Southwest Research Institute · 3 weeks ago
ENGINEER - RESEARCH ENGINEER - Chemical Engineer - Fuels and Energy Development
Southwest Research Institute is focused on Fuels and Energy Development, and they are seeking a Research Engineer to support and lead technical engineering design for innovative technologies. The role involves conducting research, process development, and business development while ensuring safety and operational efficiency in pilot plant operations.
Innovation ManagementMarket ResearchMechanical EngineeringNon ProfitProduct Research
Responsibilities
Support and lead technical engineering design for first of its kind technologies
Key focus on Fuels and Energy Development but not limited to
Conduct business development for existing and new areas
Focus on novel idea generation that can have impact in Fuels and Energy Development
Support overall chemical engineering department with emphasis on department safety culture, waste disposal, procedure generation
Lead pilot plant buildup and modification work for new and existing pilot plants to generate value added data for end clients
Design processes or unit operations for chemical or refinery systems
Plan and conduct research and process development work in fuels and energy development areas
Expand particular area of expertise
Support ongoing projects through pilot plant operations (Shift work may be required), data compilation, mass and energy balances, operator training, procedure development, laboratory upkeep, maintenance, and safety review/document preparation
Department safety emphasis
Opportunity to operate pilot plants as a lead operator during processing campaigns (requiring shift work and/or weekends)
Create process simulations using commercial software in addition to input/output, process flow and process instrumentation diagrams
Conduct strategic business development activities
Provide technical supervision to other engineers, technicians, analyst, and pilot plant operators
Emphasis on proposal writing and publications
Communicate with vendors, clients, and operators to set up equipment and construct systems for new processes
Promote and secure new work as trained through mentorship and internal business development training
Qualification
Required
Requires a Bachelors degree in Chemical Engineering
Shift work required
0-2 years: Direct experience with chemical engineering process development work (developing Excel spreadsheets for chemical engineering calculations and data compilation) to include designing and conducting lab scale to pilot scale experiments
0-2 years: High attention to detail in calculations, design, and operations. Must be able to develop process flow diagrams, process and instrumentation diagrams, I/O diagrams, and process control strategies
0-2 years: Must be able to communicate clearly and interface with clients or potential clients as needed in the course of the project or proposal process. Must be able to conduct tasks in parallel. Experience with actual hands-on buildup of processes and test systems is helpful
0-2 years: Experience in any of the following areas: biofuels, hydrotreating, carbon capture, carbon utilization, plastics recycling, pyrolysis, delayed coking, distillation, electrolysis, clean hydrogen, biomass conversion. It is possible that the candidate will need a full-face respirator
A valid/clear driver's license is required
Must be a U.S. person (i.e., U.S. citizen, non-U.S. citizen national, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee) due to ITAR work in section
Company
Southwest Research Institute
Southwest Research Institute is an independent organization benefiting the government and others through innovative science and more.
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$19.47MKey Investors
NASAUS Department of EnergyARPA-E
2025-03-11Grant· $3M
2023-06-09Grant· $2M
2022-12-14Series Unknown· $1.61M
Recent News
2025-12-17
2025-12-12
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