Lydian overview
Lydian is a technology development company focused on producing the cheapest carbon-neutral fuels and chemicals on the planet. Our process replaces oil and gas refining with fully electrified, modular, and highly efficient reactor systems that enable the upgrading of captured CO2 into a range of carbon-neutral fuels and chemicals. Our initial focus is on the production of the cheapest and most scalable CO2-derived aviation fuel.
Lydian is backed by top climate investors including Congruent Ventures, Galvanize Climate Solutions, Union Square Ventures, Voyager Ventures, Grok Ventures, and Overlap Holdings. We are building a motivated, diverse, and collaborative team that is passionate about addressing the growing climate crisis and is committed to excellence in their work. In particular, we look for tenacious people that are energized by solving the hardest, highest impact problems that come their way.
Position overview
We are seeking a highly motivated, creative, and detail-oriented Senior Process Engineer to lead process design, development, and optimization for our novel sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) plants. You will start with a clean sheet design and take it all the way through startup, commissioning, and operation.
You will collaborate with a cross-disciplinary engineering team to define and model our commercial-scale process and generate detailed engineering specifications. You will develop and own key supplier relationships to evaluate and provide input on design packages for plants skids and modules.
The ideal candidate will have a degree in Chemical Engineering and 5+ years of industry experience in chemical process design and modeling. You should also have a passion for sustainable energy and desire to work in a fast-paced startup environment. This is a full-time permanent position based in Cambridge, MA reporting to our Head of Product Engineering.
Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and optimize chemical processes through all design stages (conceptual to construction) with a focus on process safety, operability, and reliability.
- Develop process flow diagrams, utility flow diagrams, P&IDs (including controls strategies), heat and mass balances, and process simulation models using industry-standard software tools (such as Aspen Plus, HYSYS, or PRO II).
- Identify opportunities for process optimization, cost reduction, and efficiency improvement, with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.
- Analyze data from pilot plants and laboratory experiments to validate unit operations and key process parameters.
- Specify and source plant components (including heat exchangers, condensers, valves, mass flow controllers) and design plant process with commercial availability in mind.
- Engage process equipment suppliers and EPCs to help build high fidelity technoeconomic models and develop project cost estimates.
- Scoping, tracking, and executing capital projects to outside engineering firms, EPCs, industry consultants, etc.
- Build strong working relationships with cross-functional teams, clients, and suppliers, with a focus on effective communication and collaboration.
Qualifications
- B.S. or higher in Chemical Engineering.
- 5+ years of experience in chemical process design and optimization, preferably in petrochemicals or related industries.
- Deep knowledge of process simulation tools (such as Aspen, HYSYS, or ProII) and programming languages (such as Python or MATLAB).
- Demonstrated experience developing Basic Engineering Packages (BEPs) and/or Front End Engineering Design (FEED) packages for projects in chemical, specialty chemical, or fuels processing.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
- Deep understanding of process safety, including the ability to conduct hazard analyses, implement safety measures, and ensure compliance with relevant regulations.
- Willingness to learn new skills and technologies, and to stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and developments.
Company culture and benefits Challenging, collaborative, and meaningful work and an important voice in company development
Competitive salary and title commensurate with experience
Meaningful equity compensation
Flexible PTO and expectation that all employees take significant time off to rest, recharge, and enjoy life outside work
Excellent health, vision, and dental insurance with 100% of premiums covered
401(k) with company match