Head of Process Engineering

Head of Process Engineering
Who We Are

Aepnus Technology is a climate technology company based in Oakland, California, reinventing how essential industrial chemicals are produced. We are transforming the chlor-alkali industry with a novel electrochemical process that converts industrial salt and sulfate waste into high-purity commodities such as caustic soda and sulfuric acid, while dramatically reducing fossil fuel use and energy demand.

Backed by $10.6M from leading climate investors including Lower carbon Capital, Voyager Ventures, and Clean Energy Ventures, Aepnus is entering a pivotal execution phase in 2026 as we scale toward commercial deployment. Our mission is to enable clean, local, and resilient chemical manufacturing across North America, and we are building a world-class team to deliver meaningful climate and economic impact.

As Head of Process Engineering, you will lead end-to-end process engineering for pilot and commercial facilities, playing a critical role in designing, scaling, and deploying Aepnus’ electrochemical systems. We are seeking a hands-on technical leader with deep expertise in process design, safety, scale-up, and project execution for chemical or electrochemical plants.

Within our small and agile team, you will own core engineering deliverables, set technical direction across projects, and manage EPCs and external partners. You will lead safety reviews, develop operating and commissioning philosophies, support pilot-to-commercial scale-up, and build the process engineering function over time.

You will report directly to the CTO and collaborate closely with product development, R&D, operations, and business teams, serving as a key member of the Aepnus leadership team as we scale in 2026.

• Own end-to-end process engineering for pilot and commercial facilities, including mass and energy balances, PFDs, P&IDs, control narratives, and equipment specifications
• Serve as the technical owner for process design decisions, trade studies, and design basis development
• Lead and participate in process safety and hazard reviews (HAZID, HAZOP, LOPA) to ensure regulatory and safety compliance
• Develop and review operating philosophies, start-up and shutdown procedures, and commissioning plans
• Lead process engineering across all project phases, from concept and FEED through detailed design, construction support, and commissioning
• Manage EPCs, licensors, consultants, and external engineering partners; review and approve deliverables to meet technical, cost, and operability goals
• Support pilot-to-commercial scale-up, technology transfer, and early commercial deployment
• Specify, evaluate, and select process equipment and packaged systems; interface with vendors through FAT, SAT, logistics, and commissioning
• Own engineering scope for commercial deployment, including budget, schedule, and resource management
• Build, lead, and mentor the process engineering team, including international hires, while establishing engineering standards, workflows, and documentation practices
• Collaborate closely with R&D, operations, manufacturing, and business teams on system design and execution
• Perform techno-economic and feasibility analyses, develop capital cost estimates, and provide technical input to customer, partner, and commercial engagements

• Education: Bachelor of Science or higher in Chemical Engineering or a closely related discipline
• Industry
  
  Experience:
  
  7+ years of experience in process engineering for chemical, electrochemical, or energy-related facilities
• Hands-on experience developing process engineering deliverables, including PFDs, P&IDs, equipment specifications, and design documentation
• Strong knowledge of process safety, regulatory compliance, industrial codes and standards (eg ISO/UL), and familiarity with quality systems
• Proven experience leading process design through pilot and commercial-scale deployment
• Experience supporting or leading early commercial-scale facilities and deployments, including supporting commissioning, start-up, and early operations with strong project management systems
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical work and…