Senior Plant Operator

Job Description

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.