Operations and Maintenance Intern

Liberation Labs • Richmond, IN

65d • $25 - $28 • Onsite

About The Position

This is a paid internship from either May to August 2026 or May to December 2026. This position is 100% on-site and is based in Richmond, Indiana. Occasional travel is required; candidates must have a valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle. Work schedule: Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm. Rate of pay: $25 - $28 / hour. Liberation Bioindustries is developing a global network of fit-for-purpose precision fermentation manufacturing facilities, starting with our launch facility in Richmond, IN. We build the critical infrastructure needed to produce novel bioproducts at scale and enable the precision fermentation market. Together, with our customers and partners, we use our innovative thinking and passion for manufacturing to make everyday products more affordable and more accessible. We believe that precision fermentation can unlock solutions that have real and lasting impact on the future of sustainability. Our first facility in Richmond, IN is currently under construction with anticipated start-up in 2026. Our Purpose: Unlock the promise of biotech by commercializing the foods, materials, and other bioproducts of the future – today. Our Vision: Become the preferred creation partner for the biology revolution trusted to deliver and constantly advance the manufacturing processes of the industry. Our Mission: Design, build and operate a purpose-built precision fermentation platform with global reach so that visionaries can be entirely focused on advancing the potential of biology. Liberation Bioindustries is committed to providing exciting career and growth opportunities in an environment that values trust, respect, openness, teamwork, creativity, enthusiasm, and diligence. We strive to create a culture where everyone feels they have an equal opportunity to reach their potential and is accepted and appreciated for who they are and what they bring to Liberation Bioindustries. Reporting to the Operation Manager or Senior Plant Engineer, you will have the opportunity to work closely with our Project Engineering team, maintenance team, external engineering partners, and equipment vendors to help complete the commissioning and start-up of an industry-leading precision fermentation facility.

Requirements

• Working towards an undergraduate degree in a relevant engineering discipline, fermentation, or physical science.
• Candidate must be comfortable working on a construction site and in a manufacturing environment around heavy machinery (i.e. cranes and forklifts).
• Strong computer skills; highly proficient in Excel.
• Ability to perform all work in a timely, and efficient manner while effectively communicating and interacting with employees, subcontractors, and other third parties.
• Ability to present information in a clear and organized manner in both written and verbal form.
• Self-starter, highly inquisitive and detail oriented.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment,
• Valid driver’s licence and access to a vehicle.
• Self-driven, collaborative, and results-oriented.
• Responsible for delivering on your assigned work, contributing to the team where needed with minimal supervision.
• Resilient, able to handle ambiguity, and enjoys the challenges and rewards of working for a start-up.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience working in a manufacturing environment is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Performing equipment quality checks
• Gather and organize equipment and project data to enable a safe and successful start-up (i.e. equipment list data, spare parts, etc.)
• Connect with vendors and contractors to gather necessary equipment information
• Preparing slide decks and presentations as needed
• Support the development of high-quality startup reports/updates
• Support installation and start-up of equipment
• Attend meetings, take notes, and track action items.
• Assisting with Capital Project documentation.
• Working with operations and maintenance team, engineering team, and vendors to ensure compliance with government and engineering standards.
• Continuously demonstrate a sense of ownership over assigned tasks to delivery top-quality and time-bound results.
• Draft SOPs.
• Continuously demonstrate a sense of ownership over assigned tasks to delivery top-quality and time-bound results.
• Complete other duties as required.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern