Process Engineer-Sustainable Energy Solutions

RTI International is an independent, scientific research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. Our vision is to address the world's most critical problems with technical and science-based solutions in pursuit of a better future. Clients rely on us to answer questions that demand an objective and multidisciplinary approach-one that integrates expertise across social, statistical, data, and laboratory sciences, engineering, and other technical disciplines to solve the world's most challenging problems.

We believe in the promise of science and technical solutions, and we push ourselves every day to deliver on that promise for the good of people, communities, and businesses in the US and around the world. If you are looking for the opportunity to make a real difference, RTI is the place for you.

In pursuit of economical biomass conversion, The Sustainable Energy Solutions team develops and scales innovative technologies that support a low-carbon future, including hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol production; waste-to-value and biofuels technologies (including sustainable aviation fuels); plastics recycling and upcycling; and critical minerals recovery.

By combining our collective experience in advanced gasification research and catalytic conversion technologies with our state-of-the-art equipment and test systems, we are uniquely equipped to address client needs for catalytic fast pyrolysis, biocrude stabilization, and biocrude upgrading. We also perform comprehensive economic and life-cycle analyses for biofuels and bio-derived chemicals technologies.

We are currently seeking a hands-on Process Engineer/Applied R&D Engineer to support the technical execution of applied research and development projects within our Sustainable Energy Solutions team.

Projects span laboratory, bench, and pilot scales and are conducted across diverse testing environments. This position is ideal for an engineer who enjoys translating theory into practice, working collaboratively across disciplines, and operating experimental systems safely and effectively.

Technical Execution & Process Development

• Design and support chemical and process systems at lab-, bench-, and pilot-scale, including equipment sizing, selection, procurement, fabrication, and installation.
• Develop and execute experimental and research plans in collaboration with project teams.
• Operate laboratory-scale microreactors, bench-scale systems, and pilot-scale processes in accordance with operational plans and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize equipment and processes to ensure reliable and safe operation.
• Develop commissioning plans and SOPs for new and existing systems.

Safety, Risk, and Compliance

• Participate in Process Hazard Analyses (PHA), Hazard and Operability Studies (HAZOP), and Layers of Protection Analysis (LOPA) to evaluate process risks.
• Support implementation of risk mitigation recommendations arising from safety studies.
• Follow all RTI Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) policies, procedures, and training requirements.
• Adhere to established Management of Change (MOC) procedures.

Analytical & Data Activities

• Set up, operate, and maintain analytical instrumentation such as gas chromatographs (GC) and related systems.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data to support technical conclusions.
• Maintain accurate and thorough records of experimental methods, results, and technical data.

Collaboration & Communication

• Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams including chemical engineers, materials scientists, analytical chemists, and external service providers.
• Support Principal Investigators (PIs) and project managers with process reviews, project start-up, operations, and decommissioning activities.
• Contribute to technical reports, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications.

Modeling & Simulation

• Develop and apply process models using commercially available software such as Aspen Plus, HYSYS, or similar tools to support design, scale-up, and performance evaluation.

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• 3+ years of directly related experience in applied R&D, process engineering, or experimental chemical systems.
• Hands-on experience with gas and chemical handling.
• Prior laboratory or field experience with chemical processes, gas-phase chemistry, catalysis, and/or separation processes.
• Strong foundation in reaction engineering, process engineering, and process control.
• Experience participating in PHA and HAZOP activities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with analytical instrumentation such as GC, GC-MS, and FTIR.
• Experience working with pilot-scale or demonstration-scale systems.
• Familiarity with sustainable energy, fuels, or circular economy technologies.

For San Francisco, CA USA Job Postings Only: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Further information is available here.

RTI accepts applications to our job openings from candidates with criminal histories or conviction records in accordance with all applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

For Applicants in Massachusetts Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

The anticipated pay range for this role is listed below. Our pay ranges represent national averages and may vary by location as a geographic differential may be applied to some locations within the United States. RTI considers multiple factors when making an offer including, for example: established salary range, internal budget, business needs, and education and years of work experience possessed by the applicant. Further, salary is merely one element to our offer.

At RTI, we demonstrate our commitment to rewarding individual and team achievement through a total rewards package. This package includes (among other things) a competitive base salary, a generous paid time off policy, merit based annual increases, bonus opportunities and a robust recognition program. Other benefits include a competitive range of insurance plans (including health, dental, life, and short-term and long-term disability), access to a retirement savings program such as a 401(k) plan, paid parental leave for all parents, financial assistance with adoption expenses or infertility treatments, financial reimbursement for education and developmental opportunities, an employee assistance program, and numerous other offerings to support a healthy work-life balance.