Pilot Plant Operator

About the job

Worksite: Hawaii (relocation covered) • 6–9 Month Contract

Ayrton 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 operation

• You're comfortable troubleshooting on the fly and adjusting to process changes as engineering and R&D teams iterate

• You like solving difficult problems

• You like working closely with process engineers and scientists, not just following a fixed SOP

• You're open to a defined-term contract and relocating to Hawaii for the assignment

• You take pride in careful documentation and disciplined safety practices, even in a fast-moving, experimental environment

Your 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 procedures

• Operate pilot-scale process equipment (reactors, distillation/separation units, pumps, and associated instrumentation) per batch and campaign schedules

• Execute experimental runs and process trials alongside engineering and R&D staff, adjusting operating parameters as directed

• Monitor and log process data (temperatures, pressures, flow rates, yields), flag deviations and provide feedback on process optimization/improvements

• Perform routine equipment setup, changeover, and basic troubleshooting

• Run basic lab analysis eg. FTIR, GC-TCD using Ayrton SOPs

• Liaise with stakeholders on site for operational coordination eg. Startups, shutdowns, handling process upsets etc.

• Follow and help write standard operating procedures (SOPs) as processes evolve

• Perform minor maintenance activities eg. Filter change and coordinating with contractors and site client for more substantial maintenance activities

• Ensure good housekeeping in the pilot plant and Ayrton’s work area

• Supervise and train junior team members eg. interns

What 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 project

• Ayrton’s pilot plant runs 2 batches/day consistently

• Ayrton’s pilot plant has been optimized to achieve 10kg/day equivalent of H2 stored/released

• Good 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 project

• You've contributed practical, operator's-eye-view improvements to the process and operations

Your Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience as a process/plant/chemical operator, ideally including pilot plant, lab-scale, or R&D production environments

• Comfort working in a smaller, less routine, more experimental setting compared to a full production plant

• Comfort performing a variety of activities from operating and troubleshooting equipment to maintaining equipment to running lab analysis

• Working 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 whys

• Strong documentation habits — comfortable logging data accurately and following/updating SOPs

• Ability to work independently and communicate clearly with engineering/R&D teams and external stakeholders

• Must 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 relocation

• Familiarity with process safety management (PSM) practices

We 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 contract

• Daily per diem provided for meals

• Schedule:10 hours/day, 6 days/week

• Competitive Salary

At Ayrton We Value:

• Honesty and Candor — We are solving hard problems and look for diverse thought — challenging leadership is encouraged

• Dependability — We value action over words and will empower you to get things done

• Be Kind — We are a team. Win together, lose together, learn together

We'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.