Job Description

The Mining and Minerals Engineering Department at Virginia Tech is seeking applicants for a pilot plant technician/operator to support research and development activities related to mineral and hydrometallurgical processing. The position requires skills in constructing, assembling, and maintaining laboratory and proof-of-concept scale process equipment. Responsibilities will include:

1. Operate pilot-scale particulate processing operations, including crushers, grinding mills, screens, cyclones, flotation columns, mixing vessels solvent based separations, and others.
2. Perform general fabrication activities including cutting/welding/machining of various materials such as metals and plastics.
3. Perform general construction activities related to the assembly of fabricated and purchased parts.
4. Perform connections for electrical, mechanical, and plumbing services.
5. Ensure that process and other equipment are adequately maintained and coordinating external service visits for various process equipment as needed.
6. Assist shop personnel in organization, cleanup, and maintenance activities as required to maintain a safe, healthy, and productive work site.
7. Communicate and coordinate with students, faculty, and the public on various projects.

Required Qualifications

* Demonstrated experience with plumbing, welding, and/or electrical service work
* Demonstrated understanding of complex design and operation of lab and pilot-scale units;
* Knowledge of basic engineering principles and design;
* The ability to work and communicate well with faculty, students and external vendors and contractors.
* Basic computer knowledge such as updating job queue systems and email.

Preferred Qualifications

* Education diploma from trade or vocational school as Machinist or equivalent level of training and experience.
* Prior work experience with mining/process engineering equipment.
* Prior work experience with solvent-based processes and/or gas-phase processes, including reactors, evaporators, condensers, etc.
* Prior work experience in laboratory and pilot-plant testing programs.
* Proven hands-on experience in pilot plant or industrial processing operations, with appropriate certifications achieved during prior roles

Pay Band

4

Appointment Type

Restricted

Review Date

10/23/2023

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight , a , a college, , and . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous and . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.