Staff Process Design Engineer

Who You Are

You are creative, diligent, rigorous, insightful and hands-on. You understand the principles of process development and engineering. You are excited to scaleup chemical processes and commission new industrial facilities to manufacture materials for Li-ion batteries. You look forward to being on a team of diverse individuals united by a shared goal. We start with first principles, test new reactors and systems, and deliver processes through pilot-scale into high-volume commercial production. You will leverage your previous experience in development and operations to collaborate with Materials Development, Equipment Development, Program Management and Operations teammates to successfully deliver large volumes of next-generation battery materials into a growing market.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Design world-class chemical processes to produce next-generation battery materials.
• Plan and execute test campaigns on bench and pilot-scale systems.
• Use test campaign results to develop engineering data (thermodynamics, kinetics, speciation, yields).
• Assess the technical and economic feasibility of commercial scale-up based upon test campaigns and data.
• Create high-quality process and system design packages (PFDs, Process Simulations, HMBs, P&IDs) in collaboration with the Process Design team during front-end engineering. Serve as the Process functional representative in hazard analyses and design reviews.
• Generate the qualification & control plan for new process steps, including: operations and maintenance manuals, operator training, analytical requirements, and production test runs.
• Safely commission, troubleshoot and qualify manufacturing assets during startup of new production facilities.
• Advise operations teams as the onsite technical expert.
• Collaborate effectively across multiple internal Sila teams and external vendors as part of a major capital projects team.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements

• BS/MS/PhD in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related field
• Experience with solids processing (fine powders, particulates, or speciality materials preferred)
• 5+ years of relevant technology experience, including some industrial process experience
• Good understanding of safety and safety-first culture
• Comfortable in laboratory and industrial production environments
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Record of working positively and effectively in dynamic teams
• Familiarity with Process Hazard Analyses and PSM requirements

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position to operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a laptop, copier/printer machine, etc.
• Wear personal protective equipment including, but not limited to, a hard hat, lab coat or coveralls, gloves, safety glasses, and safety shoes
• Pass a respirator fit test and be able to wear respiratory protection on a periodic basis
• Repetitive use of hands - light to forceful handling of material
• Move long distances and occasionally kneel or bend
• Up to 30% travel for work at new production sites and 3rd party test labs

The starting base pay for this role is between $130,000 and $205,000 at the time of posting. The actual base pay depends on many factors, such as education, experience, and skills. Base pay is only one part of Sila’s competitive Total Rewards package that can include benefits, perks, equity, and bonuses. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.

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