Plant Technician

Limelight Steel is a clean technology company developing an electric ironmaking process that uses laser light to decarbonize primary steel production. Their core innovation replaces traditional carbon-intensive blast furnaces with a laser-based furnace system, enabling the ironmaking process to be fully electrified. The company reports up to 20% energy savings over conventional steelmaking methods and aims to deliver zero-emissions steel at cost-parity with existing production techniques. The company's mission is centered on addressing one of the most carbon-intensive industrial sectors in the global economy. Steel production is responsible for approximately 7-9% of global CO2 emissions, and Limelight Steel's approach targets the primary ironmaking stage, which is the largest source of emissions in the steelmaking value chain. By electrifying this process with laser technology, they seek to enable a scalable, economically competitive pathway to decarbonized steel. Limelight Steel has received significant recognition and institutional support, including a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy's ARPA-E program, backing from Khosla Ventures, and inclusion on the Cleantech Group's 2024 Cleantech 50 to Watch list. The company was also named by Popular Science as one of the 50 greatest innovations of 2024 and appeared on the Forbes 30 Under 30 energy list. They are an Activate Fellowship company, reflecting their origins in deep scientific research.

Role Summary

As our Plant Technician, you will play a crucial role in supporting our Plant Operations team to operate and maintain equipment that drive our production plant.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Adhere to safety protocols to promote a safe work environment.

• Support installation, mechanical assembly, and commissioning of laboratory and plant equipment.

• Operate and maintain equipment, including setup, monitoring, troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance.

• Monitor processes and resolve issues through periodic checks and proactive problem-solving.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.

• Manage inventory by routine stocking of materials and supplies

• Perform all other duties, as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years experience in industrial settings.

• Proficiency in operating large equipment and machinery.

• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to approach problems analytically.

• Experience working both independently and collaboratively in fast-paced environments.

• Exceptional attention to detail.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to safely lift and carry up to 50 lbs.

• Role will involve standing for periods of time and working in active lab or industrial environments.

Nice to Have

• Technical degree, trade certification, or equivalent hands-on experience in an industrial or manufacturing environment

  • (e.g., maintenance programs, welding certifications, or similar technical training).

• Familiarity with vacuum equipment.

• Experience with high-temperature furnaces and materials.

• Proficiency in preparing and analyzing metallurgical samples.

Benefits

• Competitive stock option package

• Comprehensive health benefits that include:

  • Full premium coverage for PPO Gold for employees with 80% coverage for dependents

  • Full premium coverage for Vision and Dental for employees

• Generous time-off schedule

  • 20 days paid time off (accrued according to number of hours worked)

  • 10 holidays (personalized to the holidays you observe)

• 401(k) with a 4% safe harbor company match

• 2x weekly catered team lunches

• A team of curious, passionate, kind, and courageous people committed to eliminating industrial emissions that contribute to climate change

• Unparalleled opportunities for growth, leadership, and project ownership in a dynamic and rapidly-growing startup company

Compensation

The hourly rate for this role is $35-40, plus meaningful equity. Final comp will be based on experience and level.