Plant Operations & Project Manager

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Pelleton Renewables

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Brisbane, Australia

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About Pelleton Renewables 


Pelleton Renewables is a climate tech start-up and leader in biomass and bio-waste management technology. We solve the biggest issues of the waste crisis. We use an innovative proprietary, patented, and cost-effective chemical desiccation process that breaks away from the conventional heating, filtering, and centrifugal water removal methods in waste management and recycling processes, advancing sustainability. (www.pelletonrenewables.com) 


About the Role 


We are looking for a Plant Operations & Project Manager to lead day-to-day operations at our Yatala facility and support customer projects across Australia. 


This strategic role combines plant management, process optimisation, and project delivery. You will run the demonstration plant, ensure safety and quality, liaise with clients and partners, and train new hires as we scale. You will also help shape Pelleton’s R&D roadmap and technical development strategy as the company expands. 


This is a unique opportunity to work with breakthrough bioenergy technology and make a real impact on the decarbonisation journey to a net-zero society. 


Key Responsibilities 


1. Demonstration Plant Operations & Lab Work 


  • Process client waste materials into usable pellets (fuel/fertiliser), ensuring efficiency and quality. 
  • Oversee production runs, throughput, and process integrity. 
  • Operate laboratory equipment to test waste streams and outputs. 
  • Run proof-of-concept experiments on feedstock samples. 
  • Collect and log all data from the test work.k 


2. R&D, Innovation and Process Development  


  • Develop and execute the R&D strategy in line with company priorities. 
  • Drive continuous improvement of plant processes and scale-up from pilot to commercial level. 
  • Design and implement thermal or hybrid drying systems, including integration with boilers, CHP units, or heat recovery systems. 
  • Collaborate with EPCs
  • Identify CAPEX needs and support budgeting for future site builds. 

 

3. Process Engineering & Quality Control 

  • Work with engineering teams on design, commissioning, and improvement of process equipment. 
  • Maintain and troubleshoot machinery to ensure smooth operations. 
  • Work with engineering teams to propose equipment and modifications to meet customer site requirements. 
  • Implement KPIs and quality control procedures. 


4. Project Management & Client Interface 

  • Deliver customer projects on time and budget, liaising with EPCs, suppliers, and subcontractors. 
  • Support installation and commissioning of customer plants. 
  • Train client employees on plant operations. 
  • Coach and train Pelleton’s junior hires. 


Who We’re Looking For 


Must have qualities 


  • 8 - 15 years of total engineering or plant operations experience, including 2–5 years specifically in waste management, bioenergy, or process industries (waste-to-energy, biomass, pulp/paper, or similar). 
  • Proven experience scaling lab or pilot trials into full-scale operations, including commissioning and troubleshooting. 
  • Strong project management skills with customer-facing experience. 
  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, or Environmental Engineering. 
  • Practical, “tool-in-hand” mindset suited to a fast-moving start-up environment. 
  • Clear communicator, able to lead small teams and translate technical data for clients and regulators. 
  • Authorised to work in Australia; current Australian driver’s licence required. 
  • Familiarity with WHS Act 2011, EPA licensing, and ISO 9001/14001/45001 systems. 
  • Someone with industry experience, but with an entrepreneurial DNA and agile start-up mindset.  

 

Good to have 

 

  • Experience working with or for OEMs (e.g. Veolia, VISY) or EPC/design offices in the waste-to-energy or industrial processing sectors. 
  • Experience with lab or plant instruments (moisture analysers, extruders, dryers, data logging, Excel/Power BI). 
  • Hands-on understanding of thermal systems, CHP/boiler integration, or process heat recovery. 
  • Ability to read and create P&IDs; basic CAD skills a plus. 
  • Forklift licence. 

 

What We Offer 


  • The chance to lead operations on groundbreaking climate technology. 
  • A role with both technical depth and client-facing impact. 
  • Competitive package plus Employee Participation Plan (EPP). 


If you’re excited by the idea of tackling real-world climate challenges, supporting strategic growth and the development of the company, we’d love to hear from you! 


To be prioritised and move faster in the process, send your CV + cover letter to careers@pelletonrenewables.com with Plant Operations & Project Manager in the email title.


Email applications will be prioritized over LinkedIn Easy Apply candidates.


Only shortlisted candidates will be notified. Thank you.