Principal Process Engineer

Stealth; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative startup in the climate-tech sector is seeking a Principal Process Development Engineer to spearhead the commercialization of groundbreaking chemical processes. This role involves leading the development of a demonstration scale electrolyzer platform, optimizing process designs, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure successful project execution. Join a passionate team dedicated to tackling environmental challenges and make a significant impact on the future of renewable energy. This is an exciting opportunity to grow within a dynamic and supportive work environment, where your expertise will drive meaningful change.

Benefits

Competitive salary and equity options

Comprehensive benefits package

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Career growth opportunities

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in process engineering and commercialization.
• Strong experience in creating and optimizing PFDs and P&IDs.
• Expertise in process simulation with Aspen Plus or similar tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead process engineering for chemical processes from lab to commercial scale.
• Develop and optimize PFDs, P&IDs, and BOMs for documentation.
• Oversee commissioning of plants and ensure alignment with design specs.

Skills

Process Engineering

Chemical Process Development

Aspen Plus

Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs)

Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)

Commissioning

Project Management

Problem-Solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen HYSYS

Process Simulation Tools

Job description

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Company Description: We are a venture-backed stealth startup in the climate-tech sector focused on developing multiple innovative solutions for carbon removal and industrial decarbonization. We are a dynamic team of passionate individuals who are committed to creating sensible solutions that address the pressing environmental issues facing our planet today. We are looking for a Principal Process Development Engineer to develop a demonstration scale electrolyzer platform to accommodate our direct air capture (DAC) technology and accelerate our commercialization.

About the Role: The Principal Process Engineer will play a pivotal role in commercializing chemical processes from laboratory scale to pilot and commercial plants. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in developing, optimizing, and scaling chemical processes, with a deep understanding of process engineering fundamentals, modeling, and plant commissioning. This role requires expertise in working with EPC contractors, developing technical documentation, and supporting the execution of industrial projects, familiarity in the fields of electrolysis, chlor-alkali, fuel cells, flow batteries, or electrochemistry ideal.

As a Principal Process Engineer, you will be responsible for creating and optimizing Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), and Bills of Materials (BOMs), along with the associated modeling work, primarily using Aspen Plus or similar process simulation tools. Additionally, you will oversee the commissioning of plants and specific equipment, coordinate with external partners and EPC teams, and contribute to writing documentation such as scopes of work (SOW), Request for Quotations (RFQs), SOP’s, DOE’s, and PFMEA’s.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead process engineering activities for the development and commercialization of chemical processes, from lab-scale to pilot-scale and commercial plant operations.
• Develop and optimize Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), and Bills of Materials (BOMs) as part of the process design and documentation process.
• Utilize Aspen Plus, Aspen HYSYS, or similar process modeling tools to simulate and optimize chemical processes, ensuring cost-effective and efficient plant design.
• Work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical, electrical, and civil engineers, to design and integrate process systems into the overall plant design.
• Drive process development, scale-up, and technology transfer from laboratory/pilot phases to full commercial operation.
• Lead the commissioning process, including ensuring that the process and equipment meet design specifications, safety standards, and operational requirements.
• Develop and manage technical documentation, including detailed scopes of work (SOW) and RFQs, for external partners, contractors, and EPCs (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction).
• Collaborate with EPC contractors and vendors to ensure timely procurement, installation, and startup of equipment and systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve process issues during commissioning and operational startup, ensuring smooth transition to full-scale commercial operations.
• Provide technical leadership in the preparation of process specifications, cost estimates, and project schedules.
• Support risk assessments, hazard analysis (HAZOP), and operational safety procedures throughout the project lifecycle.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in process engineering, specifically in the commercialization and scale-up of chemical processes from lab to pilot to commercial plants.
• Strong experience in creating and optimizing Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Expertise in process simulation and modeling using tools such as Aspen Plus, Aspen HYSYS, or similar.
• Extensive experience in commissioning chemical plants and specific equipment, ensuring alignment with design specifications and operational performance.
• Familiarity with industrial sectors such as electrolysis, chlor-alkali, fuel cells, flow batteries, or electrochemistry is strongly preferred.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex engineering challenges.
• Proven leadership skills and experience managing multidisciplinary teams across various phases of project development.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present technical information clearly to internal and external stakeholders.
• Project management experience and familiarity with project scheduling, cost control, and quality management.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and equity options.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Opportunity to work in a dynamic and innovative startup environment.
• Career growth and development opportunities.
• Chance to make a meaningful impact on the future of renewable energy.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Engineering, Project Management, and Science

• Industries

  Chemical Manufacturing, Oil and Gas, and Chemical Raw Materials Manufacturing

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Medical insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

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