Pilot Plant Manager (California, San Leandro)

PHNX Materials • San Leandro, California, United States • 4h ago

About PHNX Materials:
PHNX Materials refines coal ash waste into a sulfate-based fertilizer, and a cement substitute (SCM). Our cost-effective, scalable technology delivers a triple win: providing a low cost fertilizer, helping power producers manage coal ash liabilities, and providing concrete companies a cheaper, greener alternative to cement. With an existing operational pilot facility, PHNX is on a mission to unlock this abundant domestic natural resource.

Role Summary:
As the Pilot Plant Manager at the PHNX pilot facility, you will be responsible for running day-to-day plant operations and turning breakthrough science into repeatable, commercial reality. You will work shoulder to shoulder with engineers, scientists, and operators to operate, troubleshoot, and continuously improve a complex pilot plant converting industrial ash into clean, valuable products. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who wants full ownership of pilot operations, not a desk job.

Key Responsibilities:

You will play a key role shaping PHNX’s technology, customer-facing demos, and new industry standards.

Pilot Plant Operations and Execution

Own day-to-day operations of the PHNX pilot facility, ensuring safe, reliable, and consistent performance
Guide set up and processes for pilot facility
Operate and oversee equipment handling high-solids slurries, including tanks, reactors, filter presses, grinders, crushers, pumps, and material handling systems
Make real-time operational decisions to keep processes running smoothly in a fast-paced environment
Execute operating procedures to meet performance, quality, and throughput targets

Equipment Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Lead equipment setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting
Diagnose and resolve mechanical, electrical, and process issues as they arise
Adjust operating parameters and flows to ensure product quality and repeatability
Coordinate preventative maintenance and manage equipment uptime

Process and Technology Development Support

Work closely with engineering and technical teams to support process development
Provide hands-on feedback to improve equipment design, layouts, and operations
Support customer-facing demonstrations and pilot runs
Help document learnings, operational data, and best practices to inform future scale-up

Safety and Compliance

Own day-to-day safety at the pilot facility, enforcing PPE use, appropriate chemical handling, and safe work practices
Ensure adherence to SOPs, permits, and site safety requirements
Report and respond to safety incidents, near misses, and operational deviations

Team Coordination and Communication

Serve as the central point of coordination between operations, engineering, and commercial teams
Communicate daily status, issues, and priorities clearly across the organization
Training, documentation, and knowledge transfer for future operators and facilities

Qualifications

Prior experience managing day-to-day operations at a pilot plant
Hands-on responsibility for pilot plant equipment, operations, and troubleshooting
Strong mechanical and electrical aptitude with direct experience operating equipment
Experience managing slurry handling, material transfers, and continuous processes
Ability to make real-time operational decisions
Strong communication skills and coordinating across engineering, technical, and commercial teams
Willingness to work hands-on on the plant floor as needed.

Preferred / Bonus

Experience supporting pilot-to-commercial scale-up efforts
Forklift certification, OSHA safety training, or equivalent industrial safety experience
Familiarity with SOP development, process documentation, and operational data tracking

What We Offer:

Opportunity to shape and build a facility tackling major environmental challenges.
Dynamic startup environment with mission-driven team and room for growth.
The chance to revolutionize heavy industries.

PHNX Materials is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.