Staff Chemical Process Design Engineer
Mitra Chem is a growth-stage startup developing sustainable Li-ion battery cathodes in the heart of Silicon Valley. Our high-throughput acceleration platform shortens the lab-to-production timeline by >90% through vertically integrated process optimization and cutting-edge artificial intelligence applications. Our iron-rich cathodes are industry proven drivers of EV, ESS, and consumer electronics applications, and our team of industry leaders is developing a robust supply chain and manufacturing pipeline to deliver Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) qualified cathodes to our customers.
We have set up a state-of-the-art 15,000 sq ft industrial R&D center in Mountain View, CA. Join our team and be a part of the growing battery revolution.
We are looking for a Staff Chemical Process Design Engineer to design, scale-up and build a commercial cathode manufacturing facility. A few highlights of the role:
Mission: Enable the energy transition by accelerating iron-based cathode material mass production for EV and ESS battery market
Ownership: Make key plant design decisions on process, facility and equipment and be responsible for formulating cost and energy efficient process solutions
Agility: Work at the crossroads of chemical engineering and material science, building scale-up infrastructure to bridge the gap between science and engineering and empower collaborative innovation
Impact: Drive rapid decision making and continuously accelerate product commercialization timeline by integrating advanced process solutions
Responsibilities:
- Design one-of-a-kind chemical manufacturing processes for Lithium-ion battery cathodes
- Develop technical roadmaps for iron-rich cathode synthesis at commercial scale
- Conduct mass/energy balance of cathode making process using internal lab/pilot results to design and optimize iron-based cathode manufacturing processes at scale
- Select, size and customize cathode manufacturing equipment for mass production and lead equipment FAT (Factory Acceptance Test)
- Manage EPC firms (Engineering Procurement and Construction) to generate plant design engineering documents, e.g. heat and mass balance, utility balance, plant layout, and optimize CAPEX and OPEX
- Prepare PFD, P&ID, and HAZOP reviews for FEED
- Lead design of plant control systems for iron-based cathode manufacturing
- Lead process equipment commissioning at pilot and mass production scale
- Lead project management of manufacturing facility construction at pilot and mass production scale
- Scope and implement production line improvements
- Feedback manufacturing data to R&D to inform experimental design
Basic Qualifications:
- BS/MS in Chemical Engineering/Mechanical Engineering
- 5+ years’ design and/or construction experience in setting up a new manufacturing facility with EPC firms
- 2+ years’ manufacturing equipment selection, FAT, commissioning and troubleshooting experience
- Experience with process design tools such as Aspen HYSIS, ChemCAD, and COMSOL Multiphysics
Desired Experience:
- 5+ years’ scale-up experience of pilot operation in chemical, ceramic, pharmaceutical, and food industry
- 2+ years’ experience in process control design/hardware selection and electrical basics
- 2+ years’ experience with lithium-ion battery cathode synthesis
- Experience in manufacturing with an emphasis on powder handling, calcination (furnaces), milling, and drying
- Experience establishing manufacturing procedures supervising manufacturing operations
- Experience managing process engineering
- Experience in manufacturing specialty chemicals
- Experience managing quality with FMEA, Six Sigma, TQM, Kaizen, and/or Lean Manufacturing
- Certification as a Professional Engineer (PE) or Engineer in Training (EIT)
Benefits:
- Competitive compensation package including company equity
- Comprehensive benefits including health, vision and dental insurance, Tax-free spending accounts, along with life and disability insurances
- 401k matching and savings programs
- Flexible time off with company holidays
- Free daily lunch and snacks
The following represents the expected range of compensation for this role:
- The estimated base salary range for this role is $160,000-$190,000.
- Additionally, this role is eligible to participate in a bonus and equity plan.
Mitra Chem is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. Company policy prohibits discrimination based on race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion or religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, status as a protected veteran, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information or characteristics (or those of a family member) or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state or local laws. We take steps to provide our employees, applicants, and others with whom we do business with an environment that is free of any form of discrimination and harassment (including harassment based on any of these characteristics). Mitra Future Technologies, Inc. is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at careers(at)mitrachem.com.