Senior Plant Operator

American StaffCorp; Bartlesville (OK); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

American StaffCorp seeks a Senior Plant Operator to oversee plant-level battery recycling processes, ensuring safe, efficient operation of automated equipment and adherence to safety, environmental, and quality standards.

You will mentor junior technicians, troubleshoot complex issues, maintain production records, and seek opportunities for process optimization in a fast-growing, sustainability-driven industry. This role requires rotating shifts and overtime.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years in industrial plant environments, preferably in battery recycling or heavy industry.
• Experience with lithium-ion battery handling or recycling processes is highly desirable.
• Ability to read P&IDs, SOPs, and technical manuals.
• Willingness to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor automated heavy industrial process equipment at plant level.
• Perform setup, calibration, and routine maintenance on machinery.
• Conduct quality control checks, including sampling and inspection.
• Troubleshoot malfunctions and coordinate with maintenance teams.
• Maintain records of production data and compliance documentation.
• Identify opportunities for process optimization and waste reduction.
• Participate in shift handovers, safety audits, and emergency procedures.
• Mentor junior technicians and operators on safe procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Safety awareness

Mentoring

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma

Associate's degree or technical certification

Tools

Shredders

Mills

Conveyors

Mechanical separation

Pumps

Reactors

Tanks

Job description

A Senior Plant Operator plays a critical role in the safe, efficient operation of processes that recover valuable materials (such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper, and graphite) from end-of-life batteries. This hands-on position involves operating specialized equipment at a plant-level scale for battery recycling, while ensuring compliance with strict safety, environmental, and quality standards. As a senior-level role, it includes mentoring junior technicians, troubleshooting complex issues, and contributing to process improvements in a fast-growing industry focused on sustainability and the circular economy.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Operate and monitor automated heavy industrial process equipment at plant-level scale for battery recycling processes
• Perform setup, calibration, and routine maintenance on machinery to ensure continuous, uninterrupted production while minimizing downtime.
• Conduct quality control checks, including sampling, testing, and inspection of processed materials to meet specifications for desired outputs.
• Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions, diagnose operational issues, and implement corrective actions, coordinating with maintenance teams or engineers as needed.
• Strictly adhere to safety protocols for handling hazardous materials, including discharged batteries, chemicals, and high-voltage components, to prevent fires, explosions, or environmental releases.
• Train and mentor junior technicians and operators on safe procedures, equipment operation, and best practices.
• Maintain accurate records of production data, inventory, maintenance logs, and compliance documentation.
• Identify opportunities for process optimization, efficiency improvements, and waste reduction to support sustainable operations.
• Participate in shift handovers, safety audits, and emergency response procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's degree or technical certification in chemical processing, manufacturing, mechanical technology, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in an industrial plant environment, ideally in, recycling, battery manufacturing/recycling, mining/minerals, metals processing, chemical processing, or other heavy industry.
• Prior experience with lithium-ion battery handling or recycling processes is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated proficiency operating automated process equipment (both rotating and non-rotating)at a plant level scale, including both control room operation and hands-on field work with the equipment
• Strong mechanical aptitude and proficiency with equipment such as shredders, mills, conveyors, mechanical separation, thermal processes, pumps, reactors, tanks, and general chemical processes preferred.
• Strong safety record with working knowledge of OSHA, RCRA, DOT Hazmat, and industrial hygiene practices.
• Knowledge of chemical hazards, PPE usage, and safe handling of lithium-ion batteries.
• Ability to read P&IDs, SOPs, and technical manuals.
• Basic computer skills for data entry and production tracking systems.
• Excellent problem-solving, attention to detail, and teamwork abilities.
• Willingness to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift and carry between 50lbs to 70lbs.
• Stand and walk continuously for 8-to-12-hour shifts on concrete or grated surfaces.
• Climb stairs and access elevated platforms or mezzanines as required.
• Bend, squat, kneel, twist, and reach in and around equipment during setup, maintenance, and cleaning tasks.