Senior Plant / Process Operator

Ian Martin Group; Hopkinsville (KY); On-site; USD 137,000 - 148,000; Full time

Job summary

Raise is hiring a Senior Plant/Process Operator to join the original startup crew for a new battery anode material pilot plant in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. The role involves commissioning and running pilot equipment, and writing operating procedures that the permanent team will use.

You will work safely with maintenance and contractor crews, operate mixers, blenders, ovens, and forklift, and help train new operators as the team grows. A strong safety mindset and willingness to learn are essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• At least 3 years of operations experience in manufacturing or industrial environments.
• Strong safety background including LOTO, fall protection, and hot work.
• Ability to read P&IDs, PFDs and operating procedures.
• Comfort with computers and documenting procedures.

Responsibilities

• Operate pilot plant process equipment (mixers, blenders, ovens) per procedures to produce quality product.
• Support startup and commissioning of the new facility.
• Write and update operating procedures and checklists from vendor docs.
• Train with equipment vendors and train new permanent operators.
• Review maintenance work packages and ensure safe isolation requirements.
• Work with contractors to maintain a safe environment and permits.
• Perform equipment surveillance and adjust processes to meet quality standards.
• Load materials, initiate run cycles, collect samples, and prepare shipments.
• Keep daily logs and communicate major issues to supervisors.

Skills

High school diploma or GED

3+ years operations experience

Safety mindset (LOTO, fall protection,

Reading P&IDs and PFDs

English communication & teamwork

Physical strength for lifting

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

OIMS

CIMS

POBP

Job description

Senior Plant / Process Operator

• Pay Rate: $66.02 - $71.32/hour (on W2)
• Contract Length: 14 months
• Location: Hopkinsville, KY 42240

Raise is currently hiring a contract team member on behalf of our client. They’re expanding their team to meet growing needs, making this a unique opportunity to work with an industry leader.

Overview

Out client is seeking a Senior Plant/Process Operator to join the original startup crew for a new battery anode material pilot plant in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Following its acquisition of Superior Graphite, the client is expanding the Hopkinsville site to produce graphite anode material for lithium-ion batteries, with pilot equipment arriving in late 2026 and startup targeted for the first quarter of 2027. The Senior Plant/Process Operator will help commission and run the new pilot equipment, work safely alongside maintenance and contractor crews, and write the operating procedures and checklists the permanent team will use. The equipment is closer to a scaled-up kitchen than a refinery, with mixers, blenders, and ovens, so the right person pairs a strong manufacturing safety mindset with a willingness to learn new equipment and document how it runs.

Responsibilities

• Operate pilot plant process equipment, including mixers, blenders, and ovens, following established procedures to produce quality product.
• Support the systems completion team with startup and commissioning of the new facility.
• Write and update operating procedures and checklists by translating vendor documentation into clear, step-by-step instructions.
• Train alongside equipment vendors during installation and help train new permanent operators as the team grows.
• Review work packages for planned maintenance, confirm isolation (lockout/tagout) requirements, and prepare equipment so crews can work safely.
• Endorse work permits as the Area Operator, and as the Isolating Authority when required.
• Work with contractor personnel to set up and maintain a safe work environment, including contractor and hot work permitting.
• Perform equipment surveillance and make process changes to keep end products within quality standards.
• Load material into equipment, initiate run cycles per procedure, and collect raw material and product samples.
• Operate the forklift, bagger, and other industrial equipment, and bag, palletize, and load finished product for shipment.
• Keep the control room and operations supervisor informed on operations and major issues, and communicate across areas so actions get closed out.
• Maintain a daily log and shift changeover notes.
• Participate in operations emergency response activities for the assigned area.
• Support work prioritization and teamwork between Operations and Maintenance.
• Assist with furnace maintenance and rebuilds, minor equipment maintenance, and equipment installation.
• Maintain a high standard of housekeeping in the assigned area and across the plant.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least 3 years of operations experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Strong manufacturing safety background, including lockout/tagout (LOTO), fall protection, contractor work permitting, and hot work.
• Working knowledge of safety management tools such as Permit to Work (PTW), Job Safety Analysis (JSA), Step Back 5x5, and risk assessment.
• Comfort using a computer, and willingness to write and update procedures and documentation.
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, PFDs, work instructions, safety rules, and operating procedures.
• Mechanical skills using basic tools, plus basic math and chemistry skills.
• Clear written and verbal communication in English, and ability to work independently or as part of a multicultural team.
• Ability to lift and move 50 lbs daily and up to 100 lbs periodically, and to climb ladders, silos, and tanks.
• Ability to work in a dusty, multi-level industrial environment, including confined spaces, heights, and all-weather conditions.
• Ability to workday shift at startup, with rotating shifts, nights, weekends, and coverage for co-workers as operations expand.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree in manufacturing, operations, or a related field.
• Experience with pilot plant operations, startup, or commissioning.
• Ability to read shutdown logic diagrams and UFDs.
• Experience with emergency preparedness procedures.
• Forklift experience.
• Prior company experience or familiarity with client’s systems such as OIMS, CIMS, and POBP.

We strive to build teams that reflect the diversity of the communities we work in. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including people from traditionally underrepresented groups such as women, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, people identifying as LGBTQ2SI, veterans, and people with visible/nonvisible disabilities.

We have a dedicated webpage for accommodations where you can learn more about what we offer, and request accommodation: https://raise.jobs/accommodations/

In order to submit candidates for roles, our clients will sometimes require personal information to confirm the identity of applicants and their legal status to work. Raise will never ask you for personal or banking information unless you have been selected for a job. If you are ever unsure about the legitimacy of this or another job posting by Raise (or have any other questions), please contact us at [phone] or [e-mail]

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