Sr. Process Engineer

RSCH AND DEV ENGR 3 TX (004758)

UCPath Position ID: TBD_941375

Position Description History/Status

Approved Date:

5/8/2026 7:23:19 PM

Date Last Edited:

5/8/2026 7:23:17 PM

Last Action Effective Date:

Organization Details

Business Unit (Location):

LACMP

Organization Code:

1130O

Organization:

HENRY SAMUELI SCHOOL ENGR & APPL SCIENCE

Division Code:

1131D

Division:

ENGINEERING & APPLIED SCIEN DIV

Department:

012100 - INSTITUTE FOR CARBON MANAGEMENT

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

TBD_941375

Position Description ID

255273

UC Payroll Title:

RSCH AND DEV ENGR 3 TX (004758)

Personnel Program

Professional and Support Staff (PSS)

Salary Grade:

STEPS

Job Code FLSA:

Exempt

Union Code (Collective Bargaining Unit):

TX: Technical

Employee Relations Code:

E: All Others - Not Confidential

Employee Class (Appt Type):

4 - Staff: Limited

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

1

SUPERVISION

UCPath Reports to Position Number:

41210152

Reports to Payroll Title:

RSCH AND DEV ENGR 4

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40061059

Department Head Payroll Title:

PROF-AY-B/E/E

GENERAL SUPERVISION - Indicates that the incumbent develops procedures for performance of variety of duties; or performs complex duties within established policy guidelines.

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 the 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, this individual will drive day-to-day research and development activities, working closely with both internal teams and external stakeholders, including partners and vendors. The role requires hands-on technical leadership, effective cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to translate innovative concepts into scalable, real-world solutions. The successful candidate will collaborate with a diverse group of subject matter experts in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment focused on delivering measurable results.

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: (1) Technologies for CO2 removal (from the atmosphere and the ocean), utilization, and avoidance (2) 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, as well as reducing the carbon footprint of extractive processes. ICM is organized into action teams that are convergent, agile, and world-class. Prominently, these action teams have enabled ICM-born technologies to be awarded 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.

Research and

Development

1. Establish process design foundations by developing high-level process flow schemes, defining key design parameters, and applying scaling methodologies (including dimensionless analysis) to support design basis documentation and early project planning. 2. Generate and refine process flow diagrams that capture major equipment, material and energy streams (feed, product, recycle, and utilities), and outline process control philosophies. 3. Identify suitable instrumentation, control systems, pressure relief devices, and sampling strategies. 4. Develop and utilize process simulation models (Aspen Plus© or similar platforms) to evaluate unit operations and integrated process configurations. Produce detailed mass and energy balances across a range of operating scenarios. 5. Perform design calculations to size and specify process equipment, including reactors, separation systems, storage vessels, pumps, mixers, and control elements. Compile equipment lists and support vendor selection through technical evaluation. 6. Partner with internal experts to determine appropriate materials of construction and document material selection strategies. 7. Support early-stage economic evaluation by developing cost bases and preparing preliminary capital cost estimates (±30%), incorporating key design and operational considerations. 8. Collaborate with external engineering firms and vendors to develop Basic Engineering Packages, including P&IDs, detailed equipment and instrumentation specifications, control system architecture (e.g., DCS, data systems, analyzers), refined cost estimates (±15%), and execution schedules. 9. Facilitate and contribute to process safety reviews, including Process Hazard Analyses (PHA), and integrate findings into design improvements. 10. Identify and implement opportunities to enhance process efficiency, reliability, and operability through continuous improvement initiatives. 11. Design and execute experimental programs, analyze results, and translate findings into process development and scale-up strategies. 12. Drive project execution from pre-FEED through demonstration plant delivery, maintaining alignment with technical goals, timelines, and key milestones. 13. Manage project scope and progress by proactively addressing uncertainties, resolving technical and logistical challenges, and ensuring critical deliverables remain on track. 14. Develop and maintain project schedules and resource plans, adjusting as needed to reflect project evolution while maintaining cost and timeline discipline. 15. Interface with equipment suppliers, fabricators, and operating facilities through site visits (domestic and international) to support engineering, procurement, and implementation efforts.

85%

Reporting and

Documentation

1. Maintain comprehensive documentation of process design decisions, safety analyses, and engineering workflows; organize and lead design and safety review sessions to ensure alignment and compliance. 2. Develop clear and practical operating procedures covering startup, shutdown, routine operations, and emergency scenarios, along with structured plans for data collection and process sampling.

15%

•

Performs other duties as assigned.

•

Complies with all policies and standards.

•

Complies with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Principles of Community.

•

This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree

in engineering, preferably in Chemical Engineering.

Required

Master's Degree

in engineering, preferably in Chemical Engineering.

Preferred

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 ability of taking ownership, being driven and result oriented, holding yourself and others accountable for success.

Required

Excellent communication skills, forthcoming in interpersonal relationships and able to work seamlessly across internal stakeholders, partners and external vendors.

Required

Highly structured thinking, including the ability to define overarching development plans, and to track plan execution among different team members and internal/external partners.

Required

Strong chemistry knowledge.

Preferred

Strong interest in climate technologies and sustainability solutions.

Preferred

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, MENTAL (PEM) REQUIREMENTS

Environment and Work Location Information

Environment Type:

Non-Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Campus

Location:

Standing/Walking

X

Sitting

X

Bending/Stooping

X

Squatting/Kneeling

X

Climbing

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 0-25 lbs

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 26-50 lbs

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull over 50 lbs

X

Physical requirements other

X

Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes

X

X

Loud noise levels

X

Marked changes in humidity or temperature

X

Microwave/Radiation

X

Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment

X

Exposures other

X

Sustained attention and concentration

X

X

Complex problem solving/reasoning

X

X

Ability to organize & prioritize

X

X

Communication skills

X

X

Numerical skills

X

X

Mental demands other

X

X

Classification 3:  Position in which exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues is not part of the position description. The normal routine task involves no exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues and the employee can decline to perform tasks which involve a perceived risk without retribution.