Production Operator

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Production Operator

Location: Perth, Western Australia

Reports to: Lead Operator

Start Date: 01 Dec 2025

Type: Full-Time

About Uluu

Uluu is a Western Australian startup creating the world’s first truly compelling alternative to plastic. We produce natural materials, called PHAs, that behave like plastic but are made from seaweed, not fossil fuels. They’re biodegradable, non-toxic, and climate positive at scale.

We currently operate a test facility with 40L fermenters and are preparing to build a demonstration plant with 4kL fermenters to scale our production. We’re hiring a Production Operator to join our growing team and play a key role in bringing our breakthrough material to the world.

Position overview

As a Production Operator, you'll be at the heart of Uluu’s mission, transforming seaweed into our plastic alternative. You'll gain hands-on experience across all production areas; from seaweed hydrolysis to PHA fermentation and downstream processing.

Your initial focus will be downstream processing: extracting and purifying PHAs from fermentation broth using industrial-scale equipment.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to be part of a high-impact startup while developing valuable skills in bio-manufacturing and advanced processing technologies. You will begin operating our small-scale test plant in Watermans Bay and transition to running our upcoming demonstration facility – 100X the size!

Key responsibilities

• Production operations: Run hands-on production tasks with high attention to quality and adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs). Initial work will centre on PHA extraction and purification using equipment such as industrial disk-stack centrifuge and ~200L reactors.
• Sampling and record-keeping: Conduct routine monitoring, sampling, and testing. Accurately document production activities and quality observations to support continuous improvement and compliance.
• Equipment monitoring and maintenance: Track equipment performance, perform routine checks, and carry out preventive maintenance to maximise uptime and ensure production areas are clean and well-maintained.
• Safety, quality and environmental compliance: Follow all safety, environmental and quality control protocols while operating equipment and performing tasks.
• R&D support: Assist with setting up, executing, sampling, and/or monitoring trials at test plant as required.
• Weekend roster: Be available to work weekends, evenings and public holidays as part of a rotating schedule.
• Team collaboration: Be reliable and supportive teammate – own your role while actively helping others when needed.

Experience & skills

• Hands-on experience in production or manufacturing, ideally in chemical processing, food production, or similar process industries. Prior experience in pilot plants is highly desirable.
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to safely operate and maintain industrial equipment.
• High attention to detail, good problem-solving skills and strong understanding of quality control principles and manufacturing best practices.
• Strong communication skills for team collaboration, information dissemination and training of new employees.
• Passion for environmental sustainability and contributing to technologies that positively impact the planet.

What we offer

• A chance to play a key role in a mission-driven company solving some of the planet’s most urgent environmental challenges – plastic pollution, climate change and ocean exploitation.
• Competitive salary and equity package – share in the success you help create.
• A collaborative, fast-paced environment where your work matters and your ideas are welcome.

We're looking for people with passion, grit and integrity. At Uluu, we bring together diverse strengths, backgrounds, and experiences - but we’re all united in our commitment to improving people's lives and regenerating our planet. Even if your background doesn't exactly match the job description, we encourage you to apply. Your skills and curiosity will stand out—especially if your career has taken some extraordinary twists and turns. We actively seek diverse perspectives and particularly welcome applications from First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, people of all ages and genders, with disabilities, and culturally and linguistically diverse people.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Salary packaging

Work Location: In person