Associate Process Engineer

Ledgent Technology; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Ledgent Technology in Berkeley, CA is seeking an Associate Process Engineer to help scale RF plasma-based nitrogen fixation toward production. You will work hands-on with plasma reactor systems, run experiments, monitor parameters, troubleshoot equipment, and turn data into actionable insights.

The role requires a B.S./M.S. in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry, 1 year of process engineering experience, and proficiency with Python/SQL for data analysis.

Qualifications

• The candidate has 1 year of experience in process/chemical engineering.
• Degree(s) in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry or related field are required.
• Knowledge of reaction engineering, thermodynamics, mass transfer and fluid dynamics.
• Ability to analyze data with Python, SQL or similar tools.
• Experience in lab or pilot-plant settings with hazardous materials; strong documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, run, and troubleshoot experiments to characterize yields, efficiency, purity and throughput.
• Own process instrumentation and diagnostics including gas analyzers, spectrometers, mass spec, and OES.
• Develop and maintain process models (mass/energy balances, kinetics, equipment sizing) using Python and JMP.
• Collaborate with mechanical/electrical/software teams to integrate process needs into system design.
• Analyze historian/SCADA data to monitor process health and identify optimization opportunities.
• Maintain safety protocols for handling hazardous materials.
• Document experimental procedures, results and process specifications.

Skills

Process engineering

Reaction engineering

Thermodynamics

Mass transfer

Fluid dynamics

Python

SQL

Hazardous materials handling

Technical writing

Education

B.S./M.S. in Chemical Engineering

Chemistry or related field

Tools

JMP

PLC/SCADA systems

Job description

Associate Process Engineer

Location: Berkeley, CA

Direct Hire – FTE

Salary: $80k dependent of experience

Full job description

The compnay is scaling the RF plasma-based nitrogen fixation process toward industrial nitric acid production, and we need someone to help keep the tools running and the data flowing. This role will work hands‑on with our plasma reactor systems day‑to‑day – supporting experimental runs, monitoring process parameters, troubleshooting equipment issues, and helping characterize reactor performance as we push toward production‑scale throughput. This is a role for someone who’s energized by being in the lab or on the floor as much as at a desk, working closely with our process engineering lead to keep experiments moving and turn operational data into insight.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, run, and troubleshoot (process type, e.g., chemical/plasma/thermal) experiments to characterize (key outputs – yield, efficiency, purity, throughput)
• Own process instrumentation and diagnostics including, but not limited to, gas analyzers, spectrometers, mass spec, OES
• Develop and maintain process models (mass/energy balances, kinetics, equipment sizing) using Python and/or JMP
• Work cross‑functionally with mechanical/electrical/software teams, leadership to integrate process requirements into system design
• Analyze historian/SCADA data to monitor process health and identify optimization opportunities
• Maintain safety protocols for handling hazardous materials – reactive gases, corrosives, high pressure
• Document experimental procedures, results, and process specifications

Required Skills and Experience:

• 1 years of experience in process/chemical engineering
• B.S./M.S. in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or related field
• Working knowledge of reaction engineering / thermodynamics / mass transfer / fluid dynamics
• Comfort with data analysis and scripting (Python, SQL, or similar)
• Experience working in a lab or pilot-plant environment with hazardous materials
• Strong written communication for documenting process specs and findings

Bonus Skills:

• Experience with plasma tools
• Familiarity with PLC/SCADA systems
• Startup or fast‑paced R&D experience where you wear multiple hats

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.