Also called: Scale-Up Technician, R&D Plant Operator
Runs a mini-factory where new chemical processes are tested before being built full-size.
You run a small reactor that's a test version of a future plant, swapping filters, logging temperatures and collecting samples every hour. When the engineer changes the recipe, you rebuild piping and start a new trial.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Associate's degree (2-year), about 2 years after high school. Associate in process or chemical technology.
Ways in: 2-year college, On-the-job training. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Process Technology, Chemical Technology.
Growing about average.
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. Automation logs data and runs steady steps; building, changing and running one-off experimental equipment stays hands-on.
Classes: Chemistry, Shop class, Algebra, Physics.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-4031.
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