Houston-based leader driving multi-project FEL (Concept→Pre-FEED), business cases/estimates and risk controls, contracting strategy, and cross-functional/vendor alignment; 8+ years in capital projects.
Role Overview
The Project Development Manager plays a pivotal role in overseeing the planning, execution, and completion of projects within an organization. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with strategic goals. This involves coordinating cross-functional teams, managing resources, setting timelines, and mitigating risks throughout the project lifecycle. They also serve as the key liaison between stakeholders, clients, and team members, ensuring clear communication and alignment of expectations. In addition to technical and organizational skills, a successful Project Development Manager must possess strong leadership and problem-solving abilities to navigate challenges and drive project success from concept to completion.
Department: Project Management
Employment Type: Full-Time
Reports To: VP, Project Management
Work Type: In Office
Key Responsibilities
INTRODUCTION TO HYCO1
HYCO1 has emerged as the global leader in CO2 Utilization Technology, a field recognized as critical to addressing climate change. Today, CO2 is largely a waste byproduct released into the atmosphere due to a lack of cost-effective utilization methods. Each year, about 40 gigatons of CO2 are emitted, largely from production processes that rely on fossil-based feedstocks. HYCO1 CUBE™ Technology turns CO2 emissions into high-value products while reducing dependency on fossil fuels.
At the heart of HYCO1’s solution is its patented CUBE™ Technology (Carbon Utilization, Best Efficiency), which can convert over 95% of CO2 and CH4 in a single reactor pass, producing high-grade syngas at the lowest cost and carbon intensity on the market. CUBE™ Technology makes it possible to manufacture fuels, chemicals, and other products from CO2 at a lower cost than from fossil fuels. This technology uses a patented, non-coking, pre-sintered, spherical catalyst that is highly durable and does not need to be regenerated. Currently operational in its first commercial installation, CUBE™ Technology is proving to be both versatile and market ready. Unlike conventional syngas production technologies such as steam methane reforming (SMR) or autothermal reforming (ATR), HYCO1’s CUBE™ CO2 Reactor (CCR) is exceptionally flexible. It can produce syngas in any desired ratio by simply adjusting the feed gases. Built on proven SMR reactor designs but enhanced with a superior catalyst, CUBE™ Technology is poised to become the new global standard for syngas production.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES
- Strategic Leadership & Innovation
- Develop and implement engineering strategies to enhance syngas production efficiency and optimize feed gas ratios.
- Lead research and development efforts to improve SMR reactor designs and integrate next-generation catalysts for superior performance.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align engineering goals with business objectives and sustainability targets.
- Process Optimization & Reactor Design
- Oversee the design, development, and scaling of SMR reactors to maximize syngas yield while minimizing energy consumption.
- Evaluate and refine catalyst formulations to enhance reaction kinetics, reduce carbon footprint, and improve conversion rates.
- Implement advanced process control systems to monitor and adjust feed gas compositions dynamically.
- Technical Expertise & Problem-Solving
- Apply deep knowledge of thermodynamics, reaction engineering, and fluid dynamics to optimize reactor performance.
- Troubleshoot operational challenges, such as catalyst deactivation, heat transfer inefficiencies, and carbon deposition.
- Stay updated on emerging technologies in hydrogen production, carbon capture, and alternative syngas generation methods.
- Compliance & Safety Management
- Ensure adherence to environmental regulations, safety standards, and industry best practices in syngas production.
- Develop risk mitigation strategies for handling high-temperature reactions, pressurized systems, and hazardous feedstocks.
- Lead initiatives for carbon capture and emissions reduction to align with global sustainability goals.
- Team Leadership & Collaboration
- Address team concerns, project risks, and operational challenges.
- Manage and mentor a team of engineers, fostering a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and technical excellence.
- Collaborate with equipment suppliers and research institutions to drive advancements in reactor technology.
- Communicate technical insights effectively to team members, executives, investors, and regulatory bodies as needed.
- Conduct employee performance reviews, provide feedback, and support career growth.
- Ensure cross-functional collaboration between engineering, product, and operations teams.
- Implement best practices for engineering workflows and project execution.
- Monitor KPIs and performance metrics to ensure efficiency.
- Oversee compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and quality assurance protocols.
- Manage engineering budgets, ensuring cost-effective solutions.
- Approve procurement of tools, software, and equipment.
- Optimize resource allocation for ongoing projects.
- Attend daily stand-ups, executive meetings, and technical discussions.
- Communicate progress updates to leadership and stakeholders.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
Education
Candidates should have one or more of the following areas of expertise
At least 10 years in the following:
- Must have an advanced degree (M.S./Ph.D.) in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related fields.
- Extensive experience in syngas production, SMR reactor design, and catalyst development.
- Strong expertise in process modeling, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and reaction kinetics.
- Proven track record in leading engineering teams and driving technological innovation.
- Knowledge of carbon capture technologies, hydrogen economy trends, and sustainable energy solutions.
Additional Essential Functions/Skills
Candidates must have the following additional Essential Functions
At least 10 years in the following:
- Maintain strong and positive relationships with team members, customers, clients, partners, etc.
- Strong proven leadership/management ability
- Possess and demonstrate excellent computer skills in utilizing MS Office Suite
- Demonstrate strong strategic, analytical, and organizational skills
- Work with honesty and integrity
- Must be proficient in writing and speaking English
- Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
- Must be able to perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Must be able to meet the attendance and travel requirements of the position
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AND REQUIREMENTS OF THIS POSITION
This position may require planned and efficient travel. Must have the ability to sit for long periods of time and view computer screens for long periods of time. Must be able to speak and listen clearly and possess fine visual acuity to read labels, safety notices, and other written materials for accuracy required. May be exposed at times to loud noises, wet and humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic chemicals, and extreme hot and cold, depending on weather conditions.
PHYSICAL STRENGTH
- Must be able to climb four flights of stairs in PPE
- Must be able to lift 50 pounds
- Must be able to carry 25 pounds for distances up to 100mMust be able to work outside in hot/cold weather if required
- Must be able to sit work at a keyboard and screen for long periods
COMPENSATION
HYCO1 offers competitive compensation and a competitive benefits package including stock options, performance-based incentive compensation, Paid Time Off, 401K, Wellness Plan, and a Flexible Spending Account.
INTENT AND FUNCTION OF JOB DESCRIPTION
All descriptions have been reviewed to ensure that only essential functions and basic duties have been included. Requirements, skills, and abilities included have been determined to be the minimal standards required to successfully perform the position. In no instance should the duties, responsibilities, and requirements described herein be interpreted as all-inclusive. Additional duties may be assigned by HYCO1 as deemed appropriate.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is possible that requirements may be modified to reasonably accommodate disabled individuals. However, no accommodation will be made which may pose serious health or safety risks to the employee or others or which impose undue hardships on the organization. Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts. HYCO1 is an at-will employer. Employees may be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law.
HYCO1 is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected category.

