Operations Engineer

RiseMe; Eldorado (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401k program

Discretionary PTO

Relocation assistance

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Plantible Foods is seeking an Operations Engineer to join our Eldorado, TX facility. This on-site, early-career role blends hands-on plant floor work with data-driven process improvements to scale our protein extraction operations into commercial production.

You will operate downstream processing equipment, troubleshoot deviations, and support inventory and shipment readiness while translating R&D insights into robust manufacturing methods for scalable growth.

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Process, Chemical, Mechanical, or Bioprocess Engineering (or related discipline).
• 0–3 years of hands-on experience in food, beverage, pharmaceutical or ingredient manufacturing.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, organization and data-analysis skills.
• On-site at Ranchito; flexible to work on-site as projects demand.
• Understanding of sanitary design, food safety (HACCP, FSMA), and equipment standards.

Responsibilities

• Operate downstream processing equipment daily to support pilot plant and production activities.
• Troubleshoot production deviations and develop durable solutions with engineering and operations teams.
• Support commercialization with product inventory management and customer-shipment readiness.
• Identify and implement process improvements with cross-functional teams.
• Translate R&D findings into scalable manufacturing processes with operator-friendly tools.
• Prepare for transition of trial-scale testing to 24x7 operations as needs scale.
• Create a deviation-aware operating system with clear corrective actions.
• Promote a data-driven, continuous improvement mindset across the plant.

Skills

Problem solving

Communication

Organization

Data analysis

On-site work

HACCP

FSMA

Sanitary design

Equipment standards

Education

Process/Chemical/Mechanical/Bioprocess Engineering degree

Job description

How you will contribute:

We are seeking an Operations Engineer who combines analytical rigor with hands-on curiosity - someone who loves data as much as they love getting their boots dirty.

Based on-site at our production facility in Eldorado, TX, this hands‑on, early‑career engineering role will work directly on the plant floor to evolve R&D to commercial operations—while building the systems, work aids, and improvement roadmap needed for future automation and scale‑up.

This role offers firsthand exposure to taking the byproduct of our innovative protein extraction process and creating a nutritious food product.

What you will be working on:

Hands‑On Responsibilities

• Operate downstream processing equipment on a daily basis to support pilot plant and production activities, especially during initial onboarding ramp.
• Troubleshoot real‑world deviations in production, and work with the engineering and operations teams to develop durable solutions.
• Support commercialization team with product inventory management and customer‑shipment readiness.

Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement

• Identify, design and support implementation and validation of process improvements in collaboration with operations, commercialization, maintenance and controls teams.
• Translate R&D findings into robust, scalable manufacturing processes through operator‑usable tools, like SOPs and documentation.
• Be prepared to transition trial‑scale testing to the 24x7 operations team as the business needs scale.
• Create a deviation‑aware operating system: clear instructions for what to do when the process does not run perfectly.
• Contribute to and promote a data‑driven, continuous improvement mindset across the plant.

What you bring to Plantible:

• B.S. or M.S. in Process, Chemical, Mechanical, or Bioprocess Engineering (or related discipline).
• 0-3 years of hands‑on experience in food, beverage, pharmaceutical or ingredient manufacturing; new grads welcome.
• Strong problem‑solving, communication, organization, and data‑analysis skills; comfortable bridging R&D and plant operations.
• A proactive, “get‑it‑done” attitude with the flexibility to work on‑site at Ranchito as projects demand.
• Understanding of sanitary design, food safety (HACCP, FSMA), and equipment standards (USDA, FDA).
• A desire to contribute and make a sustainable impact!

Choose Plantible Foods

Joining Plantible means contributing to a sustainable future for all. We are a venture backed startup that is both spreading happiness amongst our employees and to current and future generations. We believe diversity creates uniqueness. Our team is composed of highly talented people with different interests and hobbies, which makes for a rich working environment.

At Plantible we are continually working on our offerings to foster the best team. Check it out!

• Competitive health and wellness benefits
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Discretionary Unlimited PTO Program
• Paid Holidays
• 401k Program
• Career Stipend
• Career development and growth opportunities
• Working in a rapidly growing, flexible and entrepreneurial environment
• Team building and company‑wide events
• Financial support with your relocation, if necessary, ensuring a smooth transition
• And of course, lots of beautiful land for outdoor activities!

Plantible Foods is an equal employment opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, liability for military service or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you are interested in learning the status of your application, please note you will be contacted directly by the appropriate human resources contact person if you are selected for further consideration. Plantible Foods reserves the right to defer or close a vacancy at any time.