Pilot Production Operator

ZymoChem; 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 small production runs and product testing in a bio-based materials setting. The role provides hands-on experience in pilot-scale production and lab support, starting around October and continuing into early 2027.

Compensation is an hourly range of $25–$30, with site-based schedules. The position involves day shifts, Monday through Friday, with some shorter days and occasional weekend work.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required or equivalent technical training.
• Minimum 1 year of experience in biotechnology manufacturing, pilot lab production, or similar.
• Ability to follow SOPs, batch instructions, and equipment procedures.
• Basic math, measurement, data entry, and record-keeping skills.
• Follow safety protocols, wear PPE, and handle chemicals and equipment safely.

Responsibilities

• Assist in production run setup, execution, monitoring, and shutdown of pilot-scale production runs under approved procedures and supervisor 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.
• Set up, monitor, and clean lab equipment and perform lab support tasks as needed.
• Maintain clean, organized lab areas and ensure proper inventory and labeling.

Skills

SOP execution

Data entry

Time management

Safety compliance

Adaptability

Team collaboration

Manual handling

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

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.

At ZymoChem, our culture is rooted in curiosity, innovation, and collaboration. We tackle complex scientific challenges with determination and succeed because of the strength of our diverse, multidisciplinary teams working toward a bold mission. As a Certified B Corporation and Public Benefit Corporation, we hold ourselves accountable not only to scientific and commercial excellence, but also to creating measurable impact for people and the planet. If you are motivated by advancing science, addressing climate-scale challenges, and shaping the future of sustainable materials, ZymoChem offers the opportunity to make a lasting difference.

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.
• 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.