Chemical engineer

My client, a fast-paced research and technology development start-up, is currently seeking an Ion Exchange Chemical Engineer or Chemist to join their Seattle, Washington team.

My client aims to radically reduce the cost of carbon capture, hasten the transition to a net zero carbon economy, and slow the effects of global warming.

To meet this challenge, they are developing a process to extract CO2 from seawater using light-activated chemicals that is projected to require a fraction of the energy inputs compared to competing carbon capture methods.

They are transitioning from prototypes in the lab towards a larger scale pilot and first-of-kind commercial facility. They have secured a carbon removal pre-purchase contract with Frontier, closed an oversubscribed financing round, and are supported by a stellar team of investors.

Summary : My client is seeking a highly motivated and creative chemist or chemical engineer to help develop and optimize their carbon capture process.

The individual must be passionate about applying fundamental chemical and engineering principles to develop scalable industrial processes.

The focus of this position will be developing and evaluating methods for transferring ions between solutions in the absence of applied electric fields.

Candidates may have a background in separation processes, analytical chemistry, and / or process engineering. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the theory, testing, prototyping, and scaling of ion exchange processes, for example using ion exchange resins.

The successful candidate will work collaboratively with a small team of scientists and engineers to advance our carbon capture technology from concept to deployment.

Position Type : This is an in-person regular full-time position located in Seattle, WA.

Desired Start Date : As soon as possible.

Location : Located within CoMotion Labs on the beautiful campus of the University of Washington. This setting unites the fast paced and exciting environment of a startup with the thriving intellectual community and advanced instrumentation of a major research university.

A light rail station, recreational sports facilities, the Burke-Gilman bike trail, and the Lake Washington Waterfront are all within a half mile of the company’s office and lab space.

A transit pass with unlimited rides and membership at the university’s recreational sports facility are included in current company benefits.

This is an in-person position located in Seattle, WA. Seattle is a thriving and dynamic city situated between the snowcapped Cascade Mountains and the waters of Puget Sound.

Benefits : My client is proud to offer employees a competitive total compensation package as well as a comprehensive benefits program designed to support the whole lives of our employees and their families. Current benefits include :

• 401(k) with 6% employer match
• Stock options
• Medical, vision, and dental coverage through a QSEHRA health benefits plan
• 15 days of paid time off per year in addition to paid sick time
• 13 additional paid holidays annually, including 11 federal and state holidays and 2
• Relocation assistance (negotiable)
• Transit pass that includes unlimited light rail and bus trips
• Holistic employee assistance program
• Recreational sports facility membership reimbursement

Duties / Responsibilities :

Use theory and modeling approaches to conceptualize, develop, and optimize ion

exchange and chemical processes.

Design, prototype, and scale processes to efficiently transfer ions between aqueous

solutions at an industrial scale.

Evaluate designs with respect to energy efficiency, manufacturability, longevity, and

financial metrics (OPEX and CAPEX).

Identify risks and introduce innovative strategies that can overcome these risks to

effectively enhance process performance.

Clearly document the design, evaluation, and development process in written laboratory

books and electronic documents following best engineering practices.

Conduct work with a commitment to the highest levels of safety and integrity. This

includes understanding and adhering to EH&S standards, policies, and procedures, to

promote safe work habits.

• Contribute to regular updates of the company’s technoeconomic assessment.
• Provide technical insight and effectively communicate and collaborate with a team of

scientists and engineers to advance our carbon capture technology.

Review technical bids, contribute to purchasing decisions, carry out technical checks of

performance data for major equipment and contribute to subsequent assembly and

troubleshooting.

• Collaborate with business staff to support technical business development, develop supply chain relationships, and to refine process components to best fit market needs.
• Ensure that projects are completed on time.
• Mentor and manage technical staff for performance and professional growth.
• Find, apply, and communicate relevant advances from technical and scientific literature.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Experience & Qualifications :

PhD or MS in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Environmental Engineering, or related

field with relevant post-degree work experience. BS degrees will be considered with

extensive work experience.

Ideal candidates will have industry experience in water treatment, oil and gas, chemical

manufacturing and processing, or related fields.

• Extensive wet chemistry lab experience.
• Ideal candidates will have experience with industrial-scale ion exchange proceses.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Familiar with statistical data analysis and design of experiment methodologies.
• Strong sense of project ownership with hands-on and can-do attitude.
• Creative self-starter that is interested in solving problems without a pre-defined answer.
• Excellent understanding of lab and field safety and ethical research processes.
• Strong communication skills able to disseminate information at internal and external

technical forums.

• Good interpersonal skills, including working with cross-functional teams.
• Current authorization to work in the US and ability to relocate to the Seattle, WA USA

area is required.

Travel :

10-20% travel may be required

Physical Requirements :

• Will sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to the entire duration of a shift.
• Will climb stairs on an occasional basis.
• Will lift, push, or pull up to 27 pounds on an occasional basis.
• Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects on a frequent basis.
• Must be able to comply with all safety standards and procedures.
• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time, which includes typing,

viewing data, and manipulating documents and data.

• May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis.
• May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including (including but not limited to : nitrile gloves, lab coat, safety glasses, hearing protection, hard hat, safety footwear).

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide.

With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed.

We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.

Last updated : 2024-03-22