Operations Engineer

Plantible • Eldorado, TX

8d • $50,000 - $60,000 • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking an Operations Engineer who combines analytical rigor with hands-on curiosity - someone who loves data as much as they love getting their boots dirty. Based on-site at our production facility in Eldorado, TX, this hands-on, early-career engineering role will work directly on the plant floor to evolve R&D to commercial operations—while building the systems, work aids, and improvement roadmap needed for future automation and scale-up. This role offers firsthand exposure to taking the byproduct of our innovative protein extraction process and creating a nutritious food product.

Requirements

• B.S. or M.S. in Process, Chemical, Mechanical, or Bioprocess Engineering (or related discipline).
• 0-3 years of hands-on experience in food, beverage, pharmaceutical or ingredient manufacturing; new grads welcome.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, organization, and data-analysis skills; comfortable bridging R&D and plant operations.
• A proactive, “get-it-done” attitude with the flexibility to work on-site at Ranchito as projects demand.
• Understanding of sanitary design, food safety (HACCP, FSMA), and equipment standards (USDA, FDA).

Nice To Haves

• A desire to contribute and make a sustainable impact!

Responsibilities

• Operate downstream processing equipment on a daily basis to support pilot plant and production activities, especially during initial onboarding ramp.
• Troubleshoot real-world deviations in production, and work with the engineering and operations teams to develop durable solutions.
• Support commercialization team with product inventory management and customer-shipment readiness.
• Identify, design and support implementation and validation of process improvements in collaboration with operations, commercialization, maintenance and controls teams.
• Translate R&D findings into robust, scalable manufacturing processes through operator-usable tools, like SOPs and documentation.
• Be prepared to transition trial-scale testing to the 24x7 operations team as the business needs scale.
• Create a deviation-aware operating system: clear instructions for what to do when the process does not run perfectly.
• Contribute to and promote a data-driven, continuous improvement mindset across the plant.

Benefits

• Competitive health and wellness benefits
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Discretionary Unlimited PTO Program
• Paid Holidays
• 401k Program
• Career Stipend
• Career development and growth opportunities
• Working in a rapidly growing, flexible and entrepreneurial environment
• Team building and company-wide events
• Financial support with your relocation, if necessary, ensuring a smooth transition
• lots of beautiful land for outdoor activities!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level