Chemical 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 Jun 18, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.