About the Role
We're looking for a Senior Process Development Engineer to join our Pyrolysis Test Engineering team. Reporting to the Director of Pyrolysis, you will lead the development and scale-up of next-generation biomass conversion processes from pilot testing through commercial deployment. You will define experimental strategy, drive resolution of complex scale-up challenges, and provide technical leadership across R&D, Engineering, and Operations teams.
This role requires deep process engineering expertise, strong technical judgment, and the ability to translate ambiguous experimental findings into robust, scalable industrial processes.
Your Responsibilities
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Lead development of next-generation Charm pyrolyzers and biomass conversion processes to maximize bio-oil yield, product quality, reliability, and economic performance.
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Define test plans and experimental campaigns that address critical technical uncertainties and inform commercialization decisions.
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Own investigation and resolution of complex process performance, operability, and scale-up challenges across pilot and demonstration systems.
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Develop and validate process models, material and energy balances, and engineering analyses to guide process improvements and future facility design.
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Lead interpretation and communication of experimental results to technical and non-technical stakeholders, including recommendations for strategic development priorities.
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Prepare and review process engineering documentation including Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), Process Control Narratives (PCNs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and process equipment specifications.
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Lead or facilitate process safety activities including Hazard and Operability study (HAZOP), Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Management of Change (MOC) reviews, and commissioning/startup readiness reviews.
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Partner closely with Mechanical, Automation, Electrical, Manufacturing, and Operations teams to ensure successful deployment and operation of new process technologies.
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Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the development of engineering standards, best practices, and technical culture across the organization.
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Support our 24/7 operations through a rotating after-hours coverage schedule, totaling approximately 2–3 weeks per year.
You Bring
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Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
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7+ years of experience in process development engineering, or scale-up engineering, including significant experience operating and developing pilot-scale systems.
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Demonstrated success scaling chemical, thermochemical, energy, or industrial process technologies from pilot through commercial deployment.
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Deep understanding of heat transfer, reaction engineering, mass and energy balances, process controls, process safety, and industrial operations.
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Strong hands-on troubleshooting skills and the ability to diagnose complex process and equipment failures in ambiguous environments.
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Experience leading cross-functional technical projects involving multiple engineering disciplines.
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to influence technical direction and align diverse stakeholders.
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Strong engineering judgment and ability to balance technical rigor, operational realities, schedule, and cost.
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Excitement for scaling industrial technologies that can meaningfully impact climate change.
Bonus if you Bring
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M.S. or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
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Experience with pyrolysis, gasification, biomass conversion, refining, petrochemicals, renewable fuels, or other thermochemical processing technologies.
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Experience commissioning and operating industrial process systems at demonstration or commercial scale.
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Experience leading process hazard analyses and implementing process safety management programs.
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Experience managing external engineering partners, equipment vendors, or contract manufacturers.
- 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