Pilot Plant Operator (California, San Leandro)

PetsApp; San Leandro (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Opportunity for growth

Dynamic startup environment

Mission-driven team

Job summary

An innovative materials company is seeking a Pilot Plant Operator to support daily operations in California. This role involves operating pilot plant equipment and troubleshooting mechanical issues while ensuring safety and quality. The ideal candidate has experience with industrial processing equipment and a strong mechanical aptitude. This position offers opportunities for personal and professional growth within a dynamic startup environment tackling major environmental challenges.

Qualifications

• Prior experience operating pilot plants or industrial processing equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on troubleshooting ability.
• Experience with slurry systems, pumps, tanks, reactors, or filtration.
• Comfortable taking ownership during shifts and supporting others.
• Strong safety mindset and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Operate pilot plant equipment, handling high-solids slurries.
• Support daily planning, task prioritization, and execution on the plant floor.
• Troubleshoot mechanical and process issues in real time.
• Coordinate closely with the Pilot Plant Manager and engineering team.
• Support pilot campaigns, testing, and customer demonstrations.
• Ensure safety, quality, and operational discipline during all runs.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Troubleshooting

Communication skills

Safety mindset

Safety and communication

Job description

About PHNX Materials:

PHNX Materials refines coal ash waste into a sulfate-based fertilizer, and a cement substitute (SCM). Our cost-effective, scalable technology delivers a triple win: providing a low cost fertilizer, helping power producers manage coal ash liabilities, and providing concrete companies a cheaper, greener alternative to cement. With an existing operational pilot facility, PHNX is on a mission to unlock this abundant domestic natural resource.

Role Summary:

PHNX Materials is seeking a Pilot Plant Operator to support and lead daily operations at our California pilot facility. This role combines hands‑on operation with increased responsibility for troubleshooting, training, and process execution. This is a great fit for someone who has operated pilot or industrial equipment and wants to play a larger role in execution.

What You Will Do

• Operate pilot plant equipment, handling high‑solids slurries
• Support daily planning, task prioritization, and execution on the plant floor
• Troubleshoot mechanical and process issues in real time
• Coordinate closely with the Pilot Plant Manager and engineering team
• Support pilot campaigns, testing, and customer demonstrations
• Ensure safety, quality, and operational discipline during all runs

Qualifications

• Prior experience operating pilot plants or industrial processing equipment
• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands‑on troubleshooting ability
• Experience with slurry systems, pumps, tanks, reactors, or filtration
• Comfortable taking ownership during shifts and supporting others
• Strong safety mindset and communication skills

Preferred / Bonus

• Experience in mineral processing, chemical processing, or waste treatment
• Forklift certification or OSHA training
• Experience supporting commissioning or early‑stage facilities

What We Offer:

• Opportunity to shape and build a facility tackling major environmental challenges.
• Dynamic startup environment with mission‑driven team and room for growth.
• The chance to revolutionize heavy industries.

PHNX Materials is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.