LanzaJet, Inc.
R&D Process Development Engineer
Deerfield, IL - Full Time
R&D Process Development Engineer
Onsite Deerfield, IL
Company Overview
Are you looking to have a meaningful impact on the world through cutting-edge cleantech on a global scale? Are you a hard-worker that is looking to make history and change an industry?
LanzaJet, Inc. is a global company and world leader in clean energy technology committed to decarbonizing the transportation sector. Our goal is to produce over 1 billion gallons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and sustainable diesel fuel through our patented technology and process by 2030.
LanzaJet was founded in 2020 and is backed by investors Shell, British Airways, Suncor Energy, LanzaTech, and Mitsui. These investors, as well as supporters All Nippon Airways, Bill Gates’s Breakthrough Energy Catalyst Foundation, and Microsoft’s Innovation Fund, have set the stage for our accelerated growth.
LanzaJet’s proprietary sustainable fuels technology has been in development for over 15 years, has been approved for and used in global commercial flights for airlines including Virgin Atlantic and ANA.
We are currently building the world’s first commercial-scale ethanol to jet fuel refinery in Georgia – set to begin production at the end of 2023. That refinery will produce 2/3 of the sustainable aviation fuel used in the United States. Additional commercial-scale low-carbon refineries are also being developed across the world in places like Japan, Australia, India, and Europe.
Aviation connects the world. And we’re working to ensure that connection is sustainable.
At LanzaJet, we are a group of innovative and determined people committed to building a more sustainable future, today. Because we believe that Someday is Now.
We’re growing fast. Join us!
Job Description
LanzaJet is looking for a motivated, high-energy, well-organized, collaborative R&D Process Development Engineer for its innovative Ethanol to Sustainable Aviation Jet (SAF) and Diesel process global commercialization efforts. The primary responsibility of the R&D Process Development Engineer is the design and coordination of programs to deliver technical solutions which provide a basis for competitive advantage for both sustaining and growth strategies contributing to the value generation of the ATJ catalyst platform.
As the R&D Process Development Engineer, you will develop and manage a project portfolio to scale up current catalyst portfolio production that is aligned with company growth plans. You will also work with process development and technology partners to develop the next generation of catalysts that continue to improve the company’s competitive position. You will champion the current catalyst portfolio and identify new directions to accelerate strategic business objectives.
Responsibilities
- Lead activities for the discovery and scale-up of catalysts for ethanol dehydration, oligomerization, and hydrogenation catalysts
- Learn, identify, and apply knowledge of key business drivers and the factors that maximize company performance to identify, champion, and charter projects in support of strategic objectives.
- Develop robust value propositions in support of technical priorities and projects.
- Ensure continuing alignment of project portfolio with business priorities through updating progress and tactical changes and establishing meaningful milestones with commercial impact
- Represent LanzaJet’s process capabilities, proposing technical solutions to meet the customers’ needs for sustainable aviation and diesel fuels.
- Conduct research for the tool development and utilization for process design and equipment sizing (vessels, pumps, exchangers, reactors, utilities, PSVs, instruments etc.) for use in basic design. Interfacing and integrating highly complex technical solutions across internal and external to company practices that include chemical processing, life cycle, and sustainability studies, utilities, automation (control systems integration), civil and construction management disciplines
- Ensure quality through the implementation of rigorous project management and design reviews
- Review submittals, answer RFIs, and complete field visits to verify process and onsite work is proceeding according to design
- Performs other related duties as required.
- 7-15+ of professional experience for R&D Process Development Engineer based on experience, skillset and expertise. Targeted experience in process engineering research and development and operational experience in refining, petrochemical, or chemical industry environments
- Demonstrated experience in successfully applying the fundamentals of Chemical Engineering to industrial-scale projects
- Chemical processing experience at both R&D or EPC and operations is highly desired
- Experience with research and developing process engineering designs for refining, petrochemical, or chemical industrial manufacturing processes. (Process flow diagrams, piping & instrument diagrams, mass & heat balances, basic piping system design, pump sizing, material handling methods, equipment, functional & installation specifications, as well as process instrumentation & control principles.)
- Good understanding of construction methods and knowledge of process electrical/control and instrumentation design integration is preferred
- Solid analytical skills, a basic understanding of project management fundamentals as well as strong computer skills (Microsoft Office, Microsoft Project, & AutoCAD)
- Proficient with written and verbal technical communication including generating reports and conducting group presentations
- Must possess leadership qualities with strong collaboration skills and the ability to build relationships and influence others, at all levels.
- Willing and able to travel globally as required for project requirements to include but not limited to project installation and start-up activities, customer meetings, training and industry related seminars
- Up to 15% travel may be required
- BS in Chemical Engineering
- Master’s in Chemical Engineering a plus
- Six Sigma or Lean methodology training a plus
- Professional Engineering license a plus
This position is open to candidates authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis for any employer. LanzaJet is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law.
