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

• Lead development of next-generation Charm pyrolyzers and biomass conversion processes to maximize bio-oil yield, product quality, reliability, and economic performance.

• Define test plans and experimental campaigns that address critical technical uncertainties and inform commercialization decisions.

• Own investigation and resolution of complex process performance, operability, and scale-up challenges across pilot and demonstration systems.

• Develop and validate process models, material and energy balances, and engineering analyses to guide process improvements and future facility design.

• Lead interpretation and communication of experimental results to technical and non-technical stakeholders, including recommendations for strategic development priorities.

• 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.

• 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.

• Partner closely with Mechanical, Automation, Electrical, Manufacturing, and Operations teams to ensure successful deployment and operation of new process technologies.

• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the development of engineering standards, best practices, and technical culture across the organization.

• Support our 24/7 operations through a rotating after-hours coverage schedule, totaling approximately 2–3 weeks per year.

You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.

• 7+ years of experience in process development engineering, or scale-up engineering, including significant experience operating and developing pilot-scale systems.

• Demonstrated success scaling chemical, thermochemical, energy, or industrial process technologies from pilot through commercial deployment.

• Deep understanding of heat transfer, reaction engineering, mass and energy balances, process controls, process safety, and industrial operations.

• Strong hands-on troubleshooting skills and the ability to diagnose complex process and equipment failures in ambiguous environments.

• Experience leading cross-functional technical projects involving multiple engineering disciplines.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to influence technical direction and align diverse stakeholders.

• Strong engineering judgment and ability to balance technical rigor, operational realities, schedule, and cost.

• Excitement for scaling industrial technologies that can meaningfully impact climate change.

Bonus if you Bring

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.

• Experience with pyrolysis, gasification, biomass conversion, refining, petrochemicals, renewable fuels, or other thermochemical processing technologies.

• Experience commissioning and operating industrial process systems at demonstration or commercial scale.

• Experience leading process hazard analyses and implementing process safety management programs.

• 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

98400 - 147600 USD a year