Sr. Chemical Process Engineer

RSCH AND DEV ENGR 3 TX (004758)

UCPath Position ID: 40883143

Position Description History/Status

Approved Date:

2/10/2025 1:47:22 PM

Date Last Edited:

2/10/2025 1:47:19 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:

40883143

Position Description ID

214683

UC Payroll Title:

RSCH AND DEV ENGR 3 TX (004758)

Business Title:

Sr. Chemical Process Engineer

Personnel Program

Professional and Support Staff (PSS)

Salary Grade:

STEPS

Job Code FLSA:

Exempt

Union Code (Collective Bargaining Unit):

99: Non-Represented (PPSM)

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:

40061059

Reports to Payroll Title:

PROF-AY-B/E/E

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 process engineer to join a multi-disciplinary team of engineers and scientists developing carbon removal technologies that can be applied on a global scale. This position will lead our projects from feasibility study/pre-FEED to delivery of demonstration plants and require both process engineering and project engineering skillsets. Reporting to the Institute Director, the individual will lead the day-to-day research and development with deep engagement across internal and external stakeholders, including external partners and vendors. In addition, the individual will collaborate closely with broader internal teams of diverse subject matter experts who are impact-driven and results-focused.

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. Develop conceptual process flow diagrams, identify the design basis variables, scaling relations based on dimensionless numbers, to develop the design basis document & prepare the project schedule. 2. Prepare detailed process flow diagrams (PFD) with major equipment, feed, product, recycle, and utility streams, develop process control strategies, and propose appropriate instruments, control valves, safety/relief valves, and process control sampling points. 3. Prepare process models and simulation calculations of unit operations using AspenPlus© (or equivalent) and develop detailed heat and material balances. The required process models may vary from single unit operations to plant-wide coordination of multiple process units including multiple process configuration scenarios. 4. Perform equipment sizing calculations (e.g., storage tanks, mixers, reactors, separators, distillation, pumps, instrument, and control valves) and develop equipment/instrument lists, supplier options, and specifications. 5. Coordinate with subject matter experts to develop material selection diagrams. 6. Prepare process unit cost basis and estimate preliminary project costs (±30%) considering relevant factors associated with the design, construction, and operations. 7. Work with third party vendors (as needed) to develop Basic Engineering Package to include Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID), detailed specifications for equipment, instruments, digital control system, data historian, online/offline analyzers, detailed cost estimate (±15%) and project schedules. 8. Conduct Process Hazards Analysis (PHA) and improve the design based on PHA outcomes. 9. Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in processes, design, equipment, and operational procedures. 10. Design experimental plans and conduct data analysis of experimental results. 11. Lead the project from pre-FEED to delivery of demonstration plant while keeping the team on track and prioritizing the project’s critical path deliverables. 12. Deliver against an agreed project scope, independently identifying and removing ambiguity where it exists, and knowing and addressing project bottlenecks to avoid any impact on delivery timelines. 13. Develop project plans, schedules, and resource deployment schedules, adapting as necessary to meet the evolving project status while ensuring cost and schedule control. 14. Visit vendors, manufacturers and plant sites (national and international).

90%

Reporting and Documentation

1. Document design and safety processes and lead design and safety review meetings. 2. Prepare operating procedures for startup, shut down, normal operation, and emergency, and data collection and sampling plan.

10%

•

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 or equivalent combination of education and experience.

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

A self-starter who collaborates effectively, communicates clearly, and drives progress.

Required

Knowledge of wide range of manufacturing/prototyping processes.

Required

Strong grasp of engineering fundamentals.

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

Passion for climate technology.

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:

420 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095

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

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.