R&D/Pilot Plant Operations Manager

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RandD/Pilot Plant Operations Manager

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Lydian

Position overviewLydian is looking for an

RandD/Pilot Plant Operations Manager

to be the principal steward of our 24,000+ SF research laboratory and pilot-scale process facility. Reporting directly to the CTO, this role will ensure uninterrupted operation of critical utilities and equipment, champion environmental health and safety (EHS) compliance, and deliver best-in-class facilities support to a multidisciplinary RandD team.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned, hands-on operator who balances strategic oversight with the willingness to roll up their sleeves when issues arise and is willing to challenge vendors and contractors to provide the required service beyond the status quo. Attention to detail, pride in maintaining a clean and organized facility, and technical roots are highly desirable qualities for this role.

Key responsibilities

Facility and equipment reliability — Oversee daily operation and preventive maintenance of electrolyzer, HVAC systems, compressed-gas distribution, chilled-water, bulk gas supply, and RandD/pilot systems.

Administer a computerized maintenance-management system, analyze trend data, and coordinate vendor service contracts.

Manage shipping, receiving, and safe movement of laboratory equipment, hazardous materials, and consumables.

Maintain inventory of critical spares and implement 5S/lean practices across workspaces.

EHS and regulatory compliance — Serve as site EHS lead, maintaining SDS libraries, executing LOTO/hot-work/confined-space programs, and coordinating periodic audits with external consultants as necessary.

Liaise with municipal, state, and federal authorities (OSHA, EPA, MA DEP, Boston Fire Department) to maintain all required permits.

Capital projects and space planning — Scope utility upgrades (electrical, gases, water), prepare bid packages, manage contractors, and track schedules and budgets through commissioning.

Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs), access-control protocols, and onboarding materials for new users.

Track key performance indicators (uptime, mean time to repair, maintenance spend) and report monthly to leadership.

Qualifications

5-10+ years of experience in facilities management.

Prior exposure to laboratory, pilot plant, or industrial plant operations with high-temperature, gas-handling reactor systems.

Massachusetts refrigeration, electrical, or hoisting license; DOT hazardous-materials shipping certification; or First-Responder/CPR training preferred.

Fluency in Excel, including budget and project tracking.

Alignment with our mission, vision, and virtues.

Company Culture And Benefits

Challenging, collaborative, and meaningful work and an important voice in company development.

Competitive salary commensurate with experience.

Meaningful equity compensation.

Unlimited PTO and expectation that all employees take significant time off to rest, recharge, and enjoy life outside work.

Excellent health insurance with 100% of healthcare, vision and dental premiums covered.

401(k) with company match.

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Management and Manufacturing

Industries

Renewable Energy Equipment Manufacturing

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