Lead Process Engineer - Renewable Fuels Systems (Houston, TX)
A forward-looking renewable energy company in Houston is expanding its engineering team and is on the hunt for a senior process engineer to lead technical design and process integration for advanced biofuels projects. This position will work on the deployment of gasification-based systems that produce renewable hydrogen, green methanol, sustainable aviation fuel, and related low-carbon products.
Position Overview:
The Lead Process Engineer will oversee the design and technical modeling of process systems for biomass gasification and downstream integration. This role involves collaboration with both internal experts and external engineering firms, supporting everything from early-stage design through commissioning.
Location and Work Style:
This is a full-time, office-based role in northwest Houston (near W. Sam Houston Parkway N). While day-to-day work is primarily onsite, occasional remote work is permitted as needed. Travel may be required (up to 10%) for site visits, vendor meetings, and client-facing reviews.
Responsibilities:
- Serve as the process engineering lead across multiple projects, ensuring system designs meet performance, safety, and commercial requirements.
- Build process models and tools using simulation platforms such as Aspen Plus or HYSYS.
- Develop and refine key engineering documents, including PFDs, P&IDs, equipment sizing, datasheets, and hydraulic calculations.
- Participate in client meetings, technical presentations, and third-party design reviews.
- Collaborate with control system engineers to draft control logic and instrumentation strategies.
- Contribute to and lead HAZOPs, design reviews, and constructability assessments.
- Provide onsite technical support during system commissioning and startup.
- Maintain design procedures, engineering templates, and best practices across the organization.
- Support proposal development and contribute to ongoing business development efforts.
Skills & Knowledge:
- Strong command of chemical process design and integration principles.
- Experience working in or with EPC firms, ideally from concept through construction.
- Familiarity with fluidized bed systems, syngas platforms, or biomass-based process technologies is preferred.
- Capable of generating process deliverables independently and mentoring junior engineers.
- Solid understanding of safety systems, pressure relief design, and regulatory frameworks.
- Comfortable interfacing directly with clients, vendors, and partner engineering teams.
- Knowledge of emerging energy technologies like carbon capture, methanation, and reforming systems is a plus.
Background & Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Chemical Engineering.
- 15-25 years of professional experience in process design or plant engineering.
- Highly skilled in AspenTech tools (Aspen Plus, HYSYS) and fluent in simulation techniques.
- Working experience with P&ID editing tools like AutoCAD or Bluebeam is beneficial.
- Familiarity with HAZOP/HAZID, commissioning, and operational support.
- Strong communication and documentation skills.
Compensation & Benefits:
Includes competitive salary, full health benefits (medical, dental, vision), 401(k) with match, paid time off, life and disability insurance, and career growth support.
Culture Snapshot:
We pride ourselves on a collaborative, flexible environment free from corporate bureaucracy. We value innovation, technical excellence, and the shared purpose of delivering renewable fuel solutions to a low-carbon future.