Process Development Engineer II - Pyrolysis Test

Charmindustrial; Fort Lupton (CO); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity ownership through stock options

100% employee healthcare premiums covered

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

Employer-funded HSA contributions

Traditional and Roth 401(k) with 50% match

Paid leave, including parental and medical leave

Annual professional development stipend

Employee recognition programs

Opportunities for career development

Job summary

Charmindustrial in Fort Lupton, Colorado is looking for a Process Development Engineer to join their Pyrolysis Test Engineering team. You will help scale new processes from pilot-scale to commercial operation, ensuring efficiency and safety.

The ideal candidate has a degree in Chemical Engineering, with at least 3 years of experience, including pilot plant operations. This role contributes to innovative chemical product development supporting climate goals.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in process development, including at least 2 years with pilot-scale systems.
• Hands-on experience troubleshooting process performance and scale-up challenges.
• Excitement for scaling technologies that address climate change.

Responsibilities

• Develop biomass conversion processes and produce bio-oil and biochar.
• Design experiments and conduct pilot plant trials.
• Analyze process data and communicate findings through reports.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Heat transfer

Mass and energy balances

Process controls

Process safety principles

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field

M.S. or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or related field

Tools

Pilot plant operations

Process instrumentation

Rapid prototyping

Job description

About the Role

We’re looking for a Process Development Engineer to join our Pyrolysis Test Engineering team. Reporting to the Director of Pyrolysis, you’ll help scale new chemical processes from laboratory and pilot-scale testing to commercial operation, ensuring they are efficient, safe, and cost‑effective.

Working closely with engineers, scientists, and operations teams, you’ll investigate scale‑up challenges, evaluate process performance, improve product yields, and support the development of safe and reliable operating practices. You’ll play an important role in translating experimental results into processes that can be successfully deployed at commercial scale.

The ideal candidate has experience with pilot plant operations and process scale‑up, along with strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills. This role requires close collaboration across disciplines and the ability to clearly communicate technical findings to a range of stakeholders.

This is an opportunity to contribute to the development of novel chemical products and processes that support Charm's carbon removal mission. This role is based onsite in Fort Lupton, Colorado.

Responsibilities

• Test and iterate on next-generation Charm pyrolyzers to develop biomass conversion processes and produce bio‑oil and biochar.
• Design experiments, conduct pilot plant trials, and troubleshoot process performance and scale‑up challenges.
• Analyze process data using material and energy balances, and communicate findings through technical reports and presentations.
• Develop process engineering documentation, including Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), and Process Control Narratives (PCNs).
• Participate in process safety reviews, including Failure Mode and Effects Analyses (FMEAs) and Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) studies, before system testing and implementation of process improvements.
• Support our 24/7 operations through a rotating after‑hours coverage schedule, totaling approximately 2-3 weeks per year.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in process development, including at least 2 years working with pilot‑scale test systems.
• A strong understanding of heat transfer, mass and energy balances, process controls, and process safety principles.
• Hands‑on experience with pilot plant operations, process instrumentation (temperature, pressure, flow, and level sensors), troubleshooting, and rapid prototyping.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• The ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and balance cost, timeline, and impact when making decisions.
• Excitement for scaling hardware and process technologies that can have a meaningful impact on climate change.
• An M.S. or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience working with bio‑oil, biochar, syngas, or other advanced thermochemical processes.
• Familiarity with industrial‑scale process systems, equipment, and operations.

Benefits

• Equity ownership through stock options
• 100% employee healthcare premiums covered
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with multiple plan options
• Employer‑funded HSA contributions for eligible HDHP plans
• Traditional and Roth 401(k) with a 50% match on contributions up to 6%
• Paid leave, including parental and medical leave
• PPE and workwear allowances
• Annual professional development stipend
• Employee recognition programs that celebrate impactful work and team contributions
• Opportunities for internal growth, career development, and transition into climate from a range of industries and backgrounds

Visa Sponsorship

Since we are a small startup, certain accommodations for visa sponsorship may not be within our capability. At this time, Charm Industrial is only sponsoring E3 and TN visas.

Our Commitment

Charm Industrial is an equal opportunity employer. We hire based on skills, experience, and passion for our mission. Climate challenges require a wide range of perspectives and expertise, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We’re excited to grow our team with people who bring unique strengths and help us improve as a company.