Staff Chemical Engineer, Thermal Processing Specialist
Redwood MaterialsMcCarran, Nevada
Full Time
Posted November 25, 2025
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Job Description
The position involves leading the design, development, and optimization of high-temperature thermal processing systems for metallurgical applications, serving as a subject matter expert in process design, safety, and system modeling to support battery material production and recycling efforts.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as SME for high-temperature thermal processing technologies in metallurgical applications
- Evaluate and compare thermal processing routes for various feedstocks, identifying key design parameters and performance metrics
- Develop new high-temperature processes through bench-scale testing, pilot plant design, and scale-up strategies
- Design and specify materials of construction for thermal reactors and associated systems
- Develop process control strategies, including instrumentation and automation integration
- Model and simulate thermal processes to optimize performance and support scale-up
- Analyze high-temperature chemical reactions relevant to metallurgical processes
- Prepare and review engineering documentation such as PFDs, P&IDs, heat and mass balances, and equipment specifications
- Participate in process safety reviews and collaborate with safety teams to ensure compliance with safety standards
- Provide technical support during commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting of thermal systems
Requirements
- 10-15 years of experience in high-temperature processing systems operating at 500°C within a metallurgical or related industrial environment.
- Proven expertise in the design, commissioning, and operation of a wide range of thermal processing equipment, including Kilns, Furnaces, Dryers, Roasters, and related systems.
- Strong background in material handling, feed discharge systems, off-gas treatment, and dust collection associated with high-temperature operations.
- Experience with both direct-fired and indirect-fired thermal systems.
- Minimum 5 years of experience linking engineering design with bench and pilot-scale testing to develop and optimize thermal processes.
- Direct experience in selecting and qualifying ceramic and metallic materials for use in high-temperature systems.
- Proficiency in process modeling and thermodynamic simulation software such as HSC Chemistry, METSIM, Aspen, FactSage, MPE, or similar tools.
- Deep understanding of process safety and hazard mitigation strategies for high-temperature operations.
- Familiarity with relevant regulatory codes and standards, e.g., ASME, NFPA, governing thermal systems and fuel delivery infrastructure.
- Strong understanding of combustion, pyrolysis, and phase transformation phenomena in high-temperature environments.
- Familiarity with thermal system safety standards, including combustible dust mitigation, refractory failure modes, and emergency venting design.
- Ability to safely perform job duties in both office and production environments, including working in challenging conditions with exposure to noise, dust, chemicals, and temperature extremes while protected by PPE.
- Physical ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. as needed.
- Must maintain regular and punctual attendance and be able to communicate clearly.
- Availability to work in a split environment between office and production facility, including extended periods in the production environment, and occasional work on weekends or alternate shifts to support production needs.
Benefits & Perks
Compensation will be commensurate with experience
Split work environment between office and production facility
Work may involve extended periods in challenging conditions with exposure to noise, dust, chemicals, and temperature extremes, protected by PPE
Full-time position
Occasional work on weekends or alternate shifts to support production needs
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