Sr. Production Technician

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:

The Production Technician will play a critical role in commissioning and operation of our lithium-ion battery recycling plant. This role is critical to ensuring efficient, sustainable, and compliant recovery of valuable materials from end-of-life batteries. As a startup initially, the role will be heavily involved in developing the initial processes and procedures to support and optimize production operations. This position will become a technical subject matter expert for this cutting edge operation.

Primary Responsibilities:

- Operate and monitor recycling machinery (e.g. shredders, sorters, conveyors, separators, filling equipment) and assist in developing standard operating procedures (SOPs).

- Perform material handling, including loading/unloading materials into equipment.

- Conduct routine inspections and perform basic maintenance on equipment.

- Assist in troubleshooting equipment and process issues, implementing corrective actions as appropriate.

- Monitor material flow and identify any safety concerns, product quality issues, or any process disruptions.

- Record operating data and production reports accurately.

- Follow all safety protocols and use PPE as required.

- Assist with cleaning, organizing, and maintaining the facility and work stations.

- Communicate effectively with team members and supervisors to ensure smooth shift transitions.

- Participate in safety meetings, training sessions, and continuous improvement initiatives.

- Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

- High school diploma or GED required.

- Minimum 10 years of experience in manufacturing or industrial environment required.

- Understanding of safety practices, emergency response, and OSHA standards.

- Mechanical aptitude and familiarity with operating industrial machinery.

- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.

- Ability to read gauges, operate control panels, and follow written and verbal instruction.

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

Preferred Qualifications:

- Prior experience in a manufacturing, recycling, or industrial environment.

- OSHA 10- or 30-hour general industry certification.

- Lockout/ Tagout (LOTO Training)

- Mechanical troubleshooting skills.

- Equipment operation experience through PC, controls board, or HMI.

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

Pay: From $30.00 per hour

Benefits:

- 401(k) matching

- Dental insurance

- Health insurance

- Health savings account

- Life insurance

- Paid time off

- Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

- Do you have the ability to read gauges, operate control panels, and follow written and verbal instruction?

Education:

- High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

- Manufacturing or Industrial: 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