Operations Manager (Chemical Engineer)

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. Core Responsibilities Operational Leadership 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 Engineering & Process Management 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 Compliance & Safety 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 Financial Performance Control operating costs Improve production efficiency Increase plant margin and output Participate in revenue strategy and expansion planning Leadership Requirements (Non-Negotiable) 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 We are not looking for someone who needs direction. We are looking for someone who provides it. Technical Qualifications 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 Ideal Candidate Profile Builder mentality Highly disciplined Systems thinker Data-driven decision maker Comfortable in industrial environments Direct communicator Accountability-oriented Compensation Package ·      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. Benefits & Perks ·      Full health, dental, and vision insurance ·      Unlimited PTO (use it responsibly) ·      Tools, equipment, and training budget to build the operation properly Impact & Ownership ·      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

Created: 2026-03-18