Head of Product / Engineering - Biomass Pyrolysis

WasteX; Kota Semarang; On-site; IDR 1.334.222.000 - 2.001.335.000; Full time

Job summary

A climate tech startup is seeking an experienced Head of Product / Engineering in Semarang, Indonesia. This role involves leading the development and commercialization of biomass pyrolysis technology, overseeing technical teams, and ensuring product performance. Ideal candidates possess a degree in Mechanical Engineering, with over 10 years of experience in hardware development and leadership. Competitive salary and equity options are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Equity options

Innovative work environment

Mission-driven team

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience designing, developing, and scaling hardware.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing engineering teams.
• Strong project management and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end development of biomass pyrolysis systems.
• Oversee engineering standards for safety and quality.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resource allocation.

Skills

Biomass pyrolysis technology

Project management

Engineering design tools

Team leadership

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree in related field

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

CFD

Job description

About WasteX

WasteX provides a globally-unique, full-stack biochar solution for agricultural producers and carbon projects developers in Indonesia, India and elsewhere internationally. We help our clients utilize biomass waste, improve productivity, and generate additional income while removing carbon.

We are a VC-backed climate tech startup headquartered in Singapore with operations in Indonesia and India.

Role

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Head of Product / Engineering to lead the design, development, and commercialization of WasteX’s biomass pyrolysis technology. This role will oversee the full product lifecycle; from concept, prototyping, and rigorous testing through to commercial deployment at client sites.

You will be responsible for shaping the company’s core technology platform, leading a growing team of engineers, and ensuring our pyrolysis systems set the benchmark for durability, performance, safety, and climate impact. This is a strategic leadership role, but it requires a hands-on, detail-driven approach to product development and problem-solving. You will be required to lead the product team, ensure exemplary performance from all the team members, coordinate with other functional teams, ensure timely product development to the satisfaction of internal objectives and client needs,

As we scale, you will play a critical part in making biomass waste-to-value solutions reliable, efficient, and impactful for agriculture and climate.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end development of biomass pyrolysis systems, including the design and integration of supporting subsystems such as heat exchangers, condensers/bio-oil recovery units, emissions control, and automated biomass feeding solutions.
• Translate client and team feedback into design improvements and oversee iterations from prototype to commercial-grade product.
• Set and enforce engineering standards for safety, reliability, quality, and compliance with international and local regulations.
• Plan and manage testing programs (performance, reliability, usability, emissions), analyze results, and ensure findings are translated into product upgrades.
• Build and lead a multidisciplinary engineering team (mechanical, process, electrical, manufacturing) and foster a culture of high-performance, innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee technical documentation including design specs, CAD drawings, test reports, and operational manuals.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resource allocation to deliver products efficiently and at scale.
• Scout, evaluate, and integrate emerging technologies relevant to pyrolysis, biochar production, and waste-to-energy systems.
• Collaborate closely with Operations, Manufacturing, and Commercial teams to ensure smooth scale-up, cost optimization, and successful deployment at client site and partner facilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Process Engineering (Master’s preferred) or related field from a leading university.
• 10+ years of experience designing, developing, and scaling hardware, preferably high-temperature and/or high-pressure equipment (e.g., biomass pyrolysis systems, boilers, furnaces, kilns, steam/thermal oil systems, biomass-to-energy technologies).
• Proven track record of taking equipment from prototype to commercial deployment at client sites.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing and growing engineering teams, preferably from other high-growth tech companies.
• Strong expertise in engineering design tools and simulations (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CFD, or similar).
• Demonstrated ability to apply engineering and thermodynamics principles to real-world systems involving combustion, heat transfer, and material durability.
• Familiarity with emissions control, biochar quality standards, and certification requirements is a strong plus.
• Strong project management, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Passion for climate technology, sustainability, and scaling solutions with real-world impact.

Offer

• Competitive salary.
• Attractive equity options package for outstanding candidates.
• Opportunity to shape core technology in a fast-growing climate-tech startup.
• Freedom to innovate and lead the development of a one-of-its-kind, high-impact product for a massive untapped market.
• Work alongside a high-energy, mission-driven team tackling climate change and agricultural challenges in Asia.