Lead Pilot Plant Operator (Contract)

About Calcarea

Calcarea is at the forefront of decarbonizing the global economy, starting with the shipping industry. Our mission is to leverage Accelerated Weathering of Limestone (AWL) to safely and permanently sequester CO2 in the ocean as bicarbonate ions. We have developed an innovative system to apply AWL technology directly on ships, and over time, we also aim to develop a new category of vessel specifically designed around large-scale onboard carbon conversion.

The Role

Calcarea is seeking a hands-on Lead Pilot Plant Operator for an 8-month contract position to play a central role in delivering our first full-scale vessel-based deployment. This individual will collaborate closely with the CTO, founders, external parties, and the rest of the technical team, supporting the transition from technical development into real-world implementation.

Responsibilities will include: (i) hands-on operation of equipment based on standard work instructions for our shore-based and ship-board pilot plants, including extended periods at sea as one of the key individuals aboard our first full-scale vessel deployment; (ii) conducting routine inspections and troubleshooting, including monitoring process conditions and escalating issues to maintenance and engineering; and (iii) maintaining a safe and clean work environment.

This is a highly hands-on position for someone excited by first-of-a-kind hardware, dynamic operating environments, and the challenge of getting a novel physical system installed, commissioned, and operating successfully in the field.

This is initially an 8-month contract position but may be extended depending on company needs. The first several months of the role will be based in-person in Los Angeles/Long Beach, CA, followed by several months of rotations onboard a bulk shipping vessel. To apply, please send a resume and brief email statement of interest to recruiting@calcarea.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Qualifications

• Associates degree or a minimum of two years of equivalent work experience in manufacturing, chemical processing, or the military.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem solving skills, including mechanical reasoning and math.
• Experience operating heavy industrial equipment such as pumps, blowers, and computer control systems. 
• Ability to read and understand plant design diagrams such as P&IDs and PFDs.
• Must be able to lift 40 pounds, climb ladders and stairs, and work on your feet in a variable temperature marine environment.
• Ability and willingness to commit to a multi-month continuous deployment at sea, living and working onboard a commercial vessel.
• Experience in maritime systems, ship-board integration, pilot plants, industrial equipment, process systems, or first-of-a-kind hardware deployments is highly beneficial. 
• Practical, execution-oriented mindset with a strong bias toward action and problem solving.  
• Excellent communication and organizational skills. 
• A safety-oriented approach to work, including use of PPE and performing work in accordance with safety procedures and regulatory requirements.