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Plant Startup Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Plant Controller

Sparta, TN ยท On-site

$87K - $109K/yr

Prior experience supporting M&A integration or plant startup/turnaround. * Exposure to multi-product manufacturing environments - e.g., supporting more than one product line or business unit within a ...

... plant startup * Participate in daily construction team meetings and oversee the quality of the ... cogen construction with an emphasis on the long-term operation of the facility * Ensure all ...

Plant Controller

Sparta, TN ยท On-site

$87K - $109K/yr

Prior experience supporting M&A integration or plant startup/turnaround. * Exposure to multi-product manufacturing environments - e.g., supporting more than one product line or business unit within a ...

Plant Controller

Sparta, TN ยท On-site

$110 - $160/hr

Prior experience supporting M&A integration or plant startup/turnaround. * Exposure to multi-product manufacturing environments -- e.g., supporting more than one product line or business unit within ...

... plant startup * Participate in daily construction team meetings and oversee the quality of the ... cogen construction with an emphasis on the long-term operation of the facility * Ensure all ...

Execute plant startup, shutdown, and switching activities in accordance with approved procedures. * Maintain accurate operating logs, reports, and shift turnover communications. * Support preventive ...

Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on injection molding machines, robots, and support equipment to ensure readiness for plant startup and sustained production. * Troubleshoot hydraulic ...

Execute plant startup, shutdown, and switching activities in accordance with approved procedures. * Maintain accurate operating logs, reports, and shift turnover communications. * Support preventive ...

Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on injection molding machines, robots, and support equipment to ensure readiness for plant startup and sustained production. * Troubleshoot hydraulic ...

Operations Intern

Ironton, MO ยท On-site

$13.75 - $18/hr

Support plant startup and commissioning activities across production,engineeringand maintenance functions * Handle vendor communications and coordination * Participate in lockout/tagout (LOTO) and ...

Plant Laborer - Pryor, OK

Pryor, OK ยท On-site

$13.25 - $17.25/hr

Responsible for assisting with batch plant startup and shut down at the start and end of the day * Perform routine maintenance to assure batch plant runs efficiently * Perform and document all ...

Plant Laborer - Pryor, OK

Pryor, OK ยท On-site

$13.25 - $17.25/hr

Responsible for assisting with batch plant startup and shut down at the start and end of the day * Perform routine maintenance to assure batch plant runs efficiently * Perform and document all ...

Showing results 21-40

Plant Startup information

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How much do plant startup jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for plant startup in the United States is $18.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a plant startup?

A plant startup refers to the process of bringing a new industrial facility, such as a manufacturing plant, refinery, or power plant, into full operational status for the first time. This phase involves testing equipment, calibrating systems, ensuring safety protocols are in place, and gradually ramping up production to desired levels. Plant startups require careful planning, coordination, and troubleshooting to ensure the plant operates efficiently and safely. The process is critical for meeting regulatory requirements and achieving the plant's performance targets.

What is the difference between Plant Startup vs Plant Operator?

AspectPlant StartupPlant Operator
Primary RoleOversees the commissioning and initial operation of new or modified plant equipment and systemsManages ongoing daily operations, monitoring equipment, and ensuring continuous plant performance
Required CertificationsProcess safety, technical certifications, sometimes engineering backgroundOperator licenses, safety certifications, technical training
Work EnvironmentIntensive during commissioning, often project-based, temporaryConsistent, shift-based, ongoing operational environment
Industry UsageCommon during plant start-up phases or plant modificationsRegularly employed for daily plant operations

While Plant Startup specialists focus on launching and commissioning new or upgraded plants, Plant Operators handle the day-to-day running of the plant to ensure safety and efficiency. Both roles require technical knowledge and safety certifications, but their responsibilities and work phases differ significantly.

What are some typical challenges faced during the plant startup process, and how can team members prepare for them?

During a plant startup, team members often encounter challenges such as equipment malfunctions, process optimization issues, and unexpected safety concerns. Preparation involves thorough review of startup protocols, close coordination with engineering, maintenance, and operations teams, and proactive troubleshooting. Effective communication and flexibility are crucial, as unforeseen issues may require rapid decision-making and adjustments to the startup schedule. Regular training and drills can also help the team respond effectively to any incidents that arise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in plant startup roles, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Plant Startup role, you need a strong background in engineering or process operations, with expertise in commissioning procedures and safety protocols. Familiarity with process control systems (such as DCS/SCADA), startup checklists, and relevant certifications like OSHA or PMP is often required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for addressing unexpected issues and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and timely plant startup operations, minimizing downtime and optimizing performance.
More about Plant Startup jobs
Infographic showing various Plant Startup job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,934 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Plant Controller

TERREPOWER

Sparta, TN โ€ข On-site

$87K - $109K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description


Position Summary
The Plant Controller is the senior finance leader for TERREPOWER Sparta, TN manufacturing facility, responsible for the plant's full financial reporting, cost accounting, and internal controls. This role partners closely with plant leadership and operations teams to drive cost discipline, inventory accuracy, and margin performance, while ensuring compliance with corporate accounting policies and GAAP. The Plant Controller translates plant-level financial and operational data into clear insights that support capital planning, productivity initiatives, and day-to-day decision-making on the floor.
What you'll do
  • Financial reporting & controls
    • Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process, ensuring accurate and timely financial statements in accordance with GAAP and corporate policy.
    • Own weekly KPI reporting along with plant-level P&L, balance sheet, and variance analysis for plant and corporate leadership, delivering clear, actionable insight into performance drivers and operational impacts.
    • Maintain a strong internal controls environment, including SOX compliance where applicable; lead plant-level audits and ensure compliance with tax, regulatory, and corporate reporting requirements.
    • Partner with corporate accounting and FP&A on consolidation, reporting packages, and budget/forecast cycles.
    • Review and approve capital expenditure requests, ensuring appropriate ROI analysis and documentation.
  • Cost accounting & inventory management
    • Maintain the plant's standard costing system (labor, material, and overhead rates) and lead the annual standard cost update.
    • Analyze manufacturing variances and productivity, scrap, and yield metrics, partnering with operations to identify root causes and corrective actions.
    • Oversee physical inventory counts and cycle counts, ensuring inventory accuracy and appropriate reserves.
  • Business partnership & plant operations support
    • Serve as the primary finance business partner to the Plant Manager and plant leadership team, supporting operational decision-making with financial insight.
    • Lead the plant's annual budgeting process and ongoing forecast updates in partnership with plant and corporate leadership.
    • Build financial acumen across the plant organization, coaching non-finance leaders on cost drivers and P&L ownership.

What you'll bring
  • Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field required; equivalent professional experience will also be considered.
  • 6-8+ years of progressive accounting or finance experience, with a focus on manufacturing/plant controllership preferred.
  • CPA or CMA strongly preferred.
  • Strong technical grounding in standard costing, manufacturing variance analysis, inventory accounting, GAAP, and internal controls (including SOX compliance experience).
  • Working proficiency with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, or similar) and advanced Excel skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to partner with and influence plant operations and non-finance leaders - including the Plant Manager - to drive business outcomes without direct authority.
  • Experience leading budgeting, forecasting, and month-end close processes, with a track record of turning data-driven analysis into cost reduction and operational improvement.
  • Ability to work in a plant/manufacturing environment, including regular time on the production floor.

Nice-to-Haves
  • Experience in a multi-plant or multi-site manufacturing organization.
  • Lean/Six Sigma or other continuous improvement experience.
  • Experience with Oracle or similar large-scale ERP implementations.
  • Prior experience supporting M&A integration or plant startup/turnaround.
  • Exposure to multi-product manufacturing environments - e.g., supporting more than one product line or business unit within a single facility.

About Us
About Us:
For over 35 years, TERREPOWER (formerly BBB Industries) has been a leader in sustainable manufacturing, driving the circular economy by extending the life of essential products in the automotive and industrial markets.
Founded in 1987 in Daphne, Alabama by the Bigler family, TERREPOWER began as a small regional remanufacturer of starters and alternators. Our commitment to quality and innovation quickly earned us a reputation as a trusted name in the automotive industry.
Recognizing new challenges and opportunities, in 2019 we set our sights on EV battery upcycling-addressing one of the industry's most pressing issues. Our engineering team pioneered solutions to extend EV battery life, pushing the boundaries of sustainable innovation.
Recognizing that demand for solar panels would exceed availability and 100,000 tons of waste would potentially go into landfills by 2035, our team searched for an innovative way to upcycle solar panels. With an eye on the future, we developed ways to upcycle solar panels.
Rooted in family and community values, we're proud to have second-generation employees contributing to our legacy. Backed by Clearlake Capital, we've expanded our footprint into Europe with facilities in Spain, Italy, Denmark, Germany and Poland. We now sustainably manufacture and supply an assortment of nondiscretionary repair parts across more than 90 countries.
As we move forward under the TERREPOWER name, we remain committed to the same values that have always defined us: entrepreneurship, teamwork, customer-centered, sustainability, safety.
Why Join Us?
When you join our team, you become part of a company that is redefining how essential products are made, reused and repurposed to reduce waste and maximize resources.
Here's what sets us apart:
  • Purpose-Driven Work - Every day, your work will contribute to extending the useful life of essential products, keeping vehicles on the road and critical systems running.
  • Innovative Mindset - We encourage creative problem-solving and bold ideas to push the boundaries of what is possible.
  • Global Reach, Local Impact - With operations in North America and Europe, we have a global presence but remain deeply connected to the communities we serve.
  • Growth & Development - Whether you're on the production floor, in engineering, or part of our corporate team, we invest in your success through training, mentorship, and career advancement opportunities.
  • A Culture of Collaboration - Rooted in teamwork and shared values, our employees work together to tackle challenges and drive meaningful change.

TERREPOWER is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and equitable workplace. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, pregnancy, age, veteran status, religion, national origin, genetic information, disability unrelated to the ability to perform a job, sexual orientation, or transgender status to the extent protected by law. We believe that diversity drives innovation and success.