Sr. Process Engineer

Department Summary

The Institute for Carbon Management (ICM) is a cross‑campus technology‑translation entity at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). ICM translates pioneering carbon management strategies from the laboratory/bench‑scale to pre‑commercial/commercial‑scale devices, prototypes, and software solutions. ICM's activities span two major focus areas:

• Technologies for CO₂ removal (from the atmosphere and the ocean), utilization, and avoidance.
• Technologies for creating new supply chains and processing approaches for critical materials and elements (e.g., Li, Ni, Co, Mn, Mo) that are foundational to accelerating the clean energy transition and reducing the carbon footprint of extractive processes.

ICM is organized into convergent, agile, world‑class action teams. These teams have enabled ICM‑born technologies to win the NRG COSIA Carbon XPRIZE and the 2021 Liveability Challenge, among others. ICM’s technologies are now being commercialized via spin‑out companies, including CarbonBuilt Inc., Concrete‑AI Inc., and Equatic Inc.

Position Summary

ICM is seeking an experienced Senior Process Engineer to join a multidisciplinary team of engineers and scientists developing carbon removal technologies with global impact. This role will lead projects from early‑stage feasibility and pre‑FEED through design, construction, and delivery of demonstration‑scale plants, requiring a strong blend of process engineering and project engineering expertise. Reporting to the Institute Director and Project Lead, the individual will drive day‑to‑day research and development activities, working closely with internal teams and external stakeholders, including partners and vendors. The role demands hands‑on technical leadership, effective cross‑functional collaboration, and the ability to translate innovative concepts into scalable, real‑world solutions.

Qualifications

• 5 or more years experience in chemical process design and developing basic or detailed engineering packages for metallurgical or oil refining/petrochemical/gas processing/chemical industries. (Required)
• 5 or more years experience as a project engineer/manager in delivering/supporting capital projects. (Required)
• Experience with process simulation (e.g., Aspen Plus). (Preferred)
• Experience with electrochemical systems including electrolyzers and fuel cells. (Preferred)
• Has worked for, or with, EPC teams in both office and project‑site locations. (Preferred)
• Proficiency with Aspen Plus modeling and simulation, and Aspen Icarus cost estimation tools. (Required)
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, collaborate across functions, and communicate effectively to drive results. (Required)
• Working knowledge of diverse fabrication and prototyping methods across multiple process environments. (Required)
• Solid foundation in core engineering principles. (Required)
• Demonstrated ownership, drive, and result‑orientation; holding self and others accountable for success. (Required)
• Excellent communication skills; able to work seamlessly across internal stakeholders, partners, and external vendors. (Required)
• Highly structured thinking, including the ability to define overarching development plans and track execution among team members and partners. (Required)
• Strong chemistry knowledge. (Preferred)
• Strong interest in climate technologies and sustainability solutions. (Preferred)
• Bachelor’s Degree in engineering, preferably Chemical Engineering. (Required)
• Master’s Degree in engineering, preferably Chemical Engineering. (Preferred)
• Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.
• Live Scan Background Check: Must be completed prior to the start of employment.

Schedule

8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.