Head of Process Engineering
Head of Process Engineering
Who We Are
Aepnus Technology is a climate technology company based in Oakland, California, reinventing how essential industrial chemicals are produced. We are transforming the chlor-alkali industry with a novel electrochemical process that converts industrial salt and sulfate waste into high-purity commodities such as caustic soda and sulfuric acid, while dramatically reducing fossil fuel use and energy demand.
Backed by $10.6M from leading climate investors including Lowercarbon Capital, Voyager Ventures, and Clean Energy Ventures, Aepnus is entering a pivotal execution phase in 2026 as we scale toward commercial deployment. Our mission is to enable clean, local, and resilient chemical manufacturing across North America, and we are building a world-class team to deliver meaningful climate and economic impact.
What You’ll Do
As Head of Process Engineering, you will lead end-to-end process engineering for pilot and commercial facilities, playing a critical role in designing, scaling, and deploying Aepnus’ electrochemical systems. We are seeking a hands-on technical leader with deep expertise in process design, safety, scale-up, and project execution for chemical or electrochemical plants.
Within our small and agile team, you will own core engineering deliverables, set technical direction across projects, and manage EPCs and external partners. You will lead safety reviews, develop operating and commissioning philosophies, support pilot-to-commercial scale-up, and build the process engineering function over time.
You will report directly to the CTO and collaborate closely with product development, R&D, operations, and business teams, serving as a key member of the Aepnus leadership team as we scale in 2026.
Key Responsibilities:
- Own end-to-end process engineering for pilot and commercial facilities, including mass and energy balances, PFDs, P&IDs, control narratives, and equipment specifications
- Serve as the technical owner for process design decisions, trade studies, and design basis development
- Lead and participate in process safety and hazard reviews (HAZID, HAZOP, LOPA) to ensure regulatory and safety compliance
- Develop and review operating philosophies, start-up and shutdown procedures, and commissioning plans
- Lead process engineering across all project phases, from concept and FEED through detailed design, construction support, and commissioning
- Manage EPCs, licensors, consultants, and external engineering partners; review and approve deliverables to meet technical, cost, and operability goals
- Support pilot-to-commercial scale-up, technology transfer, and early commercial deployment
- Specify, evaluate, and select process equipment and packaged systems; interface with vendors through FAT, SAT, logistics, and commissioning
- Own engineering scope for commercial deployment, including budget, schedule, and resource management
- Build, lead, and mentor the process engineering team, including international hires, while establishing engineering standards, workflows, and documentation practices
- Collaborate closely with R&D, operations, manufacturing, and business teams on system design and execution
- Perform techno-economic and feasibility analyses, develop capital cost estimates, and provide technical input to customer, partner, and commercial engagements
Experience & Qualifications:
- Education: Bachelor of Science or higher in Chemical Engineering or a closely related discipline
- Industry Experience: 7+ years of experience in process engineering for chemical, electrochemical, or energy-related facilities
- Hands-on experience developing process engineering deliverables, including PFDs, P&IDs, equipment specifications, and design documentation
- Strong knowledge of process safety, regulatory compliance, industrial codes and standards (eg ISO/UL), and familiarity with quality systems
- Proven experience leading process design through pilot and commercial-scale deployment
- Experience supporting or leading early commercial-scale facilities and deployments, including supporting commissioning, start-up, and early operations with strong project management systems
- Demonstrated ability to lead technical work and collaborate effectively with EPCs, vendors, and cross-functional teams, preferably in startups or fast-growing technology companies
- Experience in chlor-alkali, electrochemical plants, or related electrolyzer systems (e.g., alkaline water electrolysis, CO₂ electrolysis, adiponitrile electrolysis) strongly preferred
- Experience delivering first-of-a-kind or novel process technologies strongly preferred
Compensation & Benefits:
- $180,000 - $210,000 salary range plus equity, commensurate with experience
- Aepnus pays 100% of medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees, 50% for dependents
- 401(k) plan and additional retirement benefits
- Flexible paid time off for wellness, vacation, and rest, plus 10 paid holidays per year
- Two weeks off in late December for an annual Winter Break
- 80 / 20 in-office work environment, with up to one full remote day weekly
- Monthly team builds and an annual offsite retreat
Why Join Aepnus?
Aepnus brings together driven, curious individuals committed to rethinking how essential industrial chemicals are made. You will have the opportunity to work closely with company leadership to advance breakthrough technologies from development to market, while growing your role and influence as the company scales. The environment is dynamic and hands-on, offering constant opportunities to learn, lead, and make a real difference. Our culture is built around collaboration, ambition, and a shared belief that deep technical innovation can create meaningful change.
Aepnus is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity at our company. Aepnus prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.