Wildfire Energy is seeking an experienced Senior Operator/Engineer to lead the safe, efficient and compliant operation of its Research and Development (R&D;) Pilot Plant in Brisbane. This multi-faceted role combines hands-on process plant operation and maintenance, supervision of plant activities, performance analysis, process improvement, safety management and regulatory compliance. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting the ongoing development of Wildfire Energy’s proprietary Moving Injection Horizontal Gasification (MIHG) technology and future commercial plant operations.

Reporting to the Chief Technology Officer, the successful applicant will be based full-time at the pilot plant and will work closely with the rest of the Wildfire team to improve and optimise the plant operation. This role would suit an engineer with hands-on experience in plant operation, or a technician/operator with strong technical and analytical skills.

Company Overview

Wildfire Energy is developing innovative waste-to-energy solutions using its proprietary MIHG process.

The pilot plant located in Pinkenba, QLD is used to test biomass and waste feedstocks and validate process performance including production of syngas, electricity and hydrogen. Upgrades to produce methanol are currently under design and will be installed and tested over the next 2 years. Future commercial deployment is planned through a large-scale facility currently progressing through Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) studies and planned to commence construction in 2027.

Key Responsibilities

- Perform and supervise day-to-day pilot plant operations and manage personnel and contractors
- Lead plant start-up, operation, shutdown,



commissioning and testing activities
- Develop testing plans according to in-house R&D; and client requirements
- Analyse plant performance data and prepare test reports including key performance metrics and mass and energy balances
- Coordinate sampling and analysis of gas, liquid and solid material samples
- Manage the delivery and handling of feedstock and disposal of waste streams
- Monitor process performance and identify opportunities for improvements
- Investigate operational issues and implement corrective actions
- Assist with installation and pre-commissioning activities of new equipment
- Ensure operational activities comply with company procedures and regulatory requirements
- Act as the site “Operator” under the QLD Petroleum & Gas Act and implement the site safety management plan
- Coordinate and perform maintenance activities and maintain asset integrity
- Develop, review and improve operating procedures, work instructions and risk assessments
- Maintain accurate operational, maintenance and compliance records
- Conduct workplace inspections, audits and safety observations
- Ensure environmental controls and monitoring requirements are maintained
- Participate in incident investigations and corrective action programs
- Contribute to future commercial plant design,



commissioning and operational readiness

Safety, Health, Workplace and Quality

- Demonstrate visible safety leadership
- Ensure compliance with applicable Queensland and Australian WHSE legislation
- Promote a strong safety culture and proactive hazard reporting
- Participate in risk assessments, HAZOPs and management of change processes
- Ensure emergency response and first aid requirements are maintained

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

- Zero serious safety incidents
- Plant availability and operational targets achieved
- Timely completion of maintenance and inspection programs
- Accurate and complete operational reporting
- Regulatory and audit compliance maintained

Qualifications and Experience

- Minimum 10 years industry experience within a process plant, energy or manufacturing environment
- Tertiary qualification in Engineering, or relevant technical or trade background
- Strong technical, analytical and reporting skills
- Strong understanding of plant operations, maintenance and process safety
- Demonstrated experience developing and implementing operational procedures
- Competent computer skills including Microsoft Word and Excel
- Ability to lead small teams and work autonomously
- Certificate III or IV in Process Plant Operations or equivalent
- Experience with gasification, energy, waste processing or chemical processing facilities

Personal Attributes

- Strong leadership and communication skills
- High level of accountability and attention to detail
- Analytical problem-solving capability
- Commitment to continuous improvement
- Ability to work in a dynamic start-up environment

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📌 Senior Operator/Engineer (Pilot Plant) (Queensland)
🏢 Wildfire Energy
📍 Queensland