Senior Operations Manager

Senior Operations Manager

Oakland, CA

About Magrathea

Based in Oakland, California, Magrathea is a global category leader in critical mineral production technology. Our mission is to rebuild the magnesium metal supply base, delivering secure access to one of the most critical materials on Earth. Magnesium is essential to the aluminum, steel, titanium, nuclear, defense, and aerospace industries but 95% of global supply comes from China where large amounts of coal are used to make metal. This isn’t just an economic risk: it’s a national security threat, and Magrathea is fixing it. We’ve developed a next-generation electrolytic process to make magnesium metal from seawater and brines, unlocking a new path to industrial independence and to a cleaner environment for future generations. We’re backed by the earliest believers in Tesla and SpaceX, major European industrial families, and the U.S. Department of Defense. If you’re ready to make a lasting real-world impact, let's talk.

Is Magrathea For Me?

You’ll be joining a high-performance team of builders on a mission to stand up the first major electrolytic magnesium smelter this century. We’re doing it this decade. There are no pointless positions here, no layers of middle management, no meetings about meetings: just a hyper focus on execution. You’ll be hands-on from day one, shaping the core of a technology that will have major impacts on national security, clean technology, and industrial resilience. If you’re the kind of person who runs toward hard problems, thrives under pressure, and wants to build something history will remember you for, this role is for you.

Ideal Background

• 10+ years of experience in a facilities or operations management role within a manufacturing, lab, hardtech startup, or industrial environment
• Deep working knowledge of building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, construction) and industrial hygiene and safety practices
• Hands-on, resourceful, and comfortable working in a dynamic, startup environment
• Familiarity with EH&S regulations and site compliance programs (OSHA, EPA, local fire codes)
• Strong communication and coordination skills including ability to interface effectively with cross-functional teams and external contractors and suppliers
• Ability to prioritize, triage, and problem-solve in real time with minimal supervision
• Preferred: technical degree or certification in an industry-related field (engineering, construction management, industrial tech)

Compensation

• Salary range: $80,000-$120,000 annually, commensurate with experience
• Equity, stock options, and/or milestone-based compensation
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401k from day 1 with pre-tax and post-tax investing options

Role Expectations

• Reports directly to our COO
• Own preventive maintenance schedules and troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, or plumbing issues across pilot-scale equipment and facilities infrastructure
• Lead day-to-day management of contractors and vendors for HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire systems, janitorial, security, and waste disposal services
• Help manage hazardous materials storage, labeling, and disposal in compliance with local and federal regulations
• Implement and enforce site-wide safety protocols and EH&S best practices in collaboration with our COO and other team members
• Track and manage facilities-related spend, including consumables, utilities, equipment maintenance, and repair budgets
• Maintain accurate documentation for equipment, inspections, certifications, and standard operating procedures
• Support facilities build-outs, reconfigurations, and installation of new pilot systems in partnership with engineering
• Serve as the on-the-ground first responder for operational emergencies or critical system downtime
• Coordinate space planning, signage, physical access, and logistics for internal moves, events, and audits
• Able to anticipate potential issues and make important decisions within ambiguity
• Thrive in fast-paced, high-accountability environments and take pride in being the person others rely on to get the job done
• You don't wait to be told what to do: you see problems, solve them, and move on to the next one

Location

• Full-time in-person at our Oakland, California facilities
• Magrathea sponsors visas for candidates from Canada, Mexico, Australia, and New Zealand