Chemical Process Engineer

$74,000 - $129,000/Yr

Unclassified - Oak Ridge, TN

Full-time - Mid Level

Onsite - Oak Ridge, TN

1-10 employees

About the position

TRISO-X, LLC is seeking a Chemical Process Engineer responsible for the design and development of systems and methods for the manufacture of nuclear fuel elements. This role involves contributing to the design of multiple process areas and leading the design of any process areas assigned to the process engineer. The process areas may include, but are not limited to, ADUN production, organic solution preparation, solution-gelation, solvent washing, particle drying, TRISO layer application, graphite matrix production, overcoating, fuel core processing, green pebble pressing, compact pressing, shaping, heat treatment, quality control, industrial waste process, radioactive waste processing, and uranium recovery. The Chemical Process Engineer will develop and lead the implementation of advanced manufacturing processes to meet production goals and quality standards. This includes developing specifications for process equipment and collaborating with equipment suppliers to ensure that critical design characteristics are met for equipment delivery. The engineer will also work with subcontractors and suppliers to design, construct, deliver, and install process equipment, as well as conduct research to develop new and improved processes for manufacturing. Evaluating and implementing new equipment and technologies to improve process efficiency and product quality is also a key responsibility. In addition, the engineer will develop methods and procedures to process and handle chemicals and materials that are solid, liquid, and gaseous in a safe and efficient manner. They will design and plan equipment layout, particularly for new processes, new products, or new customers, and work with the R&D team to translate lab-scale processes to pilot scale and production scale processes. The engineer will also collaborate with the regulatory team to establish safety procedures for individuals working with dangerous chemicals, processes, or equipment, and ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations. The role requires conducting tests and monitoring process performance throughout production, troubleshooting problems associated with manufacturing processes, and monitoring variances from process controls. The engineer will provide recommendations and solutions to reduce or eliminate variances, continually update a master list of all equipment, chemical inputs, chemical outputs, and waste streams, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot and resolve complex process-related issues. Mentoring and training junior process engineers is also part of the job, along with performing other duties as assigned by the manager.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design of multiple process areas.
• Lead the design of any process areas assigned to process engineer, providing guidance to less experienced process engineers.
• Develop and lead implementation of advanced manufacturing processes to meet production goals and quality standards.
• Develop specifications for process equipment and work with equipment suppliers to ensure critical design characteristics are met for equipment delivery.
• Work with subcontractors and suppliers to design, construct, deliver, and install process equipment.
• Conduct research to develop new and improved processes for manufacturing.
• Evaluate and implement new equipment and technologies to improve process efficiency and product quality.
• Develop methods and procedures to process and handle chemicals and materials that are solid, liquid, and gaseous in a safe and efficient manner.
• Design and plan equipment layout, particularly for new processes, new products, or new customers.
• Work with R&D team to translate lab-scale processes to pilot scale and production scale processes.
• Work with regulatory team to establish safety procedures for individuals working with dangerous chemicals, processes, or equipment.
• Work with regulatory team to ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations.
• Provide support for waste permitting.
• Conduct tests and monitor process performance throughout production.
• Troubleshoot problems associated with manufacturing processes.
• Monitor variances from process controls and provide recommendations and solutions to reduce or eliminate variances.
• Continually update a master list of all equipment, chemical inputs, chemical outputs, and waste streams.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot and resolve complex process-related issues.
• Mentor and train junior process engineers.
• Perform other duties as assigned by manager.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, nuclear engineering, material science, material science engineering, mechanical engineering, or another related field.
• 10-14 years of relevant work experience is preferred.
• 1-3 years CAD and P&ID experience are required.
• 1-3 years' experience with industrial equipment design, procurement, installation, and operation is required.
• Experience with Microsoft Office products.
• General understanding of the nuclear fuel cycle preferred.
• General knowledge and experience with powder processing, graphite powder, extrusion, ceramics, chemical processing, industrial waste processing, and liquids processing.
• Analytical and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within teams.
• Communications proficiency.
• Collaboration skills.
• Ability to work in a team to produce desired outputs in short turnaround times.
• Must be willing to work with hazardous materials such as low enriched uranium, nitric acid, and phenolic resin.

Benefits

• 401K plan with an employer match
• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Tuition Reimbursement/Professional Development policy that supports the continuing education of employees.