Operations Engineer

PurposeEnergy is seeking an Operations Engineer who will optimize our sustainable resource recovery facilities to operate safely, efficiently, reliably, and in compliance with all regulatory requirements.

Your primary focus will be to own day-to-day technical performance across our operating facilities, maximizing energy generation, leading troubleshooting, and utilizing operational data to improve uptime. In your first year, you'll work closely with construction and commissioning teams on plant handovers and help shape the SOPs that scale across facilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and optimize plant performance including biogas production, digester health, and energy output

• Troubleshoot operational issues and implement corrective actions to minimize downtime

• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) and maintenance protocols

• Collaborate with construction and commissioning teams during plant startup and handover

• Collaborate with project and process engineering teams to translate operational learnings to designs for future operating plants

• Support preventive and predictive maintenance programs across operating facilities

• Analyze operational data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities

• Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, and regulatory requirements

• Project manage capital improvement projects across operating facilities, including scope development, contractor coordination, and execution through commissioning and handover

• Provide technical support and training to plant operators

• Prepare operational reports and present findings to senior leadership

• Update P&IDs to reflect as-built conditions and modifications

Required Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Environmental, or related Engineering field

• 7+ years of experience in wastewater plant operations, physical/chemical/biological wastewater treatment, and/or bioenergy generation.

• Project management of full-scale upgrades, debottlenecks, and other capital projects

• Experience with major industrial projects, preferably resource recovery facilities, biogas (and RNG) production, industrial food manufacturing, nutrient removal, and related treatment processes.

• Proficiency in reading and interpreting schematics, blueprints, and technical manuals.

• Strong prioritization skills with the ability to operate in a complex, rapidly changing business environment with tight schedules and demanding targets.

• Familiarity with SCADA systems and data monitoring tools

• Communicates technical concepts clearly to internal and external stakeholders.

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

• Willingness to travel to plant sites as needed.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary $130,000 to $160,000 depending on relevant experience

• Eligible for bonus & Company equity plan

• Comprehensive benefits (healthcare, dental, vision, 401(k))

• Expense reimbursement for work-related travel

Location & Travel

• Based in our Headquarters in Salem, NH or Burlington, VT.

• Typical travel 25 to 50% based on location.

• Physical ability to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, climb ladders, and work in confined spaces.

PurposeEnergy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

PurposeEnergy does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of PurposeEnergy and PurposeEnergy will not be obligated to pay a placement fee.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.