Chemical Engineer

Clagam Global Solutions LLC; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 121,000 - 163,000; Full time

Job summary

A cutting-edge technology firm in Vancouver is seeking a talented Chemical Engineer to lead the design and development of a lab-scale pilot for lithium carbonate production. The ideal candidate will have an undergraduate degree in engineering, with at least 4 years of R&D experience. This positions offers competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package, and the opportunity to work on innovative projects in the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors.

Benefits

Eligibility for extended health benefits programs

Bonus incentive program

15 vacation days per year

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years of experience in chemical engineering R&D.
• Experience in designing and deploying chemical reaction systems.
• Proficiency with analytical chemistry instrumentation.
• Strong communication skills, including public presentations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and operation of a lab-scale pilot plant.
• Develop procurement specifications for equipment.
• Supervise pilot operations and maintain instrumentation.
• Assist in life cycle assessments and engineering studies.

Skills

Analytical chemistry instrumentation

Chemical engineering research

Public presentations

Technical writing

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Education

Undergraduate degree in chemistry or engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Python programming

Job description

We are seeking a talented Chemical Engineer to lead the design, development, and operation of a continuously operating, lab-scale pilot for converting crude lithium chloride brines into battery-grade lithium carbonate. This role involves utilizing advanced crystallization methods inspired by pharmaceutical industry techniques to improve the purity and yield of lithium carbonate.

Responsibilities

• Pilot Plant Engineering, Design, and Development
  • Design and iterate flow sheets for lab-scale pilot (20 - 50 L reactors).
  • Integrate process modeling software into plant design.
  • Review and approve flow sheet design prior to equipment purchases.
• Equipment Purchasing Decisions
  • Develop procurement specifications.
  • Source appropriate vendors, considering economics and technical product performance.
  • Identify and reduce lead times for equipment delivery.
  • Collaborate with finance and chemistry services teams for equipment purchases.
• Pilot Assembly and Commissioning
  • Lead pilot plant assembly and integration for reactor vessels, solvent and brine tanks, and CO2 handling system.
  • Develop commissioning standards for operational and failure testing.
  • Conduct safety reviews and develop standard operating procedures.
• Pilot Operations, Maintenance, and Upgrades
  • Supervise and/or run pilot operations, adjusting procedures based on results.
  • Train additional personnel for pilot operation.
  • Verify and validate continuous operation of the pilot.
  • Maintain pilot instrumentation and implement design upgrades.
• Life Cycle Assessment and Engineering Studies
  • Assist in the development of life cycle assessments, cost modeling, and GHG reduction evaluations.
  • Develop reports on full operation engineering, including mass‑flow calculations and LCA findings.
• Technical Communication and Business Development Support
  • Prepare research output presentations with clear data visualizations.
  • Write reports and white papers for both technical and non‑technical audiences.
  • Communicate technical aspects of technology to potential clients.
  • Support the development of technical grant proposals and manuscripts.
  • Participate in customer engagement activities and answer technical questions.
• Comply with and support safety protocols, including procedures for the use and disposal of chemical materials and environmental management plans.
• Maintain safety records and adhere to relevant safety standards and regulations.

Required Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of work experience or a combination of educational and work experience in chemical engineering research and development.
• Experience in designing and deploying chemical reaction systems and flowsheet development.
• Proficiency with analytical chemistry instrumentation (e.g., FTIR, IC, ICP, microscopy).
• Experience in mechatronics engineering, mechanical skills, and software integration for lab instrumentation.
• Strong communication skills, including public presentations and technical writing.
• Ability to work within a cooperative team environment and manage time‑dependent projects with minimal supervision.
• Analytical, creative, and effective problem‑solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Programming experience, particularly with Python, is an asset.

Compensation and Benefits

• Contract Type: Full-time, Employee
• Salary Range: $90,000 - $120,000
• Benefits: Eligibility for extended health benefits programs
• Incentives: Eligibility for bonus incentive program
• Vacation: 15 days per calendar year, prorated for the first year, with 1 additional day each subsequent year of service, up to a maximum of 20 days.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge technology development in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. The role is based on‑site and reports to the VP of Chemistry Contract Services. If you have a passion for chemical engineering and innovation, we encourage you to apply.