Senior Plant Operator

About Blue Whale Materials

Blue Whale Materials is an American recycling company producing a source of domestic critical minerals from battery material.  We are building lithium-ion battery recycling facilities producing a high-quality black mass containing cobalt, nickel, manganese, and lithium in the first stage of a closed-loop solution for lithium-ion battery manufacturers.

Blue Whale Materials has established its first recycling plant in Bartlesville, OK. As we grow, we are seeking talented and motivated candidates to join our team. Compensation is based on experience.

Job Summary:

A Senior Plant Operator in Blue Whale Materials’ recycling plant plays a critical role in the safe, efficient operation of processes that recover valuable materials (such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper, and graphite) from end-of-life batteries. This hands-on position involves operating specialized equipment at a plant-level scale for battery recycling, while ensuring compliance with strict safety, environmental, and quality standards. As a senior-level role, it includes mentoring junior technicians, troubleshooting complex issues, and contributing to process improvements in a fast-growing industry focused on sustainability and the circular economy.

Primary Responsibilities:

- Operate and monitor automated heavy industrial process equipment at plant-level scale for battery recycling processes

- Perform setup, calibration, and routine maintenance on machinery to ensure continuous, uninterrupted production while minimizing downtime.

- Conduct quality control checks, including sampling, testing, and inspection of processed materials to meet specifications for desired outputs.

- Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions, diagnose operational issues, and implement corrective actions, coordinating with maintenance teams or engineers as needed.

- Strictly adhere to safety protocols for handling hazardous materials, including discharged batteries, chemicals, and high-voltage components, to prevent fires, explosions, or environmental releases.

- Train and mentor junior technicians and operators on safe procedures, equipment operation, and best practices.

- Maintain accurate records of production data, inventory, maintenance logs, and compliance documentation.

- Identify opportunities for process optimization, efficiency improvements, and waste reduction to support sustainable operations.

- Participate in shift handovers, safety audits, and emergency response procedures.

- Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

- High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's degree or technical certification in chemical processing, manufacturing, mechanical technology, or a related field preferred.

- Minimum of 10 years of experience in an industrial plant environment, ideally in, recycling, battery manufacturing/recycling, mining/minerals, metals processing, chemical processing, or other heavy industry. Prior experience with lithium-ion battery handling or recycling processes is highly desirable.

- Demonstrated proficiency operating automated process equipment (both rotating and non-rotating)at a plant level scale, including both control room operation and hands-on field work with the equipment

- Strong mechanical aptitude and proficiency with equipment such as shredders, mills, conveyors, mechanical separation, thermal processes, pumps, reactors, tanks, and general chemical processes preferred.

- Strong safety record with working knowledge of OSHA, RCRA, DOT Hazmat, and industrial hygiene practices.

- Knowledge of chemical hazards, PPE usage, and safe handling of lithium-ion batteries.

- Ability to read P&IDs, SOPs, and technical manuals.

- Basic computer skills for data entry and production tracking systems.

- Excellent problem-solving, attention to detail, and teamwork abilities.

- Willingness to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

- Must be able to lift and carry between 50 lbs to 70 lbs.

- Stand and walk continuously for 8-to-12-hour shifts on concrete or grated surfaces.

- Climb stairs and access elevated platforms or mezzanines as required.

- Bend, squat, kneel, twist, and reach in and around equipment during setup, maintenance, and cleaning tasks.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

- 401(k) matching

- Dental insurance

- Health insurance

- Health savings account

- Life insurance

- Paid time off

- Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

- Do you have knowledge of chemical hazards, PPE usage, and safe handling of lithium-ion batteries?

- Are you willing to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed?

- Do you have a strong mechanical aptitude and proficiency operating automated process equipment (both rotating and non-rotating) at a plant level scale, including both control room operation and hands-on field work with the equipment?

Education:

- High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

- Industrial Plant Environment: 10 years (Required)

Shift availability:

- Day Shift (Required)

- Night Shift (Required)

- Overnight Shift (Required)

Ability to Commute:

- Bartlesville, OK 74006 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

- Bartlesville, OK 74006: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person