Pilot Plant Engineering Co-Op

Co-Op rotation beginning in Fall 2026

Purpose:

This position is a developmental role, providing college level students an opportunity to practically employ and supplement their course work in a chemical pilot plant environment of our R&D facility in Louisville, KY. Typically, the co-op arrangement is established in the Sophomore year of college and rotates semesters thereafter for three co-op experiences of greater responsibility. 

Job Functions/Accountabilities (Essential & Marginal):

• Performs standardized or prescribed assignments involving a sequence of related operations. Conducts a variety of standardized tests and operations.
• May prepare test samples and specimens; sets up and operates pilot plant polymerization and finishing equipment.
• Will make up chemicals used in polymerization and finishing process.
• Records test data.
• Maintains supplies inventory and orders replacements as needed.
• Discusses abnormal operation or quality problems with the scientists or supervisor and makes recommendation for enhancements.
• Participates in housekeeping duties necessary to keep area orderly and safe.
• Records, computes, and analyzes test data.
• Performs experiments or tests which require nonstandard procedures and complex instrumentation.
• Compliance with all Research and Development Safety, Health, Environment and Quality policies and procedures.
• Performs all other duties as assigned by the scientist/engineer or higher-level technician.
• Good Chemical Hygiene practices are critical, and adhering to safe laboratory practice is a must.
• Under Supervision 
  • Modifies standard equipment to meet special technical requirements.
  • Builds and tests experimental equipment, apparatus or systems of considerable complexity.
  • Performs required preventative maintenance, daily system checks and minor maintenance on equipment as directed by test methods and/or troubleshooting flow diagrams.

Qualifications:

Education:

Currently enrolled in a four (4) year college degree program in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering.

Sophomore level ideal; ability to rotate semesters for three (3) co-op experiences of increasing responsibility.

Experience:

Some course work that would have required lab experience. This is work in a pilot plant, so hands on chemistry lab experience is a must. This is to insure they have had basic lab safety and technique training prior to Zeon. 

With the exception of titrations, the type of testing that will be done is not standard to a college laboratory. Will be mixing solutions, measuring pH and total solids, weighing up chemicals, and assisting in the running of reactions. Should understand pressure differences, as many of the reactions are run under pressure, and the movement of chemicals will depend on the opening and closing of valves that are affected by pressure. These systems also will involve vacuum pressure, so an understanding of pressure above and below 1 ATM is important.

Zeon Chemicals does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.