Chemical Engineer

Job Description: Chemical Engineer

Job Summary

We are seeking a talented Chemical Engineer to lead the design, development, and operation of a continuously operating, lab-scale pilot for converting crude lithium chloride brines into battery-grade lithium carbonate. This role involves utilizing advanced crystallization methods inspired by pharmaceutical industry techniques to improve the purity and yield of lithium carbonate.

Responsibilities

• Pilot Plant Engineering, Design, and Development
  • Design and iterate flow sheets for lab-scale pilot (20 - 50 L reactors).
  • Integrate process modeling software into plant design.
  • Review and approve flow sheet design prior to equipment purchases.
• Equipment Purchasing Decisions
  • Develop procurement specifications.
  • Source appropriate vendors, considering economics and technical product performance.
  • Identify and reduce lead times for equipment delivery.
  • Collaborate with finance and chemistry services teams for equipment purchases.
• Pilot Assembly and Commissioning
  • Lead pilot plant assembly and integration for reactor vessels, solvent and brine tanks, and CO2 handling system.
  • Develop commissioning standards for operational and failure testing.
  • Conduct safety reviews and develop standard operating procedures.
• Pilot Operations, Maintenance, and Upgrades
  • Supervise and/or run pilot operations, adjusting procedures based on results.
  • Train additional personnel for pilot operation.
  • Verify and validate continuous operation of the pilot.
  • Maintain pilot instrumentation and implement design upgrades.
• Life Cycle Assessment and Engineering Studies
  • Assist in the development of life cycle assessments, cost modeling, and GHG reduction evaluations.
  • Develop reports on full operation engineering, including mass-flow calculations and LCA findings.
• Technical Communication and Business Development Support
  • Prepare research output presentations with clear data visualizations.
  • Write reports and white papers for both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Communicate technical aspects of technology to potential clients.
  • Support the development of technical grant proposals and manuscripts.
  • Participate in customer engagement activities and answer technical questions.
• Lab Safety
  • Comply with and support safety protocols, including procedures for the use and disposal of chemical materials and environmental management plans.
  • Maintain safety records and adhere to relevant safety standards and regulations.

Required Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of work experience or a combination of educational and work experience in chemical engineering research and development.
• Experience in designing and deploying chemical reaction systems and flowsheet development.
• Proficiency with analytical chemistry instrumentation (e.g., FTIR, IC, ICP, microscopy).
• Experience in mechatronics engineering, mechanical skills, and software integration for lab instrumentation.
• Strong communication skills, including public presentations and technical writing.
• Ability to work within a cooperative team environment and manage time-dependent projects with minimal supervision.
• Analytical, creative, and effective problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Programming experience, particularly with Python, is an asset.

Compensation and Benefits

• Contract Type: Full-time, Employee
• Salary Range: $90,000 - $120,000
• Benefits: Eligibility for extended health benefits programs
• Incentives: Eligibility for bonus incentive program
• Vacation: 15 days per calendar year, prorated for the first year, with 1 additional day each subsequent year of service, up to a maximum of 20 days.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge technology development in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. The role is based on-site and reports to the VP of Chemistry Contract Services. If you have a passion for chemical engineering and innovation, we encourage you to apply.