RESEARCH ENGINEER - SR. RESEARCH ENGINEER - Pilot Plants -Sustainability - Process Development at Southwest Research Institute

Who We Are:

Fuels and Energy Development Section works in pilot plant services and process development of new first of their kind processes.

Objectives of this Role:

• This position will fill a role in supporting design, fabrication, buildup, and operation of pilot plants or processes scaling up from lab to near commercial.
• Use simulation software and other tools to evaluate process scale-up parameters and ultimately build and operate a full chemical or refinery process as pilot scale.
• Work with and manage teams to operate and analyze data from pilot plants. Troubleshoot and provide process modifications to improve operations.
• Support operations for pilot plants for process development by expanding our technical portfolio of offerings to our clients.
• Manage pilot plant projects from design to procurement to operations staffing.

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:

• Plan and conduct research and process development work. Expand particular area of expertise (ideally decarbonization, pyrolysis, batch/CSTR kinetics, biomass conversion)
• Manage project teams and tasks. Communicate with weekly reports to client.
• Create operating plans and coordinate with contractors and project team on tasks and deliverables.
• Oversee process integration from design phase to installation for small and large-scale pilot plant projects.
• Communicate with vendors, clients, and operators to set up equipment and Construct systems for new processes.
• Promote and secure new work as trained through mentorship and internal business development training.

Requirements:

• Requires a Bachelors, Masters or a PhD in Chemical Engineering.
• Shift work required.
• 2-5 years: Direct experience with chemical engineering process development work to include designing and installation and operation of process equipment.
• 1+ years: High attention to detail in calculations, design, and operations.
• 1+ years: Must be able to communicate clearly and interface with clients or potential clients as needed in the course of the project or proposal process. Must be able to conduct tasks in parallel.
• 1+ years: Experience in any of the following areas: biomass conversion, biofuels, hydrotreating, carbon capture, carbon utilization, plastics recycling, pyrolysis, coking, distillation, electrolysis, clean hydrogen.
• A valid/clear driver's license is required.