- Location: Walkersville, Maryland
- Type: Direct Hire
- Job #194
Senior Operations Manager, Advanced Materials Pilot Plant
Location: Fredrick, MD (on-site position)
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 the equipment procurement and pilot plant commissioning phases. This role offers the opportunity to lead facility buildout, operational readiness, and production execution as the platform moves from installation to stable pilot output.
What You Will Do
In this hands-on plant leadership role, you will:
- 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
What Success Looks Like
At 6 months:
- Pilot equipment installed and safely commissioned
- Core operating systems and safety protocols implemented
- Production planning and reporting are systems in place
At 12 months:
- 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
What You Bring
We are targeting high-performing operational leaders:
- Requires 7–12 years of relevant experience
- Ready to take ownership of a growing pilot facility.
Strong candidates may currently hold titles such as:
- Operations Manager
- Pilot Plant Manager
- Manufacturing Supervisor
- Production Manager
- Commissioning Manager
Highly relevant backgrounds include:
- Advanced materials or chemical process manufacturing
- Slurry-based or acid-handling systems
- High-temperature processing environments
- Powder handling and purification systems
The strongest candidates will demonstrate:
- 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
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Technology, Manufacturing, or related discipline preferred.
- Equivalent hands-on operational experience considered.
Operating Environment
Our Client is an early-stage pilot-scale operation. Success requires:
- 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
Travel – Minimal expected travel. The role will be primarily facility-based in Maryland.
Compensation & Benefits
- 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.
Work Authorization
Candidates must qualify as a U.S. Person as defined under applicable U.S. export control regulations (such as U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents/green card holders, or other protected individuals). Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
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.