Manager or Sr Manager - Operations

C-Zero is a hard-tech startup located in Santa Barbara, CA, that is developing a technology for decarbonizing natural gas. The company’s technology uses high temperatures to break down methane, (the primary molecule in natural gas) into hydrogen and solid carbon. C-Zero’s hydrogen can be used to decarbonize a wide range of industries including ammonia production, gasoline and diesel fuel, electric generation, process heat, and fuel cell vehicles, and has the potential to address 75% of global CO2 emissions. Are you excited about working to develop a technology that can support the energy transition?  Check out this role and join our team!

Position Summary: The Operations Manager oversees the daily operations of our pilot chemical manufacturing plant, to support the development and advancement of our novel methane pyrolysis technology. The Operations Manager should have a strong background in chemical plant operations, process engineering and project management, and experience overseeing a chemical pilot plant including scaling up processes from pilot to full production scale. The Plant Manager will be accountable for: ensuring that pilot operations are running smoothly and delivering the necessary production campaigns to progress our technology optimization, implementing new strategies to improve yield and safety, working collaboratively with R&D to plan and optimize the production yield of our process, and managing a team of employees (both internal CZERO as well as contractors). The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of chemical and mechanical processes, stakeholder management and influence capabilities, and demonstrated operational team leadership and project management skills.

You Will:

• Oversee all aspects of the day-to-day operations of the pilot plant, ensuring safe and reliable operation is maintained to deliver the successful execution of pilot production runs
• Manage plant operational planning including operational campaigns, staffing (operations, engineering, maintenance) and improvement projects to meet operational business and technology goals
• Lead process optimization initiatives to improve plant efficiency, and increase yields in support of scaling the technology to commercial levels
• Manage the plant's equipment, maintenance, and repair to ensure uninterrupted production
• Ensure operational logistics and supply chain activities are managed appropriately, including consumable and feedstock supply, and product storage, handling, analysis, and distribution
• Collaborate with R&D and engineering to optimize product development and scale-up processes in support of advancing the technology
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and safety standards and maintain a safe working environment for all employees
• Manage a team of process engineers (internal) and plant operations and maintenance staff (contract), providing leadership, mentoring, and guidance to support their growth and development.
• Provide technical guidance and support to operations staff, including troubleshooting and problem-solving
• Project Manage plant improvement projects including personnel, budgets and timelines, and ensure that goals and objectives are met.
• Communicate with stakeholders and customers to ensure that all pilot  goals are aligned with and delivering on business objectives

Education / Experience:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering, or related technical field.
• 12+ years of operations experience in chemical manufacturing, within the oil and gas refining or petrochemical industries, with 3+ years of demonstrated management or leadership experience
• Specific experience leading operations at an operating facility, specifically a pilot facility, strongly desired. Including managing shift operating teams, to deliver a manufacturing production plant operations safely, reliably, and to target
• Experience within process engineering and scaling up chemical manufacturing processes from pilot to full-scale production, and the associated challenges with operating a new technology plant
• Demonstrated progression in role seniority in plant operations roles from entry level to supervisory, management, or leadership
• Process engineering experience improving and optimizing a chemical manufacturing / production process
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with experience managing a team of employees both direct reporting and contract employees, and experience with stakeholder influence.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects, implement process improvements, and achieve results in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and safety standards in chemical manufacturing.
• Experience in budget management, capital planning, and cost control.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other relevant software

Job Requirements:

• Location: San Antonio, TX
• Travel: < 10% for company meetings
• Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs

The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.

Total Compensation:

Final salary will be commensurate with experience and capabilities within the role: 

Staff Engineer $160,000 - $220,000

Additionally CZero offers a competitive total compensation package including:

401k company contributions on day 1, no matching required

Medical and dental benefits for employee and families

Equity option grants