Position: Laboratory & Pilot Plant Specialist
Business: Elessent Clean Technologies
Location: Kansas City, Kansas, USA
Experience: 0 – 5 years
About Elessent Clean Technologies
Elessent Clean Technologies is a leading source of solutions for decarbonizing the industrial manufacturing sector and transitioning the industry to a sustainable future. Our clean technology solutions minimize environmental impact and optimize productivity while remaining cost competitive. As a responsible supplier and partner to the metal, fertilizer, chemical, petrochemical, and oil refining industries, our technology portfolio includes MECS® sulfuric acid production, STRATCO® alkylation, BELCO® wet scrubbing and IsoTherming® hydroprocessing. Offering critical process equipment, products, technology, and services, we are dedicated to helping our customers produce high‐quality, and cleaner products for the world. Learn more at www.ElessentCT.com or connect with us on LinkedIn.
Job Description:
We are seeking a motivated Laboratory & Pilot Plant Specialist to join our team. This role is focused on our STRATCO® alkylation technology and is ideal for an early-career professional who enjoys hands-on experimental work, solving technical challenges, and working in a collaborative research environment. The successful candidate will support pilot plant operations, laboratory testing, data collection, troubleshooting, and technology development activities.
Key Responsibilities
- Operate and support pilot-scale alkylation and process research equipment
- Conduct laboratory experiments, sample preparation, and analytical testing
- Collect, organize, and document experimental data
- Troubleshoot instrumentation, laboratory systems, and pilot plant equipment
- Maintain accurate laboratory records and technical documentation
- Support preparation, calibration, and maintenance of laboratory instruments and equipment
- Collaborate with engineers, scientists, and technical staff on research and development projects
- Follow strict laboratory, process safety, and chemical handling procedures
- Work safely with sulfuric acid and other hazardous process materials in a laboratory and pilot plant environment
- Participate in safety reviews, operating procedures, and continuous improvement initiatives
- Assist with preparation of technical presentations and reports as needed
- Occasionally support refinery visits, industry conferences, or technical meetings (limited travel required)
Preferred Qualifications and Attributes
- Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a related technical field
- Strong hands-on laboratory or mechanical skills and technical aptitude
- 3+ years of relevant laboratory, pilot plant, industrial, or research experience
- Familiarity with instrumentation, process equipment, and troubleshooting techniques
- Experience with analytical equipment and laboratory procedures is beneficial
- Comfortable working in both laboratory and pilot plant environments
- Strong organizational and documentation skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and basic data analysis tools
- Demonstrated initiative and ability to work independently
- Detail-oriented and highly organized
- Creative and innovative problem-solving skills
- Collaborative team players who communicate effectively
- Curious, hands-on, and motivated to learn
- Ability to implement innovative ideas into the pilot plant
- Comfortable working with equipment, instrumentation, and experimental systems
- Committed to maintaining a strong safety culture and following established procedures
Work Environment
This position is based at the STRATCO® Alkylation Research & Technology Center in Kansas City, Kansas. The role requires being onsite with a 4/10 work schedule and includes a combination of laboratory work, pilot plant operation, and collaborative technical development activities. The position involves working with sulfuric acid and other industrial chemicals in a controlled research environment where safety is a top priority. The position requires some lifting equipment/material (50 lbs). Limited travel to refineries or industry conferences may be required periodically.
