Operator Foreman - Demonstration Facility

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

ABOUT US:

We use American corn and existing bioethanol infrastructure to produce critical chemicals right here at home—powering U.S. competitiveness and securing our nation's supply chains - while reinvesting in agricultural America. Bluestem Biosciences has engineered a breakthrough in American manufacturing. Our proprietary biomanufacturing process represents a new, cost-effective, and advantaged way to produce platform chemicals domestically. With the foundation of existing infrastructure, we convert abundant, renewable American corn into high-value chemicals at scale.

JOIN US AS WE ACCELERATE TO COMMERCIALIZATION

Job Title: Operator Foreman - Demonstration Facility

Location: Jackson / South Sioux City, NE area (On-site - Relocation assistance offered)

Role Type: Full-Time

Role Summary

We are seeking a highly versatile and hands-on Operator Foreman to lead our first demonstration‑scale biochemical production facility. As our first critical hire for this site, you will initially spearhead the transition from construction completion through commissioning and start‑up. Ultimately, your primary focus will be managing long‑term, full‑scale commercial operations.

This is a dynamic leadership role that requires a "boots‑on‑the‑ground" mentality. Reporting directly to the VP of Engineering, you will be responsible for building out the operational team, establishing a culture of safety and technical excellence, and serving as the primary liaison between site operations and the executive leadership team. If you excel at turning strategic goals into daily operational success, we want you on our team.

Key Responsibilities

Ongoing Operations & Site Leadership (Long-Term Focus)

• Direct all daily plant operations, ensuring production meets mass, energy, and yield targets against original design specifications.
• Author, implement, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Work Instructions, and Site Safety Protocols (including LOTO, confined space entry, and PSM).
• Identify and rectify process bottlenecks, utilizing Root Cause Analysis (RCA) to solve equipment failures, yield deviations, or process inefficiencies.
• Synthesize site performance data into high-level reports for upper management, highlighting critical path risks, budget tracking, and production milestones.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with engineering and R&D teams to troubleshoot complex biochemical systems (including fermentation and downstream processes).

Team Building & Management

• Lead the recruiting, hiring, and onboarding of the initial plant operations team (an estimated team of 8-12 shift operators, technicians, and maintenance staff).
• Supervise, mentor, and schedule this multi‑disciplinary team, fostering a culture of ownership, technical excellence, and strict safety compliance.

Commissioning & Start‑Up (Initial Phase)

• Partner with construction and engineering teams to direct the transition from Mechanical Completion to formal Startup.
• Assist in Commissioning, Qualification, and Validation (CQV) activities, including FAT, SAT, and initial utility/process system commissioning.

Requirements

• Education/Experience: B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field. If lacking a formal degree, equivalent extensive hands‑on plant management and operational leadership experience is highly acceptable.
• Industry Background: 3+ years of experience in biochemical, bioethanol, food/beverage processing, or specialty chemical manufacturing operations.
• Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of aerobic/anaerobic fermentation, aseptic processing, and downstream purification processes. Familiarity with Heat Transfer, Fluid Dynamics, and Mass Transfer is a plus.
• Start-up Experience: Previous experience assisting with a greenfield or major brownfield startup, or scaling processes from pilot to demonstration scale, is strongly preferred but not strictly required.
• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to hire, train, and manage operational teams while influencing cross‑functional stakeholders.
• Safety & Compliance: Deep understanding of industrial safety standards (OSHA, PSM, HAZOP, P&ID/PFD reviews).
• Working Style: Excellent written and verbal communication skills; highly organized with the ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast‑paced startup environment.
• Physical Requirements: Must be able to work in an industrial plant environment. This includes the ability to stand and walk for extended periods, climb stairs and ladders, lift up to 50 lbs, and wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, safety glasses, and steel‑toed boots.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance plans available.
• Relocation assistance offered for out‑of‑area candidates.

Bluestem is an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.