Reactor/Process Modeling and Simulation Engineer

Ammobia; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Ammobia, an innovative startup in clean ammonia production, seeks a skilled Modeling and Simulation Engineer. You'll develop dynamic reactor models, enhancing the company's pioneering hydrogen production process. Join a passionate team dedicated to sustainable solutions and enjoy competitive compensation and benefits in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

Competitive equity grants

Healthcare, dental, and vision insurance

401k

Gym subsidy

Paid time off

Office closure between Christmas and New Years

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in a relevant industrial setting; 5+ preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise in chemical process modeling.
• Experience with experimental data for model validation.

Responsibilities

• Build and refine dynamic reactor models, integrating heat and mass transfer principles.
• Design and optimize chemical process flows.
• Collaborate with process engineers to refine model assumptions.

Skills

Chemical thermodynamics

Heat transfer

Mass transfer

Modeling and simulation

Data analysis

Communication

Education

MS or PhD in chemical engineering or similar

Tools

MATLAB

gPROMS

Cantera

Python

Aspen

Job description

Modeling andSimulation Engineer, Reactor and Process Development

(Senior and above)

About Ammobia

Ammobia is on a mission to revolutionize the ammonia industry. We are a seed-stage startup developing Haber Bosch 2.0 – a next-generation ammonia synthesis process enabling cost-effective, clean ammonia production.

Until now, ammonia production has been a highly polluting, steady-state, high inertia process. We are building new regimes of physics and plant design that require dynamic processes, especially for ammonia production from intermittent renewable energy sources.

Clean ammonia will support ammonia’s growing role in our decarbonized world, tackling some of the most difficult to abate sectors including chemicals, fertilizers, and heavy-duty transportation. We are supported by leading climate tech organizations including Starlight Ventures, the Department of Energy, Collaborative Fund, Third Derivative, and more.

Job Description

Ammobia is seeking a motivated and creative Modeling and Simulation Engineer to develop and optimize catalytic reactor and plant process models. You will push forward our reactor simulation efforts as we scale our reaction process from pilot to commercial scales. This role involves building and refining models, integrating experimental data, and optimizing reactor and process performance for real-world applications. You will interface directly with experimentalists, equipment, materials, and process engineers and contribute to technical development across the company. There is significant opportunity to grow your role alongside the company.

Who you are

You are a creative, data driven problem solver who works from first principles. You enjoy fast paced, creative, and collaborative work; you work with a bias towards action and over-communication; and you thrive with high levels of autonomy and ownership.

Responsibilities

• Build and refine dynamic reactor models incorporating reaction kinetics, heat and mass transfer, and thermodynamic principles
• Design and optimize chemical process flows, incorporating reactor model outputs and novel separations processes
• Develop control strategies, system integration, and optimization techniques
• Collaborate with process engineers and experimental teams to refine model assumptions and validate model accuracy
• Analyze simulation results and provide insights through technical reports and presentations

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in a relevant industrial setting (5 preferred)
• Demonstrated expertise in chemical thermodynamics, heat and mass transfer
• Demonstrated expertise in modeling and simulation of transient reactors and unit operations
• e.g., in MATLAB, gPROMS, Cantera, Python, or similar
• Experience in chemical process modeling,
• e.g. in Aspen, gPROMS, Aveva, or similar.
• Dynamic process modeling is a big plus
• Demonstrated expertise working with experimental data for model validation
• Demonstrated expertise in data analysis, especially for time-series data from dynamic processes, e.g. with Python, MATLAB, or similar
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Self-motivated, proactive, and able to work both independently and collaboratively
• Passion for sustainability and excitement about working at an early-stage start-up

Nice-to-haves

• MS or PhD in chemical engineering or similar
• Hands on experience operating bench scale reactor equipment
• Working knowledge of advanced numerical methods and optimization
• Expertise in gas separations, especially PSA, TSA, distillation, and simila
• Experience in pilot scale chemical processing
• Demonstrated expertise in chemical process control, especially for reactive systems
• Experience in start-up environments
• Experience in ammonia synthesis, cracking, or separations
• Expertise in catalytic reaction engineering

$100,000 - $170,000 a year

The position is full-time and in-person in San Francisco, CA. Compensation and job title will be commensurate with experience.

Benefits include:competitive equity grants; healthcare, dental, vision, life insurance;401k; Gym subsidy; Paid time off, including closure between Christmas and New Years

Who we are

We are a small and passionate team of scientists and engineers. We value teamwork, accountability, open communication, and rapid iteration. We emphasize career growth, mutual feedback, and a fun and exciting working environment. Check outammobia.co/careersfor our full values statement andammobia.co/teamto learn more about us.