Position Title: R&D - Process Development Engineer
Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Location: Stony Brook, NY, USA
NES Fircroft is a leading global technical recruitment company providing professional contracts and permanent staff to a diverse world-wide client base within the Renewable Energy industry. Our client, a fast-growing Biotech firm making advancements in the fertilizer industry, has a permanent opportunity for a Chemical Process Development Engineer to be based in Stony Brook, NY.
About our Client Our client is a cutting-edge biotech start-up dedicated to revolutionizing the sustainable upcycling of food and agricultural waste through our innovative Nitric Oxide Process (NOP). They transform these materials into high-demand products like nutrient-rich fertilizers and Cellulose Nanofiber (CNF). Their mission is to push the boundaries of biomaterial applications, leading the industry in sustainability and innovation. As an entrepreneurial start-up, our client is seeking high performing individuals with a strong technical background, business minded acumen, and the desire and motivation to work with others to advance the company's growth to the next level.
Position Summary As a member of our dynamic team, you'll be at the forefront of groundbreaking technology, working closely with our R&D teams, CTO, CEO, and development partners to design, build, test, and optimize systems that process a diverse range of feedstocks tailored to specific customer applications. Regularly working on multiple projects simultaneously, the successful candidate will possess demonstrable experience of supporting R&D, pilot plant design and fabrication, together with ongoing front-end project development.
We are on the lookout for a resourceful, hands-on Chemical Process Engineer with a passion for problem-solving and a knack for building or fixing anything. You should be mechanically inclined, with a background in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering, and possess an entrepreneurial spirit that drives you to innovate. Whether you are early in your career or a seasoned professional, your ability to adapt, learn, and lead will be key to your success in this role.
Responsibilities - Collaborate with the R&D team to draft, design, and update engineering documentation, including P&IDs, PFDs, and M&Es.
- Build, test, & operate pilot-scale systems to refine & optimize the NOP for CNF & fertilizer production.
- Fabricate specialized components, either in-house or in collaboration with external machine shops.
- Ensure precision and quality in every build for every client.
- Run & monitor our NOP systems regularly, preparing CNF and fertilizers for testing and customer delivery.
- Troubleshoot, maintain, & improve system efficiency & safety protocols, implementing feedback from our R&D teams.
- Interface directly with customers & partners to align our systems with their specific needs & expectations.
Requirements- Accredited Degree in Chemical Engineering, experience with nitric acid systems is a plus
- Strong mechanical aptitude with a hands-on approach to problem-solving
- Proficiency in CAD modeling and drafting, preferably with SolidWorks.
- Familiarity with a variety of chemical, mechanical, and electrical manufacturing equipment, along with their operation.
- Experience with PLC programming is beneficial but not mandatory.
- Knowledge of cellulose and/or cellulose nanofibers is a plus.
This is an excellent opportunity to become part of a cutting-edge biotech start-up dedicated to revolutionizing the sustainable upcycling of food and agricultural waste through our innovative Nitric Oxide Process (NOP). We transform these materials into high-demand products like nutrient-rich fertilizers and Cellulose Nanofiber (CNF). The successful applicant will receive a competitive annual compensation package, annual bonus, LTIP opportunity, medical benefits, and holidays. On top of competitive compensation, the candidate will join a forward-thinking company that puts culture and their people at the forefront of their business. For further information regarding this role, please contact me at 713-437-2286 or Cameron.Huestis@nesfircroft.com.
With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.
