Senior Plant / Process Operator

14-Month Contract
On-site at Hopkinsville, KY

ExxonMobil has been a leader in the energy sector for over 140 years. As ExxonMobil adapts to meet the increasing global demand for oil, natural gas, and refined products, it is committed to playing a pivotal role in energy transition. ExxonMobil’s mission, to fuel the world safely and responsibly, has never been more important.

Together, Raise and ExxonMobil are building teams that are rising to meet the world’s growing energy needs through the ExxonMobil Contingent Community—where skilled workers and unique contract opportunities meet.

Raise is taking applications for current openings like this one while building a diverse group of talent for future openings. When you apply for this role, you’ll also be considered for upcoming positions that align with your skills and qualifications.

Note: Successful applicants will be employees of Raise Limited, working at ExxonMobil facilities with both ExxonMobil employees and other contractors.

Overview

ExxonMobil 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, ExxonMobil 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.

Qualifications 

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 work day 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 ExxonMobil experience or familiarity with ExxonMobil systems such as OIMS, CIMS, and POBP.

Looking for meaningful work? We can help

Raise is an established hiring firm with over 65 years of experience. We believe strongly in making the world a better place through work, which is why we’re a certified B Corporation and donate 10% of our profits to charity.

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 1 800-567-9675 or exxonmobil@raiserecruiting.com

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Benefits:

Health Insurance, Vacation & Paid Time Off, Maternity & Paternity Leave

Salary : $66 - $71