Process Engineer

X4 Engineering; Midland (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

X4 Engineering seeks a skilled process/R&D engineer to lead optimization across produced-water treatment and desalination. You will leverage plant and lab data to boost recovery, reduce chemical use, and cut operating costs while steering R&D designs and pilot programs.

The role requires a chemical/process/ environmental/mechanical engineering background, strong data-analysis skills, and the ability to communicate clearly across teams. On-site at a West Texas facility, 3–4 days weekly.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Process, Environmental or Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• Industrial process engineering experience in water treatment, desalination or related fields.
• Solid understanding of chemistry and thermodynamics.
• Proven troubleshooting of large-scale systems.
• Experience analyzing plant and lab data to improve performance.
• Strong Excel and engineering calculation skills.
• Clear technical writing and cross-team communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead process optimization across produced-water treatment and desalination systems.
• Lead engineering and design for R&D projects.
• Analyze plant data to improve efficiency, recovery and reduce chemical use and costs.
• Build process models, mass balances, performance calculations and operating strategies.
• Evaluate technologies and recommend improvements.
• Design and run pilot programs, field trials and proof-of-concept testing.
• Write technical evaluations and recommendations for leadership.

Skills

Troubleshooting large-scale systems

Data analysis from operating and lab

Technical writing

Cross-team communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Process, Environmental or Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline

Tools

Excel

Job description

Our client is a well-established West Texas land and resources business with a growing water division. They run produced-water treatment and desalination operations, and they're investing in R&D to turn new water technology into commercial-scale solutions.

The role

You'll lead process optimization and R&D engineering across produced-water treatment and desalination plants. You'll use plant and lab data to improve recovery rates, cut chemical use and lower operating costs. You'll also lead engineering and design on R&D projects, including waste heat recovery, brine management and next-generation desalination.

What you'll do

• Lead process optimization across produced-water treatment and desalination systems
• Lead engineering and design for R&D projects
• Analyze plant data to improve efficiency and recovery and to reduce chemical use and operating costs
• Build process models, mass balances, performance calculations and operating strategies
• Evaluate existing and emerging technologies and recommend improvements
• Design and run pilot programs, field trials and proof-of-concept testing
• Write technical evaluations, business cases and recommendations for leadership
• Support technology commercialization and intellectual property development

What you'll bring

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Process, Environmental or Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline
• Industrial process engineering experience in water treatment, desalination, chemical processing, refining, gas processing, refrigeration or similar
• Strong understanding of chemistry and thermodynamics
• Proven troubleshooting of large-scale systems
• Experience evaluating process performance using operating and lab data
• Strong Excel and engineering calculation skills
• Clear technical writing and confident communication across teams and partner companies
• Bonus: large-scale refrigeration or water treatment equipment, pilot testing or R&D experience

Working pattern and requirements

• On-site at an R&D desalination facility in West Texas, 3-4 days per week (around 2.5 hours from Midland). Company car will be provided.
• Must be able to drive a company vehicle
• Hands-on role: on your feet more than 50% of the time, with bending, climbing and stooping, and periodic lifting of up to 50 lbs
• Work across plant, office and field environments