RNG Plant Controls Operator

The Planet Group; Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Direct hire benefits

Job summary

The Planet Group is seeking a Controls Operator for a state-of-the-art Renewable Natural Gas facility in the Greater Lansing area. You will operate and optimize automated processes, monitor performance, and troubleshoot complex control systems to ensure safe, reliable operation.

Ideal candidates bring instrumentation & controls experience, SCADA/HMI/PLC proficiency, and a collaborative mindset to support continuous improvement in a highly automated industrial environment.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or technical/trade certification; military technical training acceptable.
• Experience with instrumentation and controls in industrial settings.
• Familiarity with SCADA, HMI platforms, and PLCs is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate and support a renewable energy processing facility.
• Monitor plant performance via instrumentation and control systems.
• Troubleshoot and maintain automated equipment, electrical systems, and process equipment.
• Perform routine inspections, preventive maintenance, and diagnostics.
• Analyze data to identify opportunities for performance and reliability improvements.
• Work with SCADA, HMI, PLC, and other control systems.

Skills

Instrumentation & Controls experience

SCADA systems

HMI platforms

PLC troubleshooting

Industrial automation

Education

Associate degree in engineering/tech or related field

Military technical training

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (preferred)

Tools

SCADA software

PLC programming

Electrical instrumentation tools

Job description

Pay: $40-$42/hr + Overtime
Direct Hire Benefits: Eligible after placement
Location: Greater Lansing, MI Area
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM (40-45 hours/week)

Additional Compensation

Controls Operator - Renewable Energy Facility

Pay: $40-$42/hr + Overtime
Direct Hire Benefits: Eligible after placement
Location: Greater Lansing, MI Area
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM (40-45 hours/week)

Interview Process

• Virtual Interview
• Onsite Interview
• Final Leadership Interview

About the Opportunity

A growing renewable energy operation is seeking a Controls Operator to support the safe and efficient operation of a state-of-the-art Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) facility. This role combines hands-on operations, maintenance, controls troubleshooting, and process optimization in a highly automated industrial environment.

You’ll be part of a small, collaborative team and play a key role in maintaining plant performance, improving operational processes, and supporting critical energy infrastructure.

This position is ideal for individuals with a background in industrial controls, instrumentation, electrical systems, maintenance, engineering technology, or military technical experience.

What You’ll Do

• Operate and support a renewable energy processing facility.
• Monitor plant performance through advanced instrumentation and control systems.
• Troubleshoot and maintain automated equipment, electrical systems, compressors, pumps, valves, and process equipment.
• Perform routine inspections, preventive maintenance, and equipment diagnostics.
• Analyze operating data and trends to identify opportunities for improved performance and reliability.
• Work with SCADA, HMI, PLC, and other control systems.
• Document maintenance activities, inspections, and operational data.
• Coordinate with internal teams, contractors, vendors, and external stakeholders as needed.
• Support plant optimization initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.
• Participate in an on-call rotation and respond to operational issues when required.
• Maintain compliance with all safety, environmental, and operational standards.

What We’re Looking For

Preferred Experience

• Instrumentation & Controls experience in an industrial, manufacturing, utility, energy, or process environment.
• Experience with:
  
  • SCADA systems
  • HMI platforms
  • PLC troubleshooting and programming
  • Industrial automation and process controls

Strong Candidates May Have Experience In

• Electrical maintenance and troubleshooting
• Mechanical maintenance of compressors, pumps, rotating equipment, and process systems
• Process operations, plant tuning, and performance monitoring
• Gas processing, utilities, power generation, wastewater, chemical processing, manufacturing, or similar industries
• Root cause analysis and problem-solving in industrial environments

Education & Background

• Associate degree, technical/trade school certification, military technical training, or bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Environmental Technology, or a related field preferred.
• Veterans with technical maintenance, controls, instrumentation, electrical, or engineering experience are strongly encouraged to apply.

What Makes Someone Successful Here

We’re looking for professionals who take a proactive approach to operations and maintenance. The ideal candidate enjoys identifying opportunities for improvement, solving complex technical problems, and working independently while contributing to a close-knit team environment.

If you’re experienced with industrial controls, automation, electrical systems, or plant operations and are looking for a long-term opportunity with a growing renewable energy organization, we’d love to hear from you.

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