Director of Engineering - Cyclyx

Cyclyx Overview

Only 10% of plastics are recycled today, and that must change. Cyclyx is a new kind of plastic feedstock management company that works with industry participants to increase plastic recyclability. Cyclyx operates as a membership consortium, uniting stakeholders around the circular value chains to work together and drive new results in plastic recycling. By working with partners to source, collect and pre-process large volumes of waste plastic based on exact technical specifications, Cyclyx redirects more plastic into recycling. This new partner-driven model aims to boost plastic circularity - and break the cycle that has kept recycling from reaching its full potential. The Cyclyx Circularity Center (CCC) facility is a first of its kind recycling facility which accepts clean and mixed sources of waste plastics and processes them into usable feedstock for the advanced and mechanical recycling market. This facility is significant in scale, with an annual capacity of >400 million lbs of inbound plastic.

Role Overview

The Director of Engineering leads and manages the Cyclyx engineering team in the strategy, planning and execution of the company's efforts to engineering, construct and commission waste plastic processing plants. The Director of Engineering will provide hands on leadership, analytical, and strategic support of our functional professionals, ensuring both the technical and commercial facets of the functional area strategy and projects are managed and delivered as expected. The role has full Senior Leadership support and will interact with the business development partners, functional areas leaders, and Senior Leadership teams across our Joint Venture organization.

Critical Conditions for Success

1. Strategic Leadership:

• Set Engineering Vision: Define the strategic direction for the engineering team, aligning it with organizational goals and industry best practices.
• Develop Engineering Standards: Establish and enforce design, construction, and operational standards for bulk material handling systems, ensuring compliance with industry regulations.
• Long-Term Planning: Oversee the planning and execution of multiple projects to meet future capacity needs, sustainability goals, and business growth objectives.

2. Team Management and Development:

• Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and manage a multidisciplinary team of engineers (expertise in process, mechanical, civil, structural, electrical, etc.), project managers, and support staff.
• Recruitment and Retention: Hire top talent to build a high-performing engineering team while retaining existing team members by fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Training and Development: Provide opportunities for professional development, technical training, and leadership growth for team members.

3. Project Oversight and Coordination:

• Design Oversight: Oversee the development of plant layouts, equipment specifications, and detailed designs to ensure they meet functional requirements, efficiency targets, and quality standards.
• Construction Management: Supervise the engineering team's collaboration with construction teams, ensuring that projects are executed according to design plans, timelines, and budgets.
• Interdepartmental Coordination: Act as a liaison between engineering, procurement, construction, and operations teams to ensure seamless communication and project alignment.

4. Budget and Resource Management:

• Project Budgets: Develop and manage budgets for engineering activities, including design, equipment procurement, and construction oversight.
• Cost Optimization: Implement strategies to minimize costs while maintaining quality, such as value engineering and process optimization.
• Resource Allocation: Ensure adequate allocation of resources (manpower, equipment, and materials) across multiple projects.

5. Process Optimization and Innovation:

• Continuous Improvement: Identify inefficiencies in design and construction processes and implement solutions to streamline workflows and improve productivity.
• Technology Adoption: Research and adopt innovative technologies and methods (e.g., automation, digital modeling, material flow simulations) to enhance project outcomes.
• Sustainability Initiatives: Integrate environmentally friendly practices into design and construction, such as energy-efficient equipment and sustainable material usage.

6. Risk Management and Compliance:

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all designs and construction activities adhere to industry codes, standards (e.g., NEC, ASME, ISO, OSHA), and environmental regulations.
• Risk Assessment: Identify and mitigate risks related to design flaws, construction delays, budget overruns, and safety issues.
• Safety Leadership: Promote a culture of safety, ensuring that engineering designs and construction processes prioritize the health and safety of personnel and stakeholders.

7. Client and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Client Communication: Act as a key point of contact for engineering, ensuring their needs and expectations are understood and met throughout the project lifecycle.
• Stakeholder Reporting: Provide regular updates to senior management, clients, and stakeholders on project progress, risks, and outcomes.
• Customer Satisfaction: Ensure engineering deliverables align with client requirements and exceed expectations.

8. Quality Assurance and Control:

• Design Quality: Oversee the implementation of rigorous quality assurance practices for all designs, ensuring accuracy, functionality, and reliability.
• Construction Standards: Monitor construction activities to verify adherence to design specifications and industry standards.
• Post-Project Review: Conduct lessons-learned evaluations after project completion to identify improvement opportunities.

9. Contract and Vendor Management:

• Vendor Selection: Collaborate with procurement teams to select qualified vendors for equipment and construction materials.
• Contract Management: Support the negotiation and management of contracts with vendors, consultants, and contractors to ensure deliverables meet scope, schedule, and quality requirements.
• Performance Monitoring: In collaboration with procurement, evaluate vendor and contractor performance, addressing issues promptly to avoid project disruptions.

10. Strategic Growth and Business Development:

• Proposal Development: Support business development efforts by providing technical expertise for project proposals, cost estimates, and feasibility studies.
• Industry Networking: Build and maintain relationships with industry partners, regulatory bodies, and technology providers to enhance the organization's market position.
• Portfolio Expansion: Lead initiatives to expand the organization's capabilities, such as developing new types of bulk material handling systems or entering new markets.

11. Performance Metrics and Reporting:

• KPI Monitoring: Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as project cost, schedule adherence, quality, and safety metrics.
• Data-Driven Decision-Making: Use project data and performance metrics to make informed decisions about resource allocation, process improvements, and strategic direction.
• Regular Reporting: Provide detailed project status reports to senior leadership, highlighting progress, risks, and areas needing attention.

12. Commissioning and Handover:

• System Testing: Oversee final testing, commissioning, and validation of completed facilities to ensure they meet performance specifications.
• Operational Handover: Collaborate with operations teams to ensure a smooth transition from construction to full-scale plant operation, including providing training and technical support.

Qualifications

Experience/Knowledge

• 10+ years of experience in engineering, construction, and project management roles, preferably in industries involving bulk material handling, heavy industry, or manufacturing.
• 10+ years of leadership experience managing multidisciplinary engineering teams and overseeing large-scale construction projects.
• Proven track record of successful delivery of Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) projects for $100 million + projects.
• Deep understanding of bulk material handling systems specific to plastic processing, including equipment such as conveyors, hoppers, silos, shredders, crushers, and pelletizers.
• Detailed understanding of project lifecycles in complex operational and business environments
• Strong leadership skills, including the ability to manage, mentor, and inspire multidisciplinary teams.
• Proven ability to foster collaboration between engineering, construction, procurement, and client teams.
• Experience managing geographically dispersed teams or working across multiple projects simultaneously.
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills for presenting to stakeholders and coordinating with clients, contractors, and internal teams.
• Decision-Making: Ability to make informed decisions under pressure while balancing cost, quality, and timeline considerations.
• Negotiation Skills: Expertise in negotiating contracts with vendors, suppliers, and contractors.
• Problem-Solving: Adept at identifying challenges early and implementing solutions to avoid project delays or budget overruns.
• Adaptability: Comfortable managing changes in project scope, priorities, or resources.

Education/Training

• Bachelor's Degree in a relevant engineering field such as Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Industrial Engineering. Equivalent experience will be considered.

Personal Qualifications

• Excellent business acumen, commitment to teamwork, and results orientation
• Superior interpersonal skills and written and verbal communication skills
• Self-confidence, initiative, and strong problem-solving skills
• Impeccable personal and professional ethics
• Effective leadership skills to facilitate the management of the engineering team and engagement with peers.

Position Mechanics

Reports to: VP of Operations

Type: Salaried; full time

Work Hours: Generally 8:00-5:00. This is a multi-shift operation, so there will be occasional evening and weekend work.

Staff: none

Location: Houston, TX

Work environment: Manufacturing and professional office

Travel: 25%

Physical Demands: Physical tasks associated with office work and walking production floors and construction projects.

Company Total Rewards

Cyclyx offers a competitive salary and benefits package. Our comprehensive benefits package includes competitive, company-funded (up to 90% company-paid premiums) health, dental, vision and insurance plans to robust retirement benefits that include company-matching employee 401(k) contributions, and much more. We also provide development and growth opportunities because we believe investing in your success is investing in our success. Also, working for a rapidly growing, fast-paced organization, you will have the opportunity to grow professionally and expand your network while building a rewarding and dynamic career.

Company Culture

We are committed to recruiting, developing, and retaining diverse and highly talented individuals. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, an engaging and growing culture, and a variety of opportunities for our employees' professional growth and development.

Cyclyx is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We value mutual respect and diversity in the workplace and are committed to Employment Equity and Inclusion. We celebrate the unique differences of our employees that drive curiosity, innovation, and the success of our business. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and do not discriminate against any applicant's status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Accommodation is available for applicants with disabilities.