Jul 14, 2015
Sierra Energy, a clean-tech start-up, is seeking a full-time, experienced Chemical Engineer to add to its highly motivated, forward-thinking team.

With national attention from the New York Times and contracts with the Department of Defense and the California Energy Commission, Sierra Energy is commercializing a revolutionary gasification technology for the conversion of different solid and liquid material types into a clean intermediate syngas (primarily CO and H2) that can be converted into liquid fuels, hydrogen, electricity and chemicals. The team is focused on designing distributed small-scale standardized platforms that can be readily-deployed to a number of project locations within a very short time frame.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic, multi-faceted team in an environment that offers variety and demands attention to detail and a willingness to be flexible.

Job Duties:

• Works directly with the CTO and other in-house engineers, and outside equipment vendors.
• Conduct techno-economic evaluations of novel and existing technologies, including engagement with outside equipment vendors, production of H&MB models, cost analysis, and presentation of results to management.
• Utilize and modify the existing FastOx Gasification process simulation using ChemCAD.
• Pre-FEED design activities to support core engineering team (for example sizing of equipment such as pumps, heat ex-changers, conducting trade-off analyses).
• Participate in PHAs and review guidelines and regulations for design and operation of equipment.
• Depending on experience level, this role may have opportunity to make technology improvements and may take an active role in optimization of the process.
• May have to travel (within CA and out of state) to project site and/or various vendors and consulting groups.

Minimum Experience and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Modelling processes using ChemCAD, ASPEN, HSC or other similar software.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be a self-starter and be able to work autonomously, but also be willing to collaborate as part of a dynamic, multi-faceted team.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• 2+ years experience in Chemical Engineering related activities from chemicals, petrochemicals or refining industries.
• Experience with Oxygen (design for use, cleaning and inspection) and Hydrogen (design for use) is a plus.

Required Items:

• Resume.
• Simple/light cover letter (please include salary expectations and how quickly you could start should you be successful).