Plant Operator

Job Title: Pilot Plant Operator
Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Plant Operator to manage and maintain our production facility. In this role, you will oversee the daily operations of our pilot-scale production lines, which include high-temperature reactors, vacuum systems, and induction furnaces. Your primary focus will be to drive throughput and uptime while adhering to the highest safety and quality standards. You will also play a vital role as we transition from pilot to commercial production.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor pilot-scale production equipment, including vacuum induction furnaces, tube furnaces up to 1700°C, high-vacuum pump systems, and inert-atmosphere gloveboxes.
• Manage production runs from start to finish, including feedstock preparation, reactor charging, process execution, product recovery, and packaging under inert conditions.
• Track and log process parameters such as temperature profiles, vacuum levels, gas flows, and cycle times. Flag deviations and make real-time adjustments to stay on specification.
• Perform preventive and first-line corrective maintenance on furnaces, vacuum systems, gas delivery, and material handling equipment, and coordinate with engineers on larger repairs.
• Prepare samples for analytical testing, including ICP-OES, IGF-O/N, and SEM-EDS. Understand how results feed back into process control.
• Operate overhead cranes (2T & 5T), forklifts, and rigging equipment to safely move feedstock, crucibles, and finished products.
• Maintain strict housekeeping, chemical hygiene, and safety practices, especially around hot materials, reactive powders, and inert-gas environments.
• Support the commissioning and startup of new production lines and equipment as the facility scales.
• Collaborate with R&D engineers and technicians on trial runs, process improvements, and scale-up campaigns, providing operator-level insights to improve designs and procedures.

Essential Skills

• 3+ years of experience operating pilot-scale or production-scale process equipment in industries such as chemical, metallurgical, or semiconductor.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, comfortable with hand and power tools, basic fabrication, and equipment assembly.
• Rigorous approach to standard operating procedures (SOPs), batch records, safety protocols, and data logging.
• Ability to work rotating or flexible shifts as production demands require.
• Comfort working independently and making sound operational decisions in a fast-paced startup environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in pyrometallurgy, electrometallurgy, or rare-earth/specialty metals processing.
• Background operating vacuum induction melting furnaces.
• OSHA 10/30 or HAZWOPER certification.
• A degree or Background in metallurgy, materials science, chemical engineering, or a related field.

Work Environment

The role requires working in a dynamic production environment where safety and precision are paramount. Operators will be exposed to high-temperature materials and reactive powders, necessitating strict adherence to safety protocols. The position may require rotating or flexible shifts to meet production needs, and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced, innovative startup setting is essential. The dress code includes appropriate personal protective equipment to ensure safety around hot materials and equipment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Alameda, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $90000.00 - $120000.00/yr.

Competitive base salary Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance Company-provided lunch daily Visa sponsorship available if needed

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Alameda,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 13, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.