Process Development Engineer - Pyrolysis Test in Fort Lupton, Colorado at Charm Industrial

We’re looking for a Process Development Engineer to join our Pyrolysis Test Engineering team. Reporting to the Director of Pyrolysis, you’ll help scale new chemical processes from laboratory and pilot-scale testing to commercial operation, ensuring they are efficient, safe, and cost-effective.

Working closely with engineers, scientists, and operations teams, you’ll investigate scale-up challenges, evaluate process performance, improve product yields, and support the development of safe and reliable operating practices. You’ll play an important role in translating experimental results into processes that can be successfully deployed at commercial scale.

The ideal candidate has experience with pilot plant operations and process scale-up, along with strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. This role requires close collaboration across disciplines and the ability to clearly communicate technical findings to a range of stakeholders.

This is an opportunity to contribute to the development of novel chemical products and processes that support Charm's carbon removal mission. This role is based onsite in Fort Lupton, Colorado.

• Test and iterate on next-generation Charm pyrolyzers to develop biomass conversion processes and produce bio-oil and biochar.
• Design experiments, conduct pilot plant trials, and troubleshoot process performance and scale-up challenges.
• Analyze process data using material and energy balances, and communicate findings through technical reports and presentations.
• Develop process engineering documentation, including Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), and Process Control Narratives (PCNs).
• Participate in process safety reviews, including Failure Mode and Effects Analyses (FMEAs) and Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) studies, before system testing and implementation of process improvements.
• Support our 24/7 operations through a rotating after-hours coverage schedule, totaling approximately 2-3 weeks per year.

• A bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in process development, including at least 2 years working with pilot-scale test systems.
• A strong understanding of heat transfer, mass and energy balances, process controls, and process safety principles.
• Hands-on experience with pilot plant operations, process instrumentation (temperature, pressure, flow, and level sensors), troubleshooting, and rapid prototyping.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• The ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and balance cost, timeline, and impact when making decisions.
• Excitement for scaling hardware and process technologies that can have a meaningful impact on climate change.

• An M.S. or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience working with bio-oil, biochar, syngas, or other advanced thermochemical processes.
• Familiarity with industrial-scale process systems, equipment, and operations.

• Equity ownership through stock options
• 100% employee healthcare premiums covered
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with multiple plan options
• Employer-funded HSA contributions for eligible HDHP plans
• Traditional and Roth 401(k) with a 50% match on contributions up to 6%
• Paid leave, including parental and medical leave
• PPE and workwear allowances
• Annual professional development stipend
• Employee recognition programs that celebrate impactful work and team contributions
• Opportunities for internal growth, career development, and transition into climate from a range of industries and backgrounds