Deep Sky

Plant Operator at Deep Sky (Innisfail Ab, Canada)

Deep Sky· Innisfail Ab, Canada·

Role details

Work type
Onsite
Employment
Full-Time

Job description

About Deep Sky

Deep Sky is at the forefront of addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time: climate change. At Deep Sky Alpha — the world’s first carbon removal innovation and commercialization center — we are developing and operating cutting-edge Direct Air Capture (DAC) technologies that remove excess carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere. Located in Innisfail, Alberta, our commercial facility brings together multiple DAC systems from leading innovators around the world in a real-world operating environment.

Job Overview We are seeking a hands-on Plant Operator to support the startup and ongoing operation of our Direct Air Capture facility in Innisfail. Reporting to the Head of Operations, this role is responsible for safely operating, monitoring, and troubleshooting plant equipment and capture/regeneration processes while supporting continuous improvement efforts. This is a full-time, 7-on / 7-off rotating day and night shift position in an industrial plant environment requiring PPE.

Key Responsibilities

  • Operate DAC process units, sorbent/regeneration systems, blowers, heat exchangers, compressors, pumps and related balance-of-plant equipment.
  • Support commissioning and startup activities including pre-startup checks, functional testing, system flushes, and coordination with engineering.
  • Monitor process parameters (flow, temperature, pressure, gas composition), execute control actions and maintain process stability.
  • Diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical, electrical and process issues; perform corrective actions or coordinate maintenance teams.
  • Conduct daily operational and safety checklists, rounds, and logs; escalate abnormal conditions promptly.
  • Perform routine mechanical maintenance, equipment adjustments, and minor repairs as required.
  • Assess equipment performance, track key performance indicators (KPIs), and report degradation or opportunities for optimization.
  • Execute standard operating procedures (SOPs), lockout/tagout, permit-to-work and all safety protocols.
  • Participate in startup/post-startup performance testing, data collection, and root cause investigations.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives and operator training; mentor junior operators.
  • Perform other duties as assigned to meet plant and project objectives.

Qualifications

  • 4th Class Power Engineering certification (required).
  • 5–10 years commissioning, startup and operating experience in industrial process plants (preferably with gas handling, thermal regeneration, chemical processing, or air separation equipment).
  • Strong troubleshooting skills and demonstrated mechanical aptitude.
  • Hands-on experience with pumps, compressors, blowers, heat exchangers, valves, instrumentation and basic electrical controls.
  • Experience assessing equipment performance and interpreting process data.
  • Comfortable working outdoors and at heights; able to perform physical tasks.
  • Strong communication skills, teamwork orientation, and a desire to learn and adopt new technologies.
  • Willingness to work rotating shift schedules, on-call rotation and flexible hours during commissioning phases.

Desired Assets

  • Experience with carbon capture, adsorption/desorption systems, or CO2 handling.
  • Familiarity with DCS/PLC systems, PID control and basic process simulation/data analysis tools.
  • Trade certification (millwright, mechanic, electrician) or additional power engineering classes.

Why Join Deep Sky? Be part of a mission-driven team focused on fighting climate change. Work with cutting-edge technology in a dynamic and innovative environment. Competitive compensation and benefits package. Opportunities for growth and professional development.

How to Apply If you are passionate about making a difference and want to be part of the future of carbon removal, we want to hear from you! Please apply with your resume and outline your qualifications and interest in the role.

Why work at Deep Sky

  • Mission-driven: Opportunity to work on one of the most pressing engineering challenges of our time—removing CO₂ from the atmosphere at scale.
  • High-caliber team: Deep Sky brings together geologists, climate scientists, reservoir engineers, software engineers, and policy experts from aerospace, energy, finance, and academia.
  • Work models: Hybrid roles in Alberta (Innisfail, Thetford Mines) and Montreal; remote roles available (e.g., Software Engineer in Los Angeles); on-site roles for plant operators and field engineers.
  • Growth trajectory: Rapidly scaling startup (~43 employees, growing 18% YoY) with significant recent funding and high visibility in the climate tech space—early-stage employees have outsized impact.
  • Culture: Described as "building a team that will solve the climate challenge" with a focus on breaking new ground, exploration, and tackling headwinds.

Application questions