Lead Process Engineer /Lead Process Development Engineer

Job DescriptionJob Description

This is a role with Refinity Holdings, LLC.

Position Summary:

The Lead Process Engineer/ Lead Process Development Engineer is a key contributor to the scaling up and commercialization of Refinity’s novel plastic recycling technologies. The role focuses on technical oversight for pilot and demonstration-scale operations, ultimately translating insights into commercial-scale solutions.

Location: Remote

Responsibilities:

• Process Design & Development
  • Assess options for conceptual and detailed process design for novel plastic recycling technologies, transitioning from lab-scale to pilot and commercial operations.
  • Evaluate process objectives, key performance indicators (KPIs), and technical requirements for new and existing processes.
  • Contribute to innovation and process optimization by identifying and evaluating new technologies and methodologies to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.
  • Contribute to comprehensive techno-economic analyses (TEA) and lifecycle assessments (LCA) to evaluate process viability and optimize for technical performance and business outcomes.
• Pilot Operations
  • Provide technical oversight and hands-on support for the setup and operation of pilot and demonstration-scale plastic recycling facilities.
  • Analyze operational data from pilot and demo plants to validate models, identify bottlenecks, and drive continuous process improvements.
  • Help troubleshoot for process upsets and performance deviations, developing and implementing effective solutions.
  • Collaborate closely with partners and operations teams to optimize process parameters, improve uptime, and ensure safe and efficient plant performance.
  • Translate lessons learned from pilot and demo operations into commercial scale-up process design and operational strategies.
  • Ability to travel to partner sites, including internationally, for pilot and demonstration runs.
• Modeling and Simulation
  • Perform simulation studies, sensitivity analyses, and process optimizations to maximize yield, minimize energy consumption, and reduce operational costs.
  • Translate simulation results into actionable design specifications, PFDs, and P&IDs, ensuring robust and scalable process solutions.
  • Validate CFD models against experimental data.
  • Identify and mitigate potential scale-up challenges related to fluid dynamics and heat/mass transfer.

Qualifications:

• Chemical Engineering degree or equivalent; advanced degree (substantial industrial experience considered in-lieu.)
• 5-10 years of industrial experience, preferably in the petrochemical, refining, or fuels industries.
• Process modeling experience using modern simulators, preferably AspenOne Engineering Suite (Aspen Plus, Aspen Hysys).
• Familiarity with advanced CFD models.
• Experience in the design and/or operation of pilot or demonstration-scale chemical/process plants.
• Strong understanding of chemical kinetics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat/mass transfer.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Experience with plastic recycling technologies (e.g., pyrolysis, depolymerization) or similar is valued.
• Passionate about sustainability and circular economy principles.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive compensation package, including base salary, performance bonus, and equity.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Generous PTO and flexibility for remote work.

This position is not eligible for sponsorship.