Staff Chemical Engineer
Job description
About the role
Redwood Materials is seeking a Staff Chemical Engineer to join their growing team in McCarran, Nevada. This role involves applying core chemical engineering knowledge to support material processing and production activities across multiple operational areas. The position requires independent technical problem-solving and close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced environment. The engineer will contribute to advancing process designs, improving operational outcomes, and driving continuous improvement initiatives within the organization.
Key facts
What you'll do
Lead chemical process development projects from initial concept through full-scale production implementation and commissioning.
Design and optimize unit operations for material recovery, purification, and separation systems.
Collaborate with manufacturing teams to troubleshoot equipment issues and improve overall throughput reliability.
Conduct experiments and analyze data to support scale-up decisions and formal process validation.
Develop comprehensive technical documentation including procedures, reports, and detailed engineering calculations for review.
Mentor junior engineers and provide hands-on guidance on best practices for chemical operations.
Evaluate raw material specifications and ensure compliance with internal quality and safety standards.
Coordinate with suppliers and vendors to assess new technologies and identify process improvements.
Support environmental compliance efforts by monitoring emissions, tracking waste metrics, and reduction initiatives.
Present findings and recommendations to senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders on a regular basis.
Participate in safety reviews and hazard analysis for all chemical processing and handling activities.
Identify opportunities for energy efficiency improvements and implement measures to reduce overall operational costs.
Work with quality assurance teams to investigate deviations and develop corrective action plans promptly.
Requirements
A Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or a closely related technical discipline is required.
Several years of professional experience in chemical engineering roles within industrial or manufacturing settings.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and meet competing deadlines with minimal oversight.
Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and chemical separation processes.
Proficiency with process simulation software and standard engineering calculation tools for design and analysis work.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills for preparing technical reports and delivering presentations.
Experience working in a collaborative, team-oriented environment with diverse technical and business stakeholders.
Willingness to work on-site at the McCarran, Nevada facility as operational needs require.
Ability to travel occasionally for site visits, vendor meetings, or cross-location coordination as required.
Registration or eligibility for professional engineering licensure is a plus but not mandatory.
Nice to have
Prior experience in battery materials, recycling, or related circular economy applications is highly valued.
Familiarity with continuous flow chemistry, pilot-scale reactor design, and associated operational procedures is helpful.
Knowledge of environmental health and safety regulations relevant to chemical manufacturing and processing environments.
Background in data analysis, statistical methods, and design of experiments for process optimization.
Understanding of life cycle assessment methodologies and environmental impact quantification approaches.
Skills & tools
Process simulation platforms such as Aspen Plus or similar commercial software packages.
Microsoft Excel and advanced spreadsheet modeling for engineering calculations and data analysis.
Statistical analysis tools including Minitab or equivalent software for data evaluation.
Chemical process design and drafting software for equipment layout and engineering schematics.
Laboratory instrumentation and analytical techniques for material characterization and testing purposes.
Project management methodologies and tools for tracking engineering deliverables and timelines.
Chemical inventory and materials management systems for tracking raw inputs and finished products.
Safety data sheet management and chemical handling protocols for workplace health and safety.
Basic familiarity with enterprise resource planning systems for production scheduling and inventory tracking.
Practical notes
This position is based at the McCarran, Nevada facility and requires regular on-site presence for daily work.
Candidates should expect to work standard full-time business hours with occasional overtime as operational needs dictate.
The hiring process may include technical interviews, practical case studies, and thorough reference and background checks.
Redwood Materials is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
Remote work is not available for this position as it is based on-site in McCarran.
The role offers the chance to work on meaningful sustainability-focused projects with real-world impact.
Employees at Redwood Materials benefit from a supportive culture that values innovation and teamwork.