Senior Operations Manager

Senior Operations Manager, Advanced Materials Pilot Plant 🚀 Build a First-of-Its-Kind Domestic Carbon Platform

An advanced materials venture in Maryland is launching a pilot facility to commercialize a proprietary carbon-conversion process that will establish a fully domestic supply of high-performance synthetic graphite and related materials.

Backed by experienced technical leadership and validated bench-scale chemistry, the team is now entering equipment procurement and pilot plant commissioning. This role offers the opportunity to lead facility buildout, operational readiness, and production execution as the platform moves from installation to stable pilot output.

• Lead pilot facility commissioning and daily production operations
• Oversee equipment installation, startup, and operational readiness
• Establish SOPs, safety protocols, and operating discipline
• Build and manage a small team of technicians and operators
• Coordinate maintenance, troubleshooting, and system optimization
• Implement process monitoring, quality controls, and production reporting
• Collaborate closely with technical leadership to align operations with process development
• Oversee safe, reliable execution of multi-step chemical and thermal processing systems

• Pilot equipment installed and safely commissioned
• Core operating systems and safety protocols implemented
• Production planning and reporting systems in place

• Stable pilot throughput achieved
• Operational discipline and safety rigor are embedded across the facility
• Team trained and operating independently
• Operational foundation established for commercial-scale expansion

We are targeting high-performing operational leaders with 7–12 years of experience, ready to take ownership of a growing pilot facility.

• Advanced materials or chemical process manufacturing
• Slurry-based or acid-handling systems
• High-temperature processing environments
• Powder handling and purification systems

• Experience commissioning new equipment or facilities in early-stage or pilot environments
• Strong safety and regulatory discipline within chemical or thermal operations
• Hands-on leadership of small technical teams with an ownership-driven mindset

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Technology, Manufacturing, or related discipline preferred.

Equivalent hands-on operational experience considered.

• Comfort operating in a fast-moving build environment while helping establish and refine core systems.
• Strong operational judgment in a small, high-accountability team
• Startup or pilot plant experience is highly valued

• Base Salary: $150-170K, commensurate with experience
• Bonus: 10% annual performance bonus
• Eligible for Long-Term Incentive plan
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), Paid Time Off, company-paid STD, LTD, and Life insurance.

This position is expected to support U.S. Government programs that may involve Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and/or export-controlled technologies. Candidates must be able to comply with all applicable U.S. export control laws and regulations. Eligibility to obtain any required authorization or clearance in the future may be required.

Our client is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.