Process Engineer 1

Next Rung Technology; Somerville (MA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Next Rung Technology in Somerville, MA is seeking a Process Engineer I to help scale up and commercialize sustainable technologies. You will design, model, and optimize prototype and production systems, collaborating with client teams to meet technical requirements.

The role covers design packages, equipment procurement support, technoeconomic modeling, and hands-on process improvement. Strong communication and a chemistry/engineering background are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in chemical/process engineering or recent chemical engineering graduate.

Responsibilities

• Development of process design packages for prototype and production systems, including FEL0-3 level & detailed design.

Skills

Chemical engineering

Process engineering

AutoCAD

PFD & P&IDs

Process modeling

Technoeconomic modeling

SOP development

Grant writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering

Tools

Excel

Job description

A Team With a Vision of a Healthy and Sustainable Planet, Created by Talented Engineers and Entrepreneurs

Position: Process Engineer 1

Overview:

Next Rung Technology (Next Rung) is a team of 15-20 engineers, providing engineering consulting and execution services to organizations developing and delivering sustainable technologies - with expertise in water, energy, renewables, biotechnology, next-generation foods and materials, and wastewater treatment. Next Rung is headquartered in Greentown Labs in Somerville, MA with some team members working remotely throughout the US (mostly Northeast).

Our team is seeking a Process Engineer to identify client needs, develop solutions, and conduct the necessary tasks to meet their technical requirements. Engineers in this role will be responsible for collaborating with technical and non-technical client teams daily to scale up and commercialize their sustainable technologies.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Development of process design packages for prototype and production systems, including FEL0-3 level & detailed design
  • Engineering drawings, including block flow, process flow, and piping & instrumentation diagrams
  • Process documentation, including process design basis, engineering standards and specifications, process controls description, mechanical lists (equipment, valve, and instrument lists)
  • Capital cost estimation to AACE standards
• Process modeling for prototype and production systems using Excel
• Participate in technology evaluation for process development
• Translate R&D work into prototype and production system functional requirements and specifications
• Equipment procurement support
  • Specify and procure essential process equipment, including tanks, pumps, valves, instrumentation, etc.
  • Collaborate with skid vendors for the design and construction of skidded process systems
• Development of technoeconomic models based on client data to effectively model COGS supported by a back-end plant design
• Onsite client support, potential domestic and international travel
• Development of prototype and production system protocols
  • Commissioning and start-up programs
  • SOP documentation
  • Safety systems and protocols
• Technical grant writing
• Participate in building and growing company outreach via
  • Participation in 1 or more marketing teams, including engagement in sector-wide thought leadership through conference attendance, development and presentation of technical content (blog posts, abstracts, papers & presentations, participating in podcasts & interviews)
  • Participation in business development through attending and taking notes on intro meets with potential clients

Preferred Qualifications:

• Deeply motivated by the climate crisis and its downstream impacts
• Some work experience in chemical engineering, process engineering, or related fields; or recent graduate with a degree in chemical engineering, process engineering, or a related field from an accredited institution and demonstrated hands-on experience (projects, co-ops, etc.)
• Exceptional communication and documentation skills
• Experience in any of the following workstreams:
  • Chemical process scaleup design
  • Engineering drawing generation via AutoCAD, including BFD, PFD and P&IDs
  • Process equipment procurement
  • Creating chemical system simulations/models
  • Reactor design, assembly, and validation
  • Process control philosophy and systems (PID controllers and PLC controllers)
  • Sensor integration and data acquisition
  • Technoeconomic modeling
  • Technical due diligence
  • Technical grant writing
  • SOP development
  • Hands on experience with plant operations
• Experience working in climate-related chemical processes or the startup ecosystem

This is a full-time role is based at the Next Rung office at Greentown Labs in Somerville, MA. Hours and schedule are negotiable, and compensation will be based on experience.

Next Rung Technology does not discriminate against employees or job applicants based on factors such as race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, genetic information, or pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by law.