DescriptionA rapidly scaling advanced materials manufacturing organization is seeking Operations Area Leads to support the startup and expansion of multiple rare earth processing production lines in Central Indiana. This organization is building a high-performance operational culture focused on safety, procedural discipline, operational reliability, and continuous improvement within a highly technical industrial processing environment.
This is a hands-on frontline leadership role responsible for leading small operator teams while directly supporting daily plant operations, troubleshooting, process execution, and operational readiness across critical production areas.
The company is in startup and commissioning mode, with several new production lines scheduled to come online over the next 6-12 months. These positions offer the opportunity to play a key role in building operations from the ground up while working alongside engineering, maintenance, and plant leadership teams.
Military technical leadership backgrounds are highly valued for this role, particularly Navy nuclear-trained operators, Engineering Watch Supervisors, ELTs, Leading Petty Officers (LPOs), and Chiefs with strong operational leadership and procedural compliance experience.
What You'll Be Doing- Lead daily operations within assigned production and processing areas
- Supervise and support small operator teams during shift operations
- Promote strong safety culture, procedural adherence, and operational discipline
- Monitor process conditions, equipment performance, and operational reliability
- Utilize PLC/HMI systems to monitor and support plant operations
- Coordinate with maintenance and engineering teams to troubleshoot equipment and process issues
- Support startup, commissioning, and operational ramp-up activities for new production lines
- Assist with process optimization, operational troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives
- Lead shift turnover communication and operational updates between crews
- Support contamination control and high-purity manufacturing standards
- Train, mentor, and qualify operators within assigned process areas
- Assist with development and revision of SOPs and operational documentation
- Support operational readiness and housekeeping standards throughout the facility
Manufacturing Areas May IncludeOperations Area Leads may support one or more process areas including:
- Material sizing and screening
- Solids handling and feedstock preparation
- Chemical leaching and filtration
- Reactor operations and slurry processing
- Chromatography and purification systems
- Centrifugation and liquid-solid separation
- Thermal processing and calcination
- Powder sizing and final packaging operations
Must-Have Skills, Experience, and Education:- 5+ years of industrial operations, processing, power generation, manufacturing, chemical processing, or military technical experience
- Demonstrated leadership experience in operational environments
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving ability
- Experience operating and monitoring industrial equipment and systems
- Ability to work effectively in fast-paced, evolving operations environments
- Strong communication and shift turnover skills
- Comfortable working rotating 12-hour shifts
- Strong procedural compliance and questioning attitude mindset
Preferred Backgrounds:- Navy Nuclear Power experience highly preferred
- Engineering Watch Supervisor (EWS) qualification
- Engineering Laboratory Technician (ELT) experience
- Navy MMNs, EMNs, or ETNs with operational leadership experience
- LPO, LCPO, or frontline supervisory leadership experience
- PLC/HMI operational experience
- Chemical processing or high-purity manufacturing experience
Compensation & Benefits- Target compensation approximately $40-$45/hr depending on experience
- Overtime eligible with time-and-a-half pay
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- 401(k) program available
- PTO package included
- Relocation assistance available (up to approximately $5,000)
- Opportunity to participate in a rapidly growing advanced manufacturing operation with long-term advancement potential
Growth Opportunity- This organization is building out multiple operational shifts and production lines over the next several years.
- Strong performers will have opportunities to advance into Shift Supervisor, Production Manager, and broader plant leadership roles as operations continue to scale.
- The company anticipates significant long-term growth across operations leadership, maintenance, engineering, and production management functions.
Schedule & Work Environment- Rotating 12-hour shifts in a 24/5 manufacturing operation transitioning toward expanded operations
- Typical rotation may include 2-on / 2-off / 3-on / 3-off scheduling
- Day/night rotation TBD
- Industrial manufacturing environment requiring PPE and operational safety awareness
- Startup and commissioning environment requiring adaptability and strong operational ownership
