Operations Manager; Chemical Engineer

About the Role

We are launching a new industrial oil recycling and processing operation and are seeking a highly experienced Mechanical Engineer with extensive leadership background to serve as Operations Manager and build this facility from the ground up.

This is not a lab role.

This is not a junior engineer position.

This is a leadership role responsible for plant design oversight, operational execution, regulatory compliance, production efficiency, team management, and profitability.

You will own the operation.

• Oversee full plant operations including used oil intake, processing, treatment, storage, and outbound distribution
• Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Build and lead plant staff (operators, maintenance, lab techs, logistics)
• Establish KPIs for throughput, yield, safety, and margin
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives

• Design, optimize, and scale oil re-refining processes
• Monitor chemical treatment, separation, filtration, distillation, and stabilization systems
• Manage process control systems and production data analysis
• Identify and eliminate bottlenecks
• Reduce waste and maximize recovery yield

• Ensure compliance with EPA, ADEQ, OSHA, Fire Code, and environmental regulations
• Implement safety programs and hazardous material protocols
• Maintain documentation and inspection readiness
• Manage environmental reporting and permitting

• Control operating costs
• Improve production efficiency
• Increase plant margin and output
• Participate in revenue strategy and expansion planning

• 7+ years experience in industrial processing, refining, petrochemical, waste oil, or similar heavy industry
• 5+ years in leadership/management capacity
• Experience managing plant personnel and operations teams
• Proven ability to scale operations
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and P&L responsibility
• Strong decision-making under pressure

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering (or equivalent experience required)
• Experience with oil re-refining, hydrocarbon processing, or industrial waste treatment preferred
• Knowledge of separation systems, filtration, distillation, and chemical stabilization processes
• Familiarity with industrial automation and process controls
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting capability

• Builder mentality
• Highly disciplined
• Systems thinker
• Data-driven decision maker
• Comfortable in industrial environments
• Direct communicator
• Accountability-oriented

We are not looking for someone who needs direction. We are looking for someone who provides it.

• Base Salary: $100,000 – $120,000 depending on experience
• Performance Bonus: 10–20% of net profits ($10K–$25K+ potential)
• Profit Share / Phantom Equity: 5–10% vesting over 3 years
• High performers will be rewarded directly for the value they create. In this role, you truly eat what you kill.

• Full health, dental, and vision insurance
• Unlimited PTO (use it responsibly)
• Tools, equipment, and training budget to build the operation properly

• You will influence ~80% of the operation’s success
• You will help build the operational backbone of a new industrial business
• Opportunity to build equity value in a company positioned for future expansion or acquisition