Production Technician

PHNX Materials; San Leandro (CA); On-site; USD 78,120 - 94,860; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dynamic startup environment

Opportunity for growth

Chance to tackle environmental challenges

Job summary

PHNX Materials in San Leandro, California is seeking a Pilot Plant Operations Technician to play a critical role in transforming industrial ash into high-quality products. This hands-on contract position offers an opportunity to work in a dynamic startup environment, with potential for full-time conversion. The ideal candidate will have 2+ years of relevant experience, strong mechanical skills, and a commitment to safety. This role includes responsibilities such as operating equipment, monitoring processes, and ensuring quality compliance while being part of a mission-driven team.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in pilot plant, chemical, mineral processing, or batch manufacturing.
• Strong mechanical aptitude for hands-on equipment operations.
• Experience with process monitoring and material transfers.
• Basic skills in data logging, QA/QC sample handling.

Responsibilities

• Own the pulse of plant operations - making real-time decisions.
• Assist in setup and daily operation of pilot plant equipment.
• Collect and label process samples, ensuring traceability.
• Strictly adhere to all plant safety procedures.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Process monitoring

Material transfers

Data logging

Communication skills

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

About PHNX Materials:

PHNX Materials addresses the dwindling supply of fly ash - a key ingredient in concrete - by refining 23 billion tons of landfilled coal ash into ASTM‑grade fly ash and critical metals. Our cost‑effective, scalable technology delivers a triple win: helping utilities manage coal ash (a waste stream four times larger than plastic), providing concrete companies a cheaper and greener alternative to cement, and supplying industries with domestic sources of aluminum, rare‑earth elements and titanium. Founded by Stanford and Tesla alumni, PHNX is on a mission to mine this abundant domestic natural resource.

Role summary:

Be part of something extraordinary. As the Pilot Plant Operations Technician at the PHNX Pilot Facility, you'll help turn revolutionary science into commercial impact. Work shoulder‑to‑shoulder with world‑class engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs as we transform industrial ash into clean & valuable products

Job:

• This is a hands‑on, contract position (August–October) with high potential to convert to a full‑time role as PHNX scales and grows.

• Compensation: $7,000 - $8,500 / month based on experience

Key Responsibilities:

You will play a key role shaping PHNX’s technology, customer‑facing demos, and new industry standards.

Operations & Process Support

• Own the pulse of plant operations - making real‑time decisions, solving problems, and keeping complex processes humming in a high‑energy, fast‑paced environment.

• Assist in setup and daily operation of pilot plant equipment (crushers, sieves, mixers, pumps, filter presses, dryers, tanks).

• Prepare and handle raw materials, including safe unloading, labeling, transfer, storage, and batching.

• Support the preparation, transfer, and storage of intermediate and final products.

• Monitor and adjust process variables according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), recording observations and deviations accurately.

Equipment Maintenance & Troubleshooting

• Adjust recipes, troubleshoot flows, and ensure every batch beats the spec

• Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve equipment and process issues

Sampling, Testing & Data Collection

• Collect and label process samples, ensuring traceability and adherence to QA/QC protocols.

• Conduct basic analytical tests (e.g., moisture, particle size) and coordinate with external/internal labs for additional testing.

• Log process parameters, operational events, and sample data in digital or paper systems to ensure data integrity.

Safety & Compliance

• Strictly adhere to all plant safety procedures, including PPE use, chemical handling, permitted work, and emergency response.

• Report safety incidents, near misses, and deviations from standard procedures.

Team Support & Communication

• Serve as a key point of contact across all functions—commercial, tech, and ops to meet daily targets and troubleshoot issues.

• Support process improvement efforts, documentation updates, and knowledge transfer for future scale‑up.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in pilot plant, chemical, mineral processing, or batch manufacturing

• Strong mechanical aptitude for hands‑on equipment operations

• Experience with process monitoring and material transfers

• Basic skills in data logging, QA/QC sample handling, and Microsoft Office or digital log systems

• Comfortable with flexible/all hands work, good communicator

• Bonus: Forklift certification, OSHA training, or prior experience with permitting or safety inspections.

Working Conditions

• Pilot facility located in California; regular exposure to an industrial environment.

• Required use of PPE, occasional lifting (up to 50 lbs), and safe chemical/material handling.

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.

Note: We are unable to sponsor non‑U.S. citizens at this time. We welcome applicants on OPT.

PHNX Materials is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We are committed to attracting and growing a diverse team—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 law.