Pilot Plant Operator (California, San Leandro)

PHNX Materials; San Leandro (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dynamic startup environment

Room for growth

Opportunity to shape a facility

Job summary

A sustainable materials company seeks a Pilot Plant Operator to support daily operations at their California facility. The role involves operating pilot plant equipment, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring safety and quality. Ideal candidates have experience with industrial processing equipment and strong mechanical aptitude. This position offers an opportunity to be part of a dynamic startup tackling environmental challenges, with potential for growth in a mission-driven team.

Qualifications

• Prior experience operating pilot plants or industrial processing equipment.
• Comfortable taking ownership during shifts and supporting others.
• 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

Hands-on troubleshooting ability

Experience with slurry systems

Strong safety mindset

Communication skills

Tools

Pilot plant equipment

Forklift

Job description

PHNX Materials | Posted Feb 13

Full-time

Unknown

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.