shift are eligible for a $1.00/hour shift differential.

• Additional $8.00/hour once fully trained and signed-off on all four departments within the Pilot Plant Facility. Hourly rate increased incrementally $2.00/hour as certification in each unit operation is obtained.   (Minimum 6-12 months)

• Uniforms provided and laundered (annual safety boot allowance of $400.00)

• Sign-On Bonus ($750.00 initially and $750.00 at 6-months with a claw back period of 1-year)

• Referral Bonus

• Attendance Bonus: ($300.00 each quarter and additional $300.00 for full year perfect attendance = $1,500 in total)

• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays (10 + 2 Floating Holidays)

• Paid breaks including lunch

🌍 Global Benefits Overview

• 💰 Competitive, market-aligned compensation

• 🎯 Discretionary global bonus scheme

• 📈 Discretionary Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) – for senior positions

• 🚗 Company car or car allowance – varies by region and role

• 🩺 Healthcare – tailored to regional locations

• 👶 Parental leave and family support – maternity, paternity, adoption (aligned with regional policies)

• 🏡 Working options – flexibility where it matters, based on role and business needs

• 📚 Learning & development opportunities – training, online platforms, buddy/mentorship programs, Internal Synthomer University with L&D offers

• 💙 Wellbeing support – employee assistance program (EAP), mental health resources, wellbeing initiatives

• 🌱 Retirement / pension contributions – plans vary by country

• 🤝 Culture of Inclusion – where everyone can thrive

• 🏆 Performance culture, global reward & recognition programmes