HYCO1’s Process Engineer supports CO2 utilization and syngas technology development—from creating R&D run plans and analyzing pilot-plant data to leading process design (H&MBs, PFDs/P&IDs) and simulations in Aspen/HYSYS—while coordinating with EPC partners and aiding commissioning/startup.
Role Overview
The Process Engineer helps drive HYCO1’s CO2 utilization and syngas technology from lab to plant by planning R&D runs, leading pilot-plant data analysis, and translating results into robust process designs (H&MBs, PFDs/P&IDs) and simulations in Aspen Plus/HYSYS. They coordinate across internal teams and EPC partners, contribute to Design Basis Memoranda, data sheets, and lists, and support control philosophy and safety system design—often representing HYCO1 in technical meetings. The role also assists with technology evaluations, feasibility studies, and the commissioning/startup and operational support of next-generation gas processing, hydrogen, and synthetic chemical plants.
This is an on-site position based in Houston (IAH area) with occasional travel—up to ~30%—to client sites and facilities, including some international trips; work may involve ladders, extensive plant walking, and adapting to time zones. Candidates typically hold a BS or higher in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering, bring ~3+ years in process development/operations/R&D, and are fluent with simulation tools (HYSYS/Aspen Plus/Pro II). Experience in refining, petrochemicals, gas processing, hydrogen/syngas, or industrial gases is strongly preferred, along with the ability to produce EPC-grade engineering documentation. PE licensure is supportive.
Location: Houston
Department: Engineering
Employment Type: Full-Time
Reports To: VP, Engineering
Work Type: In Office
Department: Engineering
Employment Type: Full-Time
Reports To: VP, Engineering
Work Type: In Office
Key Responsibilities
Job Description
- The Process Engineer will help lead the engineering and technology development activities for HYCO1, Inc (HYCO1) and its affiliated project companies throughout North America and worldwide.
- Help develop and improve new and existing CO2 conversion / utilization, hydrogen (H2), syngas, chemical, synthetic hydrocarbon, and catalytic processes through personal efforts and/or coordination with other departments and contractors.
- Help manage and build a growing in-house engineering and technology team.
- Evaluate new technologies, and work as a key manager to implement new ideas and technology into the company process plant designs.
- Help manage a team environment with focused objectives to implement and confirm innovative chemical process designs and process applications.
- Help Oversee the commissioning, startup and operational support of next generation gas process, hydrogen, and synthetic chemical process plants.
- Help guide the R&D reactor pilot plant run plans.
- Act as a liaison between the HYCO1 team and 3rd party engineering EPC teams as assigned.
Essential Duties/Skills
- Help Create R&D run plans, schedules, milestones and technical requirements for technology development and pilot plant work.
- Lead the ongoing pilot plant data assessment and performance evaluation initiatives.
- Manage process design and engineering work, oversee mechanical design, process modeling, heat & material balances, P&ID’s, PFD’s, separations, and catalytic reactions.
- Manage internal and external resources generating process design simulation models in Aspen Plus and HYSYS.
- Responsible for Design Basis Memorandum development, also key Data Sheets and Lists.
- Help oversee process control philosophy, safety system and control designs.
- Carry out document reviews & approvals, design meetings and related information in processes.
- Represent HYCO1 technology as required at technical meetings.
- Coordinate Research & Development and pilot lab R&D work. Responsibilities include analysis and interpretation of data for HYCO1 and clients.
- Execute process and project feasibility studies related to technology development.
- Serve as technology interface/coordinator to other departments for technical proposals.
- Flexibility to assume other duties that may be assigned.
This position is not a remote position. The process engineer will work in the Houston office location and may be required to occasionally travel (up to 30%) to new plant sites, client meetings, project sites and existing production facilities. There may be requirements for climbing ladders, extensive plant site walking, and periods of frequent travel from site to site. Some of the travel will be international. The employee must be able to reasonably manage a travel schedule and adapt to different time zones.
Education and Skill Requirements
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
- Bachelor of Science (BS) or higher degree, from an accredited college or university, in either Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.
- Three plus years’ experience in engineering, in process development, plant operations, and/or research and development.
- Experience in Refining, Petrochemicals, Chemicals, Gas Processing, Hydrogen, Syngas, Industrial Gases and/or technology development is strongly preferred.
- Drive internal engineering document quality to high-level professional standards of that produced by good EPC’s and technology licensing firms in their PDP packages.
- Proficiency in understanding and interpreting chemical process simulation models, heat and material balances, process flow diagrams, process & instrumentation diagrams and equipment specifications are essential.
- Must be able to legally work in the US
Language Ability
- Read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents.
- Timely response support to common inquiries from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
- Write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format.
- Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing and speaking English.
Math Ability
- Apply advanced mathematical concepts to chemical engineering problems.
Reasoning Ability
- Apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems.
- Dealing with a variety of abstract and concrete variables.
- Demonstrate high emotional intelligence in collaborating with peers and subordinates.
- Excel in creative and innovative forward thinking with well-reasoned risk-taking.
Computer Skills
To perform this job successfully, an individual must have a strong capability in word processing software; spreadsheet software; E-mail; internet software; and specific technical software including simulation software HYSYS and, or Aspen Plus and Pro II, MS programs Outlook, Excel, Word, and Power Point.
Certificates and Licenses
PE / Professional Engineering certification in Texas or other states would be highly supportive.
Benefits
- 401k
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Flexible Spending Account
- Wellness Plan
- Cell Phone Stipend
- Paid Time Off
- Professional Development Assistance
Schedule
- Full time hours
- Monday to Friday
Supplemental Pay Types
- Bonus pay for performance
- Opportunity to earn incentive stock options
Location Requirement
Applicants must currently reside in the Houston, TX area and be within reasonable driving distance of George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) area. This is an on-site position; remote work is not available. Relocation assistance is not provided.
Work Authorization
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. HYCO1 does not provide sponsorship.
Experience
Engineering field: 3 years (required)
Willingness to travel
30% (Required)