Pilot Plant Engineer

RSCH AND DEV ENGR 3 (007120)

UCPath Position ID: TBD_2079

Position Description History/Status

Approved Date:

9/27/2024 1:39:32 PM

Date Last Edited:

9/27/2024 1:39:29 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_2079

Position Description ID

230428

UC Payroll Title:

RSCH AND DEV ENGR 3 (007120)

Business Title:

Pilot Plant Engineer

Personnel Program

Professional and Support Staff (PSS)

Salary Grade:

Grade 23

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):

1 - Staff: Contract

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 a Pilot Plant Engineer to join a multi-disciplinary team of engineers and scientists developing carbon removal technologies to be commercialized on a global scale. The engineer will be responsible for design, operation, control and optimization of process and plant design, across scales (bench, pilot, commercial) and ensuring successful operation while adhering to all applicable safety and environmental standards and regulations. The position will collaborate closely with broader teams of diverse subject matter experts, who are impact- and schedule-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 solutions 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 carbon dioxide removal (from the atmosphere), utilization, and avoidance, and

(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. Lead the experimental process design and integration of unit operations into a bench-top demonstration unit. 2. Scaling up, monitoring, and improving existing unit processes. 3. Oversee the prototyping of unit operations and implementation of design iterations, with a strong focus on mechanical design and hands-on prototyping skills. 4. Work closely with R&D to ensure the transition of maturing development projects into the pilot. 5. Optimize process operation and controls, emphasizing practical solutions and mechanical improvements. 6. Establish and test measurement strategies and process control systems, including in-line measurements and establishing mass and energy balances. 7. 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. 8. Prepare operating procedures for startup, shutdown, normal operation, and emergency situations, along with data collection and sampling plans. 9. Troubleshooting an out-of-spec process and determining the root cause. 10. Conduct Process Hazards Analysis (PHA) and improve designs based on PHA outcomes.

80%

Communication and documentation

1. Coordinate with subject matter experts to develop material selection diagrams. 2. Work with third-party vendors (as needed) to develop Basic Engineering Packages, including Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID), detailed specifications for equipment, instruments, digital control systems, data historians, online/offline analyzers, detailed cost estimates (±15%), and project schedules. 3. Document design and safety processes and participate in/lead design and safety review meetings. 4. Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in processes, design, equipment, and operational procedures.

20%

•

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 Mechanical Engineering.

Required

Master's Degree

in Engineering, preferably in Chemical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.

Preferred

5 years or more

Experience in chemical process design and developing basic or detailed engineering packages for metallurgical, oil refining, petrochemical, gas processing, or chemical industries.

Required

Experience working in wet labs, handling chemicals, and conducting experiments.

Required

Experience with electrochemical systems including electrolyzers and fuel cells.

Preferred

Familiarity with chemical process equipment.

Required

Proficiency in drafting or familiarity with CAD packages like AutoCAD, SOLIDWORKS, or DraftSight, with an emphasis on mechanical design and prototyping.

Required

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

Required

Familiarity with chemical analyses such as ICP, GC, HPLC, etc.

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.