---
title: 'Senior Machine Operator at Pivot Bio'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/senior-machine-operator-pivot-bio-hazelwood-4zdsrtjwm7fw'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-07'
---

# Senior Machine Operator at Pivot Bio

- **Company:** Pivot Bio
- **Location:** Hazelwood, MO
- **Compensation:** $25/hr
- **Posted:** 2026-09-03
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-07
- **Apply:** https://www.pivotbio.com/job-description?gh_jid=8782173002

## Job description

About Pivot Bio:

Fueled by an innovative drive and a deep understanding of microbiology, genomics, crop nutrition and agriculture, Pivot Bio is pioneering game-changing advances in fertilizer technology. Our first commercial product harnesses the power of naturally-occurring microbes, modern gene editing and application technologies to provide nitrogen to crops.  We are dedicated to providing new solutions for farmers to improve yield as they work to help feed the world’s growing population. Read/Hear more about Pivot Bio onhttps://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fonezero.medium.com%2Fhow-microbes-could-upend-americas-toxic-dependence-on-nitrogen-fertilizer-548451117a63&data=05%7C02%7Csuzan.georges%40pivotbio.com%7C58455ae234f74711c91408dd460da77b%7C9cd8c009919e41cfba633d3b29c3beed%7C0%7C0%7C638743746640724364%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=VmN57d15ZCZfJgWYtmuPjSJ65pLE9lqgdgBG7eMfmDw%3D&reserved=0[Forbes](https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.forbes.com%2Fsites%2Famyfeldman%2F2021%2F07%2F19%2Fpivot-bio-nears-2-billion-valuation-as-it-raises-whopping-430-million-to-replace-synthetic-fertilizers-on-corn-and-wheat-sustainability%2F%3Fsh%3D6eb68bf12273&data=05%7C02%7Csuzan.georges%40pivotbio.com%7C58455ae234f74711c91408dd460da77b%7C9cd8c009919e41cfba633d3b29c3beed%7C0%7C0%7C638743746640767325%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=pQTOHUyBCwaS6VlEnE4fOhKSA9mXpM10pcjnOGfJqdg%3D&reserved=0) or [PBS News Hour.](https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pbs.org%2Fnewshour%2Fscience%2Fagriculture-emits-a-forgotten-greenhouse-gas-scientists-are-looking-for-solutions-in-the-soil&data=05%7C02%7Csuzan.georges%40pivotbio.com%7C58455ae234f74711c91408dd460da77b%7C9cd8c009919e41cfba633d3b29c3beed%7C0%7C0%7C638743746640790342%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=e2L90ui2YfoG2MmpXDtsk%2FnpjE0UMBe7K1bZrgvFVfs%3D&reserved=0)

The Technical Operator operates and monitors production equipment, performs routine equipment care, supports standardized work, and helps maintain safe, efficient, and compliant manufacturing operations. This role is responsible for executing assigned production activities, documenting work accurately, identifying and escalating operational issues, and supporting training and continuity of operations within the assigned area.

Essential Functions

- Operate, monitor, and adjust assigned production equipment and processes to meet safety, quality, and productivity standards.
- Perform routine cleaning, inspection, lubrication, basic maintenance, and equipment changeover/start-up/shutdown activities in accordance with established procedures.
- Complete production, reconciliation, inventory, and related operational documentation accurately and in a timely manner.
- Identify, troubleshoot, escalate, and help resolve equipment, process, quality, and safety issues within the assigned work area.
- Support standardized operations by following and helping maintain work instructions and SOPs, and by assisting with training and day-to-day coordination in the assigned area as needed.

Competencies

Knowledge & Application

- Experience operating, monitoring, and supporting equipment in a manufacturing, production, processing, or similar operational environment.
- Working knowledge of standard operating procedures, safety requirements, and basic mechanical or process equipment care.
- Technical training, trade school coursework, or equivalent applied experience in mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, or related disciplines is preferred.

Complexity & Problem Solving

- Ability to troubleshoot common issues with production equipment.

Collaboration & Interaction

- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality.
- Strong commitment to safety.

Work Environment

- Work is performed primarily in a manufacturing and production environment with routine exposure to moving mechanical equipment, production materials, varying temperatures, noise, dust, and other typical plant conditions.
- Use of required personal protective equipment is mandatory based on task and work area.
- The role requires regular standing and walking, frequent use of hands for handling, reaching, and operating equipment, and occasional bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, climbing, or working in confined production spaces, depending on the assigned area.
- The role requires the ability to move materials and equipment, including lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling items up to 50 pounds.
- Specific physical and environmental demands may vary by shift, process, equipment assignment, and business need.

Required Education & Experience

- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Experience in a manufacturing, processing, production, or similar environment required.
- Ability to read, follow, and document work instructions, SOPs, and production records.
- Ability to use standard production tools, equipment interfaces, and basic computer systems needed for the role.
- Schedule flexibility to support production needs, including weekend work, as required.

Must be authorized to work in the United States

## What We Offer

- Competitive package in a disruptive startup
- Stock options
- Health/Dental/Vision insurance with employer-paid premiums
- Life, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability policies
- Employee Assistance Program with free referrals and discounts
- 401(k) plan, 3% Match
- Commuter benefits
- Annual Training & Development support
- Flexible vacation policy with a generous holiday schedule
- Exciting opportunity to work with a talented and fun team

#LI-Onsite Hiring Compensation Range $24.75—$24.75 USD

## About Pivot Bio

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Pivot Bio develops proprietary microbial nitrogen products that replace synthetic nitrogen fertilizers by enabling crops to fix atmospheric nitrogen directly on the root, improving farmer profitability and sustainability.
- **Entity Type**: Private (venture-backed)
- **Headquarters**: Wayzata, Minnesota, USA (corporate office); additional hubs in California, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, and an office in Brazil.
- **Founded**: 2010
- **Founders**: Karsten Temme, Ph.D. and Alvin Tamsir, Ph.D.

## Core Business
- **Primary industry**: Agricultural biotechnology / Crop nutrition
- **Target customers**: B2B – farmers growing corn, wheat, sorghum, barley, millet, oats, sunflower, and corn silage.
- **Mission / purpose**: To solve agriculture’s biggest challenge – sustainably nourish the world’s most vital crops, drive farmer ROI, and protect soil, air, and water.

## Products & Services
- **PROVEN® 40**: Microbial nitrogen for corn that replaces up to 40 pounds per acre of traditional synthetic nitrogen without compromising yield. Delivers steady nutrition at the plant root all season long.
- **RETURN®**: Microbial nitrogen for small grains (sorghum, barley, millet, oats, sunflower) and wheat (spring and winter), providing predictable nutrition and greater ROI.
- **N-OVATOR™ Program**: Rewards farmers who use microbial nitrogen by partnering them with organizations looking to reduce on-farm emissions. Over $6 million paid to farmers since 2022.
- **Technology platform**: Gene-edited microbes that convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia directly on the plant’s root system, ensuring nitrogen is available when and where the plant needs it.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation / Market Cap**: Not publicly disclosed
- **Key Metric**: Over 1,050,000 metric tons of CO₂e avoided since 2022 (from reduced synthetic fertilizer use); N-OVATOR program has paid over $6 million to farmers.
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Not explicitly listed in provided sources (likely includes venture capital firms; no specific names available from the search results).
- **Growth Signals**:
  - Named to TIME’s 200 Best Inventions list for two consecutive years.
  - Recognized as one of Fast Company’s World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2024.
  - University of Illinois study (Jan 2025) confirmed unique mode of action.
  - Expanding internationally with an office in Brazil.

## Competitive Advantages
- **Unique mode of action**: Only microbes on the market that turn atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia directly on the plant root – a breakthrough in biological nitrogen fixation.
- **Gene-edited strains** designed to work with existing crop nutrition programs, integrating seamlessly into farmer operations.
- **Proven yield performance**: Can replace up to 40 lbs/acre of synthetic nitrogen without yield loss; delivers more tonnage per acre for corn silage.
- **Environmental differentiation**: Directly reduces nitrous oxide emissions and nitrogen runoff, creating a clear sustainability value proposition for farmers and corporate partners.

## Strategic Focus
- **International expansion**: Growing presence in Brazil and other global markets.
- **Partnerships & corporate development**: Expanding the N-OVATOR program and working with organizations to reduce on-farm emissions.
- **Continuous innovation**: Investing in R&D to develop new microbial strains and applications for additional crops.
- **Scaling manufacturing and supply chain**: Led by Chief Supply Chain Officer Balaji Venkataraman to ensure product delivery at scale.

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: Values openness, creative problem-solving, fearlessness, agility, and mutual inspiration. Employees are encouraged to debate, take risks, and challenge convention.
- **Flexible work environment**: “Flexible work environment” and unlimited PTO.
- **Benefits**: Stock options, comprehensive medical/dental/vision insurance, 401(k) with employer match, yearly personal and professional development stipend.
- **Growth**: Rapidly scaling company with a clear mission – employees have the opportunity to work on one of agriculture’s most promising climate solutions.
- **Locations**: Hubs in California, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, and Brazil. Hybrid/remote options available.

## Sources
1. [pivotbio.com – About Us](https://www.pivotbio.com/about-us)
2. [pivotbio.com – Home](https://www.pivotbio.com/)
3. [pivotbio.com – Careers](https://www.pivotbio.com/careers)
4. [pivotbio.com – Leadership](https://www.pivotbio.com/leadership)
5. [pivotbio.com – Open Positions](https://www.pivotbio.com/open-positions)

## Other roles at Pivot Bio

- [Research Associate II, Downstream](https://feeny.ai/job/research-associate-ii-downstream-pivot-bio-creve-coeur-3pbya6sbkrrp) — Creve Coeur, MO
- [Sr. Cost Accountant](https://feeny.ai/job/sr-cost-accountant-pivot-bio-minnetonka-minnesota-ytdabtd0qscc) — Minnetonka Minnesota, United States
- [Sr. Financial Analyst, Corporate FP&A](https://feeny.ai/job/sr-financial-analyst-corporate-fp-a-pivot-bio-minnetonka-minnesota-z34w5cq88cs9) — Minnetonka Minnesota, United States
- [Representante Técnico de Vendas](https://feeny.ai/job/representante-tecnico-de-vendas-pivot-bio-mato-grosso-95f8fxckr2rd) — Mato Grosso, Brazil
- [Representante Técnico de Vendas](https://feeny.ai/job/representante-tecnico-de-vendas-pivot-bio-goias-k2phr6wakf0h) — Goiás, Brazil
- [Inside Sales Representative](https://feeny.ai/job/inside-sales-representative-pivot-bio-minnetonka-nq45fzjc8cqx) — Minnetonka, MN
- [Director, Data & Information Architecture](https://feeny.ai/job/director-data-information-architecture-pivot-bio-minnetonka-ypmfhwanvbm3) — Minnetonka, MN
- [Regional Commercial Agronomy Lead - Northern Plains](https://feeny.ai/job/regional-commercial-agronomy-lead-northern-plains-pivot-bio-sioux-falls-j5j5gy0dkpev) — Sioux Falls, SD
- [Territory Sales Manager - Heartland](https://feeny.ai/job/territory-sales-manager-heartland-pivot-bio-madison-034nxq2p0be3) — Madison, WI
- [Commercial Agronomist - Heartland](https://feeny.ai/job/commercial-agronomist-heartland-pivot-bio-redwood-falls-mn-southwest-and-west-pa2qs10ncr0q) — Redwood Falls MN Southwest and West Central, MN