Pilot Plant Operator

Pilot Plant OperatorAyrton Energy's mission is to propel the global shift towards sustainable energy with the broad deployment of our cutting-edge hydrogen storage technology, reshaping hydrogen distribution to mirror the safety, simplicity, and efficiency of traditional fuels such as diesel or gasoline. As a part of this, Ayrton is looking to hire a hands-on Pilot Plant Operator to support process development and scale-up work at our Hawaii-based pilot facility for a 6–9 month contract.You will love this job if:You enjoy variety over routine — running experimental and semi-continuous processes rather than a fixed, large-scale operationYou're comfortable troubleshooting on the fly and adjusting to process changes as engineering and R&D teams iterateYou like solving difficult problemsYou like working closely with process engineers and scientists, not just following a fixed SOPYou're open to a defined-term contract and relocating to Hawaii for the assignmentYou take pride in careful documentation and disciplined safety practices, even in a fast-moving, experimental environmentYour Responsibilities:Ensure safe operations of Ayrton pilot plant in adherence with Ayrton and client site's safety protocols, including chemical handling, PPE requirements and emergency proceduresOperate pilot-scale process equipment (reactors, distillation/separation units, pumps, and associated instrumentation) per batch and campaign schedulesExecute experimental runs and process trials alongside engineering and R&D staff, adjusting operating parameters as directedMonitor and log process data (temperatures, pressures, flow rates, yields), flag deviations and provide feedback on process optimization/improvementsPerform routine equipment setup, changeover, and basic troubleshootingRun basic lab analysis eg. FTIR, GC-TCD using Ayrton SOPsLiaise with stakeholders on site for operational coordination eg. Startups, shutdowns, handling process upsets etc.Follow and help write standard operating procedures (SOPs) as processes evolvePerform minor maintenance activities eg.

Filter change and coordinating with contractors and site client for more substantial maintenance activitiesEnsure good housekeeping in the pilot plant and Ayrton's work areaSupervise and train junior team members eg. internsWhat Success Looks Like at the End of the Contract:The client develops trust and confidence in Ayrton's technology and is asking to extend the pilot operations or partner on the next projectAyrton's pilot plant runs 2 batches/day consistentlyAyrton's pilot plant has been optimized to achieve 10kg/day equivalent of H2 stored/releasedGood data logs and documentation allows for R&D and Engineering team to analyze pilot plant operations, gather insights for learnings to be applied to Ayrton's next projectYou've contributed practical, operator's-eye-view improvements to the process and operationsYour Qualifications:5+ years of experience as a process/plant/chemical operator, ideally including pilot plant, lab-scale, or R&D production environmentsComfort working in a smaller, less routine, more experimental setting compared to a full production plantComfort performing a variety of activities from operating and troubleshooting equipment to maintaining equipment to running lab analysisWorking knowledge of basic process equipment (pumps, compressors, valves etc.), instrumentation and control (manual and/or DCS/PLC-based systems)Ability to troubleshoot process issues using structured approaches eg. 5 whysStrong documentation habits — comfortable logging data accurately and following/updating SOPsAbility to work independently and communicate clearly with engineering/R&D teams and external stakeholdersMust be a U.S. citizen or otherwise authorized to work in the U.S.

without sponsorship, and willing to relocate to Hawaii for the contract term (housing and transportation covered)Preferred Qualifications:Experience with batch chemical processes specifically (vs. continuous)Prior contract or turnaround work involving short-term relocationFamiliarity with process safety management (PSM) practicesWe encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every requirement — your relevant experience and adaptability matter.Compensation & Logistics:Housing and transportation costs to and from Hawaii covered for the duration of the contractDaily per diem provided for mealsSchedule:10 hours/day, 6 days/weekCompetitive SalaryAt Ayrton We Value:Honesty and Candor — We are solving hard problems and look for diverse thought — challenging leadership is encouragedDependability — We value action over words and will empower you to get things doneBe Kind — We are a team. Win together, lose together, learn togetherWe're looking to fill this contract promptly to support an active project timeline. We are actively recruiting and look forward to connecting with qualified candidates.

While we're grateful for all interest and do our best to respond thoughtfully, those most closely aligned with the role will be contacted for next steps.Ayrton is an equal opportunity employer that values equity, diversity and inclusion within our team. As a women-led venture, our company strives to provide a supportive atmosphere for under-represented individuals in business and STEM fields, including a focus on work-life balance and employee mental health.