Demonstration Plant Foreman – Startup & Operations Lead

Bluestem Biosciences, Inc.; South Sioux City (NE); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Job summary

Bluestem Biosciences, Inc. seeks an Operator Foreman to lead our first demonstration-scale facility in the Jackson/South Sioux City, NE area.

This role starts with transitioning from construction to startup, then focuses on long-term, full-scale commercial operations, with a hands-on, boots-on-the-ground leadership style. The role reports to the VP of Engineering and will build the initial operations team, establish safety culture, and serve as the liaison to executives.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Operations Management or related field; equivalent hands-on leadership accepted.
• 3+ years in biochemical, bioethanol, food/beverage or specialty chemical manufacturing operations.
• Strong knowledge of fermentation, downstream purification and aseptic processing.
• Start-up experience in greenfield or brownfield projects preferred but not required.
• Demonstrated ability to hire, train, and manage operations teams while engaging cross-functional stakeholders.
• Deep understanding of industrial safety standards (OSHA, PSM, HAZOP, P&ID/PFD).
• Excellent written and verbal communication; highly organized in a fast-paced startup.
• Ability to work in an industrial plant and lift up to 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Direct daily plant operations to meet mass, energy, and yield targets per design specs.
• Develop and enforce SOPs, work instructions, and safety protocols including LOTO and PSM.
• Identify bottlenecks and use RCA to resolve equipment failures or process inefficiencies.
• Prepare high-level performance reports for upper management including risks and milestones.
• Collaborate with engineering and R&D to troubleshoot fermentation and downstream systems.

Skills

Leadership

Safety & Compliance

Start-up Experience

Communication

Operations Management

Education

B.S. in Chemical Engineering

B.S. in Biochemical Engineering

B.S. in Operations Management

Job description

Bluestem Biosciences, Inc. seeks an Operator Foreman to lead our first demonstration-scale facility in the Jackson/South Sioux City, NE area.

This role starts with transitioning from construction to startup, then focuses on long-term, full-scale commercial operations, with a hands-on, boots-on-the-ground leadership style. The role reports to the VP of Engineering and will build the initial operations team, establish safety culture, and serve as the liaison to executives.