Plant Operator

Plant Operator

Location: Boulder, CO

Reports To: VP, Engineering and Operations

About the Company

Our client is a next generation mining company that uses synthetic biology to separate critical minerals from conventional and unconventional resources, including e-waste. Founded in 2023, the company is expanding its team in Boulder, CO.

The exponential growth of new tech industries, as well as the information technology sector, are driving historic growth in mineral demand and stressing existing supply streams. Meeting new demand, diversifying the supply chain, and producing minerals in a more sustainable manner requires the rapid development, deployment and scaling of new technologies. This mineral challenge represents a historic opportunity for technology development and value creation.

Role Summary

We’re seeking a talented and safety-conscious Plant Operator to join the company’s growing Operations team. This role will support the safe operation, maintenance and improvement of the Demonstration Facility and contribute to technology improvement. A successful candidate should have strong focus on safety and environmental responsibility with operational and maintenance experience working with process equipment such as pumps, compressors, tanks, instrumentation and controls. There should be a strong desire to collaborate across disciplines including R&D and engineering to acquire critical information to inform commercial design. Key tasks include equipment operation, maintenance, sample collection, sample analysis and reporting.

The role requires full-time, on-site presence at the Boulder, CO facility.

Key Responsibilities

Plant Operation:

• Operate all equipment within the process from the PLC and/or the field. This includes but is not limited to loading equipment with raw materials, operating valves, pumps, compressors and other chemical plant equipment.
• Perform all work safely using sound Operating principles, using SOPs and reporting all HSE incidents timely
• Ensure all equipment monitoring requirements are fulfilled including recording equipment and process information (for example monitoring pumps and operating parameters by reading gauges in the field or in the computer system)
• Troubleshoot process and equipment-related problems (including but not limited to piping, tanks, pressure vessels, pumps, compressors, HVAC, instrumentation and controls)
• Collaborate with the engineers and R&D team to execute test and production plans
• Work within the Permit to Work process to issue work permits and ensure equipment is prepared for safe maintenance
• Perform routine maintenance on equipment
• Rearrange plant equipment such as piping and pumps to make modifications to the process based on approved design changes
• Collect samples and perform chemical analyses including recording and communicating results
• Participate in plant hazard studies, audits and other initiatives

Plant Systems:

• Support the implementation of Process Safety and relevant HSE procedures
• Support the development and implementation of Operations and Maintenance procedures
• Support Operational Readiness activities for the Demo plant

Technology Improvement:

• Contribute to technology improvement and optimization studies/projects
• Implement strategies developed by the Process Engineer and R&D teams

Work Environment:

• Work is mostly performed in indoor environment with adequate ventilation with occasional outdoor work
• May involve exposure to fumes or airborne particles such as dust
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is provided, and all personnel are required to wear PPE

Required Qualifications

• Technology Diploma or equivalent with at least 2 years of experience operating industrial equipment such as pumps, compressors, valves, tanks, instrumentation and controls
• High School Diploma or GED with at least 3 years of experience operating industrial equipment such as pumps, compressors, valves, tanks, instrumentation, and controls
• Mechanically inclined and can troubleshoot and fix equipment
• Basic math skills and able to calculate rates and ratios (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and decimals)
• Ability to interpret technical documentation such as P&IDs
• Comfortable communicating clearly in group settings
• Strong problem-solving skills
• U.S. citizenship required.

Preferred, But Not Required

• Operational experience with unit operations such as adsorption, column separation, chromatography, solid/liquid separation, solids handling, rotary kilns/calciners and other hydrometallurgy-related unit operations would be an asset
• PLC/DCS programming and troubleshooting knowledge would be an asset
• Hands-on experience working on scaling-up technology from pilot to commercial scale

This Role Offers:

• The opportunity to lead a breakthrough program redefining U.S. supply chain resilience in critical materials.
• A mission-driven, high-trust team operating at the intersection of innovation, national security, and sustainability.
• High Impact & Visibility: direct interaction and reporting to executive leadership.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package:
• The starting salary range for this position is $60,000 to $100,000 annually, commensurate with educational background and work experience.
• Benefits including, 401(K) medical, dental, and vision plans, or equivalent, will be provided.

EOE Statement from the Company: We are committed to diversity and inclusion. As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified candidates will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), gender identity or gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, military service or veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. We participate in e-Verify for all positions. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation at any point in the hiring process, please let your recruiter know.

Berkner Group has been retained to execute this search. If you were contacted by Berkner Group, please reply to the person who contacted you. If you are applying to a job posting, please email your resume and a brief introduction to careers@berknergroup.com. Please include your name and the title for this position ([Your name] - Plant Operator - RY75V786) in the subject line of your email. We look forward to hearing from you!