R&D Operations Engineer

The R&D Operations Engineer is a hands-on leadership role supporting R&D facilities responsible for overseeing site operations, including both administrative functions and technical oversight. This individual in this role must have extensive working knowledge and experience with various mechanical and process equipment used within an industrial or renewable fuels manufacturing facility. This individual will supervise contractors and employees, manage vendor and partner relationships, ensure regulatory and administrative compliance, contribute to facility improvements, champion R&D efforts to optimize performance, expand site capabilities, and prototype new product offerings. This role must be able to apply fundamental engineering principles that lead not only mechanical and process project design efforts, but also provide technical leadership and support to our operations and maintenance facility staff. This position is also expected to provide leadership/mentorship to cross functional teams, and to less experienced engineers/technicians.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Environmental, Process Engineering, or related field.Masters degree and/or additional technical certifications a plus. 

Experience:5-10 years of experience in industrial operations, ideally in anaerobic digestion, power generation and distribution, or similar environments. 5+ years’ experience working in design, prototype, and testing is desired. 

Travel: up to 50% travel to facility site or other FTI offices as needed

Work Schedule: This position works between the hours of 7 AM and 5 PM, Monday- Friday. However, work may be performed at any time on any day of the week to meet business needs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee and coordinate the work of on-site operators and staff to ensure efficient and safe plant operation.
• Serves as Mechanical and Process technical lead during engineering design phase of site updates along with technical support of plantoperations and maintenance when needed.
• Lead implementationand management of preventative maintenance schedules for all mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation systems to minimize downtime and prolong the facility’s operational lifespan.
• Maintain facility documentation, manage staffing schedules, oversee procurement and inventory, and ensure timely reporting and recordkeeping.
• Ensure the facility meets all federal, state, and local regulatory requirements and remains in compliance with permit requirements. Serve as the first point of contact for regulatory agencies, contractors, and community stakeholders regarding facility operations and compliance matters.
• Develop, review, and enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and safety protocols to ensure compliance with occupational health and safety regulations and environmental best practices. Ensure safety is at the forefront of all operational decisions. 
• Oversee the continuous monitoring, optimization, and improvement anaerobic digestion systems, microgrids, generators, and other equipment; recommend and implement improvements to processes, equipment, or workflows. Analyze operational data, prepare technical reports, and present findings to senior management and regulatory bodies as required.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and professional development within the team.
• Identify and execute on operational or capital improvement opportunities; collaborate with internal teams on R&D and prototype testing efforts.
• Support budget preparation, track operational expenses, and coordinate the procurement of parts and services.
• Act as the liaison between the facility, corporate leadership, external contractors, and regulators.
• Support the development and execution of business continuity and emergency response plans for the facility.
• Serves as technical consultant for management and customers.
• Performs other related duties as required and assigned.