Process Engineer I

Solugen Houston, TX 77035 Position Process Engineer I About Solugen: Solugen is a groundbreaking technology company on a bold mission to decarbonize the physical world. At the heart of our innovation is the world’s first sustainable molecule factory—the Bioforge. This unique manufacturing platform uses a chemienzymatic process to convert plant-derived substances into essential materials that have historically been made from fossil fuels—all with minimal emissions and no hazardous waste. A highly scalable and localized alternative to conventional approaches, the Bioforge enables us to produce a range of high-performance, cost-competitive, and sustainable solutions to meet the diverse needs of our customers. Ready to shape the future? Join us. Are you passionate about sustainable solutions and combating climate change? We're always on the lookout for dynamic individuals who blend passion with adaptability. You thrive in an environment where curiosity propels you, questions are celebrated, and insights power your work. As a self-starter, you’ll embrace the pace and uncertainty of startup culture– that’s where the best ideas flourish. At our core, we prioritize safety above all, value respect for others, and consider creative problem-solving a superpower. Mission Reporting to the Engineering Team, this individual will contribute to the team responsible for process exploration and improvement of Solugen’s prospective manufacturing assets. This is a hands-on role where the individual’s initiative, engineering prowess, energy level, and creativity for process engineering will make a substantial impact on the company. This individual will also be responsible for understanding Solugen’s core process technologies and being able to leverage this expertise to support pilot and commercial plant operations. This individual may travel to customer field sites for modular plant deployment and new technology implementation. As the company grows and the individual progresses, the ideal candidate for this position can move up and laterally to different areas within the company including commercial plant operations, project engineering and process optimization. Key Outcomes • Contribute to the development or scale up of 1 novel chemical process, from laboratory scale to pilot scale to commercial scale. • Support the deployment of new technologies and processes that have potential to improve productivity, reduce costs, produce new products, and/or enhance safety performance. • Design of test equipment at varying scales (small lab scale, medium pilot scale, and large commercial scales) for exploring potential processes and unit operations. • Provide operational and engineering support for plant operations. Identify process upsets and equipment failures. Key Competencies Job Specific • Experience with AutoCAD, ASPEN, ChemCAD, Visio, and/or MS Project preferred. • Experience with benchtop and pilot-scale unit operations preferred. • Excited to learn new things and willing to be hands-on. • Analytical approach to problem solving, with attention to results and a sense of urgency. • Attention to detail and organization. • Good communication, negotiation, leadership, and project management skills with the desire to further develop these skills as the company grows. • Commitment to safe workplace goals and practices that ensure operational integrity, including compliance with all regulatory policies and procedures. • Comfortable following safety protocols and wearing personal protective equipment—including hard hats, gloves, earplugs, and respirators--in work zones. • Good familiarity with Office products as well as a general level of comfort with online communication and work management platforms such as SharePoint, Google Doc, Slack, Teams. Company Specific • Ask a lot of questions, be curious, and have insights into your work • Be nimble, embrace the speed and ambiguity of startup culture. • Ability to self-manage and set your own priorities and schedule. • Be comfortable working in multiple roles. • Emphasize safety above all else. • Respect for others. • Creative problem solving. • Willingness to learn and research new engineering/science concepts. Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field (Chemical or Mechanical preferred). • 2-5 years of experience. • Ability to conduct field walks at project sites and facilities. • Ability to lift and carry up to (25) lbs. Solugen is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other legally protected status.