Senior Process Engineer-Sustainable Energy Solutions

About the Hiring Group

The Sustainable Energy Solutions team develops and scales innovative technologies that support a low‑carbon future, including hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol production; waste‑to‑value and biofuels technologies; plastics recycling and upcycling; and critical minerals recovery.

We are currently seeking a Senior Process Engineer to lead the technical execution of applied R&D projects in this team. Technologies under development include low‑carbon chemicals such as hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol production, waste‑to‑value technologies including biofuels, bioproducts, and sustainable aviation fuels production, plastics recycling and upcycling, and critical minerals recovery. Projects range from lab‑bench to pilot scales and are performed on site at RTI or at partner sites.

You will manage the on‑time and on‑budget execution of large, complex bench‑ and pilot‑scale demonstration projects, delivering high‑quality work in a collaborative team environment with minimal supervision. You will lead multifunctional project teams, including chemists, engineers, and external service providers, to ensure safe, clean, and productive project execution. You will oversee all phases of project delivery, including reviews, startup, site preparation, operations, and decommissioning.

Primary responsibilities also include leading process design activities; sizing, selecting, procuring, fabricating, and installing instruments and equipment across laboratory, bench, and pilot scales; and developing and executing detailed research plans. In addition, you will develop commissioning plans and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to support effective and compliant project operations.

• Lead and participate in process hazards analysis (PHA), Hazard and Operability Studies (HAZOP), and Level of Protection Analysis (LOPA) to evaluate process risks, provide feedback, and take responsibility for execution of recommendations arising from these studies.
• Troubleshoot and commission process systems consisting of multiple unit operations; commission, tune, and improve PLC and ladder‑logic based control systems.
• Operate bench‑scale process systems and pilot‑scale processes according to operational plans using SOPs.
• Maintain and troubleshoot equipment and processes.
• Set‑up and operate analytical instruments such as gas chromatographs and related instruments.
• Ensure project teams follow safety procedures and protocols as established by RTI’s Environment, Health, and Safety team.
• Ensure project teams follow established procedures for Management of Change as established by RTI.
• Maintain accurate records of experimental protocols, results, technical data; complete data analyses for inclusion in technical reports, presentations, and peer‑reviewed scientific publications.
• Contribute to written technical reports, presentations, and peer‑reviewed scientific publications.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering or Process Engineering and 10+ years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering or Process Engineering and 6+ years of experience.
• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or Process Engineering and 2+ years of experience.
• Prior field experience leading process design, fabrication, start‑up, and operations in chemical processes plants is a must.
• Strong demonstrated background in reaction engineering, process engineering, and process control.
• Experience participating in PHAs and HAZOPs.
• Experience with control system design and implementation is desirable.

For San Francisco, CA – Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Further information is available.

RTI accepts applications to our job openings from candidates with criminal histories or conviction records in accordance with all applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

For applicants in Massachusetts – It is unlawful to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment.

At RTI, we demonstrate our commitment to rewarding individual and team achievement through a total rewards package. The package includes competitive base salary, generous paid time off, merit‑based annual increases, bonus opportunities, a robust recognition program. Other benefits include a range of insurance plans, a 401(k) retirement savings program, paid parental leave, financial assistance with adoption or infertility treatments, financial reimbursement for education and developmental opportunities, an employee assistance program, and other offerings to support a healthy work‑life balance.

Equal Pay Act Minimum/Range: $ – $.