Vice President, Scale-Up (Engineering & Operations)

Vice President, Scale-Up (Engineering & Operations)

A mission-driven advanced recycling company is seeking a Vice President, Scale-Up to lead the transition from proven pilot-scale processes to commercial-ready industrial systems. This is a first-of‑kind opportunity to turn scientific validation into real‑world infrastructure with global impact.

The Role

The VP, Scale-Up sits at the intersection of engineering, operations, and learning. Reporting to the CEO, this leader will design, build, and commission the company’s first commercial demonstration plant, shaping the engineering framework that will enable future facilities to scale reliably and economically.

This is a hands‑on, pioneering scale‑up mandate: converting complex process insights into industrial systems that perform under real‑world conditions. The role requires strong engineering judgment, systems thinking, and the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams through ambiguity while building the structures, processes, and operating rhythms that support repeatable deployment.

Key Responsibilities

• Translate pilot-scale insights into industrial process and equipment designs.
• Lead engineering development, vendor engagement, and commissioning for the demonstration plant.
• Build and lead the initial technical operations team and operating model.
• Validate system performance using operational data and drive iterative improvement.
• Create scalable documentation, processes, and decision frameworks for future deployments.
• Align internal teams and external partners across engineering, operations, finance, EPC, and manufacturing.

Who You Are

You are an engineering leader who has taken novel technologies from concept or pilot into commercial operation. You understand the judgment and trade‑offs required to make systems work at scale, thrive in ambiguity, and create the structure and learning environments teams need to perform.

You bring:

• Experience in start‑up or greenfield environments where pace, ambiguity, and hands‑on leadership are essential
• A record of building and leading high‑performing engineering and operational commissioning teams
• Strength in systems architecture, process engineering, and operational readiness
• A leadership style grounded in autonomy, accountability, and continuous learning
• The ability to integrate diverse technical and operational perspectives into coherent action
• A background suited to process‑intensive sectors (pulp & paper, chemicals, advanced manufacturing) and a desire to apply that expertise to a purpose‑driven challenge

Why This Role Matters

This is not an oversight role - it’s a chance to architect the systems, teams, and infrastructure that will define a new category of recycling technology. For leaders who want meaningful technical challenges and real‑world impact, this role offers rare scope and ownership.