Senior Machine Operator

Pivot Bio; Hazelwood (MO); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health/Dental/Vision insurance

Stock options

401(k) with 3% match

Commuter benefits

Annual Training & Development

Flexible vacation policy

Job summary

Pivot Bio is seeking a Technical Operator to operate, monitor, and maintain production equipment in a safe, compliant manufacturing environment. You will perform routine setup, cleaning, and documentation while supporting training and day-to-day operations.

Ideal candidates bring experience in production settings, attention to detail, and a collaborative mindset to ensure quality and safety across shifts in a fast-paced startup environment.

Qualifications

• Experience operating, monitoring, and supporting equipment in a manufacturing, production, or similar environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to read and follow work instructions.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and adjust production equipment to meet safety, quality, and productivity standards.
• Perform routine cleaning, inspection, lubrication, and basic maintenance of equipment.
• Complete production, inventory, and related documentation accurately and promptly.
• Identify, troubleshoot, escalate, and help resolve equipment, process, quality, and safety issues.

Skills

Operating equipment

Communication

Safety compliance

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma

Job description

About Pivot Bio

Fueled by an innovative drive and a deep understanding of microbiology, genomics, crop nutrition and agriculture, Pivot Bio is pioneering game-changing advances in fertilizer technology. Our first commercial product harnesses the power of naturally-occurring microbes, modern gene editing and application technologies to provide nitrogen to crops. We are dedicated to providing new solutions for farmers to improve yield as they work to help feed the world’s growing population. Read/Hear more about Pivot Bio on Forbes or PBS News Hour.

The Technical Operator operates and monitors production equipment, performs routine equipment care, supports standardized work, and helps maintain safe, efficient, and compliant manufacturing operations. This role is responsible for executing assigned production activities, documenting work accurately, identifying and escalating operational issues, and supporting training and continuity of operations within the assigned area.

Essential Functions

• Operate, monitor, and adjust assigned production equipment and processes to meet safety, quality, and productivity standards.
• Perform routine cleaning, inspection, lubrication, basic maintenance, and equipment changeover/start-up/shutdown activities in accordance with established procedures.
• Complete production, reconciliation, inventory, and related operational documentation accurately and in a timely manner.
• Identify, troubleshoot, elevate, and help resolve equipment, process, quality, and safety issues within the assigned work area.
• Support standardized operations by following and helping maintain work instructions and SOPs, and by assisting with training and day-to-day coordination in the assigned area as needed.

Competencies

Knowledge & Application

• Experience operating, monitoring, and supporting equipment in a manufacturing, production, processing, or similar operational environment.
• Working knowledge of standard operating procedures, safety requirements, and basic mechanical or process equipment care.
• Technical training, trade school coursework, or equivalent applied experience in mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, or related disciplines is preferred.

Complexity & Problem Solving

• Ability to troubleshoot common issues with production equipment.

Collaboration & Interaction

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality.
• Strong commitment to safety.

Work Environment

• Work is performed primarily in a manufacturing and production environment with routine exposure to moving mechanical equipment, production materials, varying temperatures, noise, dust, and other typical plant conditions.
• Use of required personal protective equipment is mandatory based on task and work area.
• The role requires regular standing and walking, frequent use of hands for handling, reaching, and operating equipment, and occasional bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, climbing, or working in confined production spaces, depending on the assigned area.
• The role requires the ability to move materials and equipment, including lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling items up to 50 pounds.
• Specific physical and environmental demands may vary by shift, process, equipment assignment, and business need.

Required Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience in a manufacturing, processing, production, or similar environment required.
• Ability to read, follow, and document work instructions, SOPs, and production records.
• Ability to use standard production tools, equipment interfaces, and basic computer systems needed for the role.
• Schedule flexibility to support production needs, including weekend work, as required.

Must be authorized to work in the United States

What We Offer

• Competitive package in a disruptive startup
• Stock options
• Health/Dental/Vision insurance with employer-paid premiums
• Life, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability policies
• Employee Assistance Program with free referrals and discounts
• 401(k) plan, 3% Match
• Commuter benefits
• Annual Training & Development support
• Flexible vacation policy with a generous holiday schedule
• Exciting opportunity to work with a talented and fun team

Hiring Compensation Range

$24.75—$24.75 USD