Chemical and Process Engineer

Verta Bioenergy; Makati; On-site; PHP 450,000 - 750,000; Full time

Job summary

Verta Bioenergy in the Philippines is seeking an R&D Chemical & Process Engineer to own the chemistry of our fuel, developing pellet formulations and conducting combustion trials with industrial clients. You will work from Quezon City in lab and pilot settings, with regular field visits to Cavite, applying strong chemistry fundamentals to improve energy content, ash behavior and emission metrics.

The role combines lab/plant work with field activities and requires travel to client sites, tight

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering with strong chemistry fundamentals.
• 3–6 years of relevant R&D experience in fuels/combustion or related heavy-process industries.
• Solid grasp of fuel chemistry, ash/combustion chemistry, heat transfer and reaction behavior.
• Hands-on lab capability: formulation, testing and interpretation of analytical/COA results.
• Willing and able to travel to client and plant sites in Cavite 2–3 times per week.

Responsibilities

• Fuel chemistry & formulation (R&D): develop and optimize biomass pellet formulations and interpret lab/COA data.
• Combustion trials, metering & monitoring: plan and run trials, monitor performance and emissions-related parameters.
• Quality & technical problem-solving: implement QC measures and perform root-cause analysis.

Skills

Chemical engineering

Data analysis

Field trials

Technical reporting

Travel planning

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Laboratory instrumentation

Job description

Job Description

Role Summary

We are hiring an R&D Chemical & Process Engineer to own the chemistry of our fuel: developing and testing new pellet formulations, then proving them out in combustion trials with our industrial clients. This is a chemistry-led role. You will work the fuel chemistry from feedstock characterization and blend design in the lab through to real boiler performance at client sites, instrumenting and monitoring combustion and feeding the data back into the next formulation. The role combines lab/plant work in Quezon City with regular field work at client and plant sites in Cavite. We want someone who is genuinely chemically trained, not only process-oriented.

Key Responsibilities

Fuel chemistry & formulation (R&D)

• Develop and optimize biomass pellet formulations to hit target energy content, durability, ash and fines parameters.
• Work the fuel chemistry: ash chemistry, chlorine, sulphur, alkali content, ash fusion/deformation behaviour, and their effect on combustion.
• Blend different agricultural waste feedstocks to achieve required fuel chemistry and combustion performance.
• Design and run lab-scale tests; characterize feedstock and finished pellets and interpret lab/COA data (proximate, ultimate, ash analysis).
• Translate lab results into production-ready formulations and process settings.

Combustion trials, metering & monitoring

• Plan, set up and run combustion trials of Verta pellets in client boilers.
• Meter and monitor combustion performance during trials — fuel feed, temperatures, emissions-relevant parameters, ash and slagging behaviour.
• Collect, log and analyze trial data; document boiler performance and any issues observed.
• Diagnose feedstock and combustion problems (chlorine corrosion, slagging/fouling, fines, NOx) and recommend formulation or operating adjustments.

Quality & technical problem-solving

• Implement quality control measures for consistent pellet quality across batches.
• Run root-cause analysis on quality or performance issues and drive corrective actions.
• Work with the production team, external labs and industry experts to close technical gaps.
• Maintain clear technical records, test reports and trial summaries.

Job Qualifications

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering. Strong chemistry fundamentals are essential.
• 3–6 years of relevant experience in R&D, process chemistry, fuels/combustion, cement, power, or a related heavy-process industry.
• Solid grasp of fuel chemistry, ash/combustion chemistry, heat transfer and reaction behaviour.
• Hands-on lab capability: formulation, testing and interpretation of analytical/COA results.
• Comfortable running field trials and handling instrumentation/metering on operating equipment.
• Strong data analysis and technical reporting skills.
• Willing and able to travel to client and plant sites in Cavite 2–3 times per week.
• Based in or able to work from Quezon City, Metro Manila.