Chemical Process Engineer

De Nora; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

De Nora is seeking a Chemical Process Engineer in Philadelphia to develop advanced water treatment solutions targeting emerging contaminants like PFAS. Key responsibilities include designing, modeling, and optimizing treatment systems, leading pilot testing, and analyzing water quality data. The ideal candidate holds a Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or Environmental Engineering and has proven experience in water treatment. Familiarity with electrochemical systems and regulatory compliance is important. Join De Nora to contribute to innovative solutions in environmental remediation.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in contaminant removal, especially PFAS.
• Hands-on experience with pilot plants and scale-up engineering.
• Knowledge of environmental regulations relevant to water treatment.

Responsibilities

• Design, model, and optimize treatment systems for emerging contaminants.
• Plan and lead pilot testing and scale-up activities.
• Analyze water quality data and refine system designs.

Skills

Water/wastewater treatment

Electrochemical systems

Process modeling software

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Master’s or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or Environmental Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

COMSOL Multiphysics

Job description

De Nora is an Italian multinational company, listed on the Euronext Milan stock exchange, a global provider of innovative technologies and solutions, and is recognized as a partner of choice for significant industrial electrochemical processes. Since its foundation in 1923, De Nora has been driven by the philosophy of continual improvement. Today, it is the world’s largest supplier of high-performing catalytic coatings and insoluble electrodes for electrochemical and industrial applications. It is also a leading supplier of equipment, systems, and processes for water disinfection and filtration. De Nora is committed to developing unconventional solutions to achieve the energy transition to decarbonization, the green hydrogen economy, and clean water for everyone.

Watch the video to discover more: https://youtu.be/vmkv0tuQvKc

About The Role

We are seeking a Chemical Process Engineer to support the development and application of advanced water treatment solutions for the remediation of emerging contaminants including PFAS. In this role, you will contribute to designing, modeling, piloting, and scaling up treatment systems that combine wastewater treatment technology, electrochemistry, and advanced oxidation processes. You will work with cross-functional teams and external partners to translate lab and pilot results into robust, cost-effective solutions aligned with evolving environmental regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, model, and optimize emerging contaminant treatment and separation systems using electrochemical principles, advanced oxidation processes, and various wastewater/environmental remediation processes.
• Plan and lead pilot testing and scale-up activities; support commissioning and early operation, including troubleshooting and performance tuning.
• Run process simulations and techno-economic evaluations to improve efficiency, cost, and regulatory compliance; translate results into design decisions.
• Analyze water quality and process performance data to refine system design and operational strategies, document learnings for continuous improvement.
• Prepare technical deliverables (process flow diagrams, P&IDs, specifications, test protocols/reports, and cost estimates) to support proposals and project execution.
• Collaborate with R&D, field operations, and regulatory stakeholders to integrate emerging contaminant treatment solutions into broader treatment trains.
• Engage with customers and suppliers to understand site constraints, communicate technical solutions, and support proposal development and technical presentations.

Requirements

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or related field.
• Proven experience in water/wastewater treatment and contaminant removal, especially emerging contaminants and PFAS.
• Proficiency in process modeling software and analytical tools.
• Strong understanding of electrochemical systems and solids removal pretreatment technologies.
• Develop systematic Design of Experiments (DoE) for process optimization initiatives
• Conduct FMEA, HAZID or HAZOP studies
• Excellent communication and project management skills.
• Hands-on experience with pilot plants, scale-up engineering, and field troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with PFAS analytical methods (e.g., LC-MS/MS, TOF/AOF, TOP Assay) and how analytical uncertainty impacts decision-making.
• Knowledge of environmental regulations and compliance frameworks relevant to water treatment (e.g., EPA, REACH, CERCLA).
• Proficiency with process simulation tools (e.g., Aspen Plus and/or COMSOL Multiphysics).
• Track record of technical publications or conference presentations in water treatment, PFAS treatment, and/or emerging contaminant remediation.

About Us

• Our three business segments: Solutions
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