Plant Operator (formerly Test Centre Ops)

Test Centre Operations & Systems Specialist 

About Recycleye 

Recycleye is transforming recycling through AI-powered robotics and optical sorting technology, making waste sorting faster, cleaner, and more profitable. Founded in 2019, we’ve grown rapidly, with systems now deployed at leading waste management sites across Europe and the US. 

Our mission is to help customers produce higher-quality outputs by turning waste into valuable resources. With only 9% of plastic waste recycled globally, our work has never been more urgent. We’re proud to be building technology that delivers real environmental impact. We offer strong benefits, including enhanced parental leave and regular opportunities to learn and upskill — and we’re always looking for passionate people who want to help shape a more sustainable future. 

The Opportunity 

Working alongside the Demo team, you’ll take ownership of the day-to-day operations of our Test Centre, ensuring effective testing, optimisation, and continuous improvement of our AI-driven sorting technology. This is a fully on-site, hands-on role — ideal for someone who enjoys problem-solving in real-world environments rather than working behind a desk. See our technology in action on YouTube, example of Wood Eject  and Robot Picking.  

You’ll collaborate closely with Product and Performance teams to calibrate vision systems, optimise sorting recipes, manage waste samples, and develop new testing methodologies that improve material recognition and classification. 

If you enjoy working with cutting-edge technology, refining technical processes, and getting hands-on with industrial hardware, this role offers a chance to make a tangible impact — every day.  

What You’ll Do 

• Run day-to-day test centre operations and support controlled waste-sorting tests 
• Set up, execute, and document repeatable testing processes 
• Operate, calibrate, and troubleshoot industrial equipment and vision systems 
• Analyse test results and share clear insights with customers and internal teams 
• Manage waste samples, equipment, and test materials safely and accurately 
• Support on-site system calibration at customer facilities when needed 
• Collaborate with data and engineering teams to improve model performance and data quality 
• Continuously experiment, learn, and improve how our systems and processes work 
• Travel, throughout Europe, 25–50% of the time to support customer installations and system optimisation

Requirements

What We’re Looking For 

• We care more about capability and mindset than job titles. 
• You might be a great fit if you: 
• Have hands-on experience with machinery, hardware, automation, or technical systems 
• Enjoy testing, troubleshooting, and optimising how things work 
• Are comfortable working independently and taking ownership of tasks 
• Like learning by doing and aren’t afraid to try new approaches 
• Prefer being on the floor, in the workshop, or at a test site rather than at a desk all day 

Physical & Working Environment 

This is an active, practical role in an industrial setting.

Key requirements include: 

• Walking and standing for approximately 60–75% of the workday 
• Regular lifting of up to 23 kg, with heavier items handled using equipment or team lifting 
• Lifting, pushing, or pulling equipment 5–10 times per day 
• Manual, hands-on tasks requiring good dexterity for much of the day 
• Occasional work in tight or restricted spaces

Nice to Have (But Not Required) 

• Engineering or technical qualifications 
• Experience with industrial automation, robotics, or AI-enabled systems 
• Exposure to waste management, recycling, or materials processing 
• Experience in a startup or fast-moving environment 

Even if you don’t tick every box listed above but are motivated by our work and believe you can make a difference on our team, we’d really love to hear from you – so please do apply and drop us a note about what you bring! 

We are particularly interested in hearing from you if your background enables you to bring a different perspective to our team. 

Benefits

• An excellent salary that’s both equitable and reviewed regularly 
• Progression: we are growing rapidly and excited for you to make an impact as we do so 
• Unlimited holiday 
• A welcoming and inclusive team environment with monthly company-wide socials 
• Plenty of opportunities for training and personal development  
• Healthcare coverage – Vitality is available from your very first day!