Pilot Plant Technician - Foam Pilot Line

Job Title: Pilot Plant Technician - Foam Pilot Line

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The Pilot Line Technician actively participates in the pilot line team, focusing on developing new foam technologies, which can be implemented to grow our foam markets domestically and internationally as well as support our existing production facilities with cost effective developmental improvements to lower operating costs and increase yields. This role provides technical support for foam processing by performing diverse skilled tasks in the areas of pilot line foam extrusion, maintenance, and inventory. This individual operates the equipment that is used to produce the highly complex processes that create low density XPS foam. In addition, the role provides fundamental support such as material shipping and receiving for the Tallmadge Science and Technology site.

Reports to: Tallmadge S&T Lab Leader

Span of Control: Individual Contributor with room to grow

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Pilot Plant Technician – Pilot Line Operations Support

• Supports safe day-to-day operation of pilot plant equipment by assisting with set-up, start-up, changeovers, and shutdown activities under direction of senior technicians or engineers.
• Performs routine equipment checks and basic troubleshooting and escalates issues promptly to maintain equipment availability and support trial schedules.
• Monitors equipment and process conditions during trials, identifies abnormal operation, and assists with safe recovery actions to minimize downtime and sample loss.
• Works with the pilot line team to follow trial instructions, communicate observations, and support repeatable execution.
• Operates pilot plant process equipment (e.g., extruders and downstream handling systems) under supervision, following SOPs and safety requirements.
• Assists with preventive maintenance (TPM) and corrective maintenance tasks (cleaning, inspections, part replacement, basic repairs) and documents work performed.
• Supports sample and product handling (cutting, labeling, staging, and packaging) and performs basic checks to meet trial and quality requirements.
• Records operating conditions, material usage, and trial notes in logs or software systems; supports clear shift handoffs and communication of issues.
• Supports materials and inventory activities, including receiving, staging, labeling, and safe handling of raw materials and regulated chemicals.
• Follows all safety procedures (PPE, LOTO, chemical handling), reports hazards/near-misses, and exercises stop-work authority when conditions are unsafe.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to support safe operation of pilot plant or manufacturing equipment in a hands-on environment, including assisting with set-up, start-up, changeovers, and shutdown under direction.
• Demonstrated reliability in following SOPs, completing assigned tasks, and promptly escalating equipment or process issues to help maintain safe operation and equipment availability.
• Basic troubleshooting and problem-solving skills (mechanical/process), including ability to recognize abnormal operation, take safe initial actions, and seek guidance when needed.
• Commitment to working safely and following procedures, including PPE, LOTO, and chemical handling requirements; reports hazards/near-misses and supports a strong safety culture.
• Ability and willingness to learn new processes, equipment, and basic control/HMI systems, and apply training and coaching in day-to-day operations.
• Dependable and accountable—shows up ready to work, follows through on commitments, and communicates status, issues, and handoffs clearly.
• Comfortable supporting a trial-driven environment where priorities may shift; able to stay organized, follow direction, and adjust to new tasks.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including accurately recording operating conditions, material usage, trial notes, and maintenance actions in logs or software systems.
  • Basic proficiency with common productivity tools (e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel) for communication and data entry.
• Willingness and ability to perform hands-on work in a pilot plant, including equipment operation support, cleaning/inspections, assisting with TPM/corrective maintenance, and material handling (receiving, staging, labeling, packaging).
• Manual dexterity required for operating machinery and performing tool changes during maintenance and repairs. Hands-on aptitude and flexibility to work in service groups supporting changing needs of formulators.
• Ability to lift up-to 45 pounds
• Basic knowledge of hand tools.
• Basic knowledge of fasteners.
• 10% travel required

PREFERED EXPERIENCE:

• Working in environments with equipment, chemical handling, or process safety requirements.
• Exposure to SOPs, JHAs, or safe work permitting processes.

• Supporting or maintaining industrial, pilot, or laboratory equipment.
• Preventive or corrective maintenance activities that support equipment uptime.

• Working in experimental, pilot, or development settings.
• Collaborating with engineers, scientists, or technical teams to support trials or development work.
• Exposure to extrusion, foam processing, or continuous manufacturing equipment.
• Familiarity with HMIs, data logging, or production systems is a plus.
• Thorough understanding of the relationships between pressure/temperature/extruder screw speed/solids rate/vacuum levels and the effects that each has on the foam process.
• Ability to pay attention to details and sometimes perform repetitive work.
• Basic working knowledge of liquid blowing agent stands, gas/liquid CO2 stands, vacuum systems, feeder systems, foam die and shaping systems, and heating/cooling water and oil systems.
• Working knowledge of HMI (Human Machine Interface) software such as Wonderware InTouch to run the extruder is desirable.
• Experience working with spreadsheets and databases. Experience working with SAP
• Experience writing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Job Hazard Assessments (JHAs) 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Customer Driven - Always honors promises and treats customers the way they deserve to be treated, provides quality results in the most expedient manner to external and internal customers. Provide technical support in form of written and oral communication and be the “eyes and ears” of the formulators while producing their experimental samples. And provide relevant feedback.
• Teamwork Oriented - Self-starter who works with minimal supervision that balances multiple assignments; works effectively with the lab team, customers, other Innovation groups.
• Adaptability - ability to respond quickly to the demands of the moment. A flexible person who can stay productive when the demands of work pull in many different directions at once. Maintaining effectiveness in a variety of environments.
• Accountability - knows what needs to be done and gets it done. Willingly takes responsibility for project outcomes as a whole; unafraid of owning the results, actions and decisions of self or organization. Committed to follow through to completion.

About Owens Corning  

Owens Corning is a branded building products leader with three complementary market-leading businesses providing roofing, insulation, and doors primarily for residential markets in North America and Europe. The company operates with an integrated go-to-market strategy and a unique set of OC Advantages™ – including its iconic brand, unparalleled commercial strength, leading technology, and winning cost position – to help customers win and grow in the market. Owens Corning is committed to helping build better and achieve more through winning partnerships, leading performance, and engaging people. Founded in 1938 and headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, Owens Corning is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: OC). For more information, visit www.owenscorning.com.

Owens Corning is an equal opportunity employer. Except in limited circumstances such as formal apprenticeship programs, Owens Corning does not employ anyone under the age of 18.