Pilot Production Operator

Breakout Ventures; San Leandro (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

ZymoChem is seeking a Temporary Pilot Production Operator to support the Materials Development team with hands-on pilot-scale production runs and product testing in a bio-based materials environment. The role starts around October 1 and runs through February/March 2027, offering an engaging entry point into biotech manufacturing on-site in San Leandro, CA.

Shifts run between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, with some shorter days and occasional lab support tasks.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum 1 year of experience in biotechnology manufacturing or pilot lab operations.
• Ability to follow SOPs and batch instructions and work with production equipment.
• Basic math, data entry, and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to move up to 40 lbs and stand for extended periods.
• Commitment to safety protocols and wearing PPE.

Responsibilities

• Assist in setup, execution, monitoring, and shutdown of pilot-scale production runs.
• Record process times, temperatures, weights, yields, and batch data.
• Collect and label in-process and finished samples and prepare them for testing.
• Perform basic testing procedures after training.
• Support lab tasks such as sieving, moisture testing, data entry, inventory, and packing.
• Operate and maintain lab equipment and ensure clean, organized work areas.
• Report safety concerns and coordinate with engineers and scientists.

Skills

SOPs and batch instructions

Pilot production

Lab operations

Data entry / record keeping

Safety protocols / PPE

Chemical handling

Time management / multitasking

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Relevant technical coursework

Job description

About ZymoChem

ZymoChem is pioneering breakthrough science for a fossil-free future. We are building bio-based materials that make everyday products better for people and the planet, accelerating the world’s transition to a true zero-carbon economy. Backed by $65M in funding from global leaders including lululemon, Toyota Ventures, Breakout Ventures, and major U.S. government agencies (DOE, DOD), ZymoChem is scaling rapidly.

Our Mission

To catalyze a real-zero economy with drop-in, bio-based solutions.

Our Vision

To live in a world in which the goods we depend on every day are bio-manufactured from 100% renewable materials and designed for a sustainable economy - without compromise.

Our Values

Lead with Compassion, Aspire Collectively, Evolve Continuously, Innovate with Impact, Scale Sustainably

Position Summary

Join our Materials department as a Temporary Pilot Production Operator! This role offers a unique opportunity to get hands-on experience in the bio-based materials industry. You will support the Materials Development team with small production runs and product testing. If you’re passionate about biotech and want to be part of impactful work, this is a great place to start. This temporary position will start around October 1 and continue until February/ March 2027. Competitive hourly range of $25 to $30 an hour depending on experience.

On site work schedules will vary between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday each week. Some production days will be shorter than others, so some lab support work will be added for those shorter days. Regular weekend work is not anticipated, but possible.

Responsibilities

• Assist in production run setup, execution, monitoring, and shutdown of pilot-scale production runs under approved procedures and supervisors direction.
• Accurate recording of process times, temperatures, weights, yields, lot numbers and equipment conditions in batch records and logs.
• Collect and label in-process and finished-product samples and assist with sample preparation
• Perform basic testing procedures after training.
• Complete some lab support tasks such as sieving or particle-size work, moisture or absorbency testing, data entry, inventory and restocking, sample packaging, and lab organization.
• Set up, monitor, and clean lab equipment, such as hydration and mixing, material transfer, gel grinding, oven loading and unloading, sieving, surface treatment, tanks, heat exchanger, mixers, mills, and production containers.
• Maintain and ensure lab areas and equipment are clean, organized, and stocked, specifically weighing and staging materials, verifying labels and lot numbers, sample tracking, inventory checks, restocking, and 5S or line-clearance activities.
• Check equipment before use by completing pre-use checks, prompting reporting alarms, spills, abnormal conditions, and deviations from process; and clear handoffs with other operators, engineers, and scientists.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; relevant technical coursework preferred.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in biotechnology manufacturing, pilot lab production, laboratory operations, or similar experience required.
• Ability to follow SOPs, batch instructions, equipment procedures, handle production equipment, work with chemicals and materials, and follow team member directions.
• Having experience preparing lab or pilot scale samples desired.
• Basic math, measurement, data entry, and record keeping skills are required.
• Able to follow safety protocols, wear PPE required, chemical-handling, equipment-safety requirements; work safely around hot and rotating equipment; and promptly report safety concerns.
• Excellent time management skills, effective with multitasking, and can adapt to changing priorities while following approved procedures and supervisor direction.
• Ability to safely move up to 40 lbs between locations and to stand, bend, reach, and perform hands-on work for extended periods.

Legal authorization to work in the United States is required. ZymoChem may agree to sponsor an individual for an employment visa immediately or in the future if there is a shortage of individuals with particular skills for this job. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States, and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.