Process Engineer

Hadron Energy, Inc.; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A clean energy technology company in San Francisco is seeking a Process Engineer to design and optimize advanced energy systems. Responsibilities include modeling thermal-fluid systems, developing process diagrams, and collaborating with engineering teams. The ideal candidate has 5+ years in process engineering and a background in chemical, mechanical, or nuclear engineering. This full-time on-site position offers a chance to impact the efficiency and scalability of innovative energy technologies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in relevant engineering field.
• 5+ years of experience in process engineering.
• Strong proficiency in process modeling software.

Responsibilities

• Develop process flow diagrams and piping diagrams.
• Model and analyze thermal-fluid systems.
• Conduct energy balance calculations for optimization.

Skills

Process modeling and simulation

Thermal-fluid systems

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Technical communication

Knowledge of thermodynamics

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering

Master’s in Mechanical Engineering

Doctorate in Nuclear Engineering

Tools

Aspen HYSYS

COMSOL

ANSYS Fluent

Job description

Process Engineer – Role Description

This is a full-time on-site role for a Process Engineer, based in the San Francisco Bay Area. The position is ideal for candidates with strong analytical, systems, and thermal-fluid backgrounds who are passionate about designing, optimizing, and scaling advanced energy systems.

The Process Engineer will play a key role in developing and refining the process systems that support Hadron Energy’s micro modular reactor (MMR) technology. This includes modeling thermal, hydraulic, and chemical processes across the plant; designing heat transfer and fluid systems; and ensuring efficient integration between the reactor, balance-of-plant, and auxiliary systems.

You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams—including mechanical, nuclear, and controls engineers—to translate conceptual designs into optimized, manufacturable process systems. This role offers the opportunity to directly influence the efficiency, reliability, and scalability of Hadron’s reactor platform in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop process flow diagrams (PFDs) and piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs) for key reactor and plant subsystems
• Model and analyze thermal-fluid systems, including coolant loops, heat exchangers, condensers, and auxiliary processes
• Conduct mass and energy balance calculations to optimize system efficiency and safety margins
• Design and evaluate system configurations for heat transport, power conversion, and water/steam handling
• Collaborate with the Balance of Plant and Mechanical Engineering teams to ensure cohesive system integration
• Support component specification and procurement for pumps, valves, instrumentation, and heat exchangers
• Perform process hazard analyses (PHAs) and participate in design and safety reviews
• Develop and validate steady-state and transient process simulations using tools such as Aspen HYSYS, COMSOL, ANSYS Fluent, or Modelica
• Support prototype testing, commissioning, and data collection activities for process validation
• Prepare documentation, calculations, and reports to support internal reviews and regulatory submissions

Qualifications & Skillsets

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or a related field
• 5+ years of experience in process engineering, thermal systems design, or power generation
• Strong proficiency in process modeling and simulation software (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, RELAP5, COMSOL, or equivalent)
• Experience designing or analyzing thermal-fluid systems such as coolant loops, heat exchangers, or pressure vessels
• Knowledge of heat transfer, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics principles applied to high-efficiency energy systems
• Familiarity with ASME codes, P&ID development, and process safety standards
• Understanding of nuclear or advanced energy system processes is a plus
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and technical communication skills
• Ability to work cross-functionally and manage multiple priorities in a dynamic startup environment
• Passion for innovation, clean energy, and enabling the next generation of advanced nuclear technologies