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Staff Chemical Engineer, Thermal Processing Specialist

McCarran, NV

About Redwood Materials

Redwood is localizing a global battery supply chain that seamlessly integrates recovery, reuse, and recycling — keeping critical minerals in circulation and driving the energy transition. Founded in 2019, we’re delivering low-cost and large-scale energy storage and producing battery materials in the U.S. for the first time, all from batteries we already have.

  

Position Summary:

We are seeking a highly experienced and technically proficient Staff Chemical Engineer – Thermal Process Specialist to lead the design, development, and optimization of high-temperature thermal processing systems for metallurgical applications. This role will serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in high-temperature reactor and process design, providing critical insights into technology selection, system design, materials of construction, process control, and safety.

 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Serve as the SME for high-temperature thermal processing technologies, with a focus on metallurgical applications
  • Evaluate and compare thermal processing routes for a variety of feedstocks, identifying key design parameters, trade-offs, and performance metrics
  • Direct development of new high-temperature processes, including bench-scale testing, pilot plant design, and scale-up strategies
  • Scope and define bench-scale testwork programs, including selection of appropriate lab-scale equipment and test conditions to simulate industrial thermal processes
  • Specify materials of construction for thermal reactors and associated systems, considering temperature, corrosion, erosion, and mechanical stresses
  • Develop process control strategies for high-temperature systems, including instrumentation selection, control logic, and integration with plant automation systems
  • Model and simulate thermal processes using process and thermodynamic modeling tools to predict system behavior, optimize performance, and support scale-up
  • Analyze high-temperature chemical reactions, including molten phase behavior, combustion chemistry, and solid-gas interactions relevant to metallurgical processes
  • Prepare and review detailed engineering documentation, including:
    • Block Flow Diagrams (BFDs)
    • Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs)
    • Heat and Mass Balances
    • Equipment Specifications
    • Engineering Calculations
    • Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)
  • Participate in HAZOP studies and other process safety reviews to identify and mitigate hazards associated with thermal systems
  • Collaborate with safety and compliance teams to ensure thermal systems meet internal and external safety standards, including combustible dust, flammable gases, and thermal runaway risks
  • Provide technical support during commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting of thermal processing systems

 

 

Required Qualifications:

  • 10–15 years of experience in high-temperature processing systems (>500°C) within a metallurgical or related industrial environment
  • Proven expertise in the design, commissioning, and operation of a wide range of thermal processing equipment, including:
    • Kilns
    • Furnaces
    • Dryers
    • Roasters
  • Strong background in material handling, feed/discharge systems, off-gas treatment, and dust collection associated with high-temperature operations
  • Experience with both direct-fired and indirect-fired thermal systems
  • Minimum 5 years of experience linking engineering design with bench and pilot-scale testing to develop and optimize thermal processes
  • Direct experience in selecting and qualifying ceramic and metallic materials for use in high-temperature systems
  • Proficiency in process modeling (HSC Chemistry, METSIM, Aspen, or similar) and thermodynamic simulation software (FactSage, MPE or similar)
  • Deep understanding of process safety and hazard mitigation strategies for high-temperature operations
  • Familiarity with relevant regulatory codes and standards (e.g., ASME, NFPA) governing thermal systems and fuel delivery infrastructure
  • Strong understanding of combustion, pyrolysis, and phase transformation phenomena in high-temperature environments
  • Familiarity with thermal system safety standards, including combustible dust mitigation, refractory failure modes, and emergency venting design

 

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to safely perform job duties in both office and production environment
  • Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. as needed
  • Must maintain regular and punctual attendance in alignment with company and regulatory standard.
  • Must be able to communicate clearly

Working Conditions:

  • Split work environment between office and the production facility
  • Work may involve extended periods of working in the production facility
  • Ability to work in challenging working conditions which may include exposure to noise, dust, chemicals, and temperature extremes, while protected by PPE, for extended periods of time
  • May require occasional work weekends or alternate shifts to support production needs

 

 

 

The position is full-time. Compensation will be commensurate with experience.

 

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