Director of EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction)

Princeton Nuenergy•South Brunswick, NJ

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Princeton NuEnergy (PNE) is an advanced materials manufacturing and technology company focused on producing battery-grade cathode active material (CAM) for lithium-ion batteries using a cost-effective and capital-efficient process. PNE's proprietary platform supports various high-growth materials businesses, including recycling and advanced production, aiming to strengthen the domestic battery supply chain and support U.S. energy independence. The company is seeking a Director of EPC to support its Engineering team, focusing on large-scale engineering and manufacturing. This role involves site selection, defining equipment specifications, procuring engineering services, overseeing EPC design and pre-construction, managing permits, and ensuring EHS compliance for a recycling processing facility. The successful candidate will develop project strategies aligned with core technology and business goals, and collaborate with cross-functional teams for the timely and budget-conscious delivery of technical aspects for large-scale commercial development projects.

Requirements

Previous experience working with large-scale EPC projects and excellent skills in managing budgets, scope, and timelines.
A minimum of 8 years of experience in engineering roles within the material processing or chemical manufacturing industry.
Bachelor or advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
Proven track record in successfully deploying CAPEX projects, particularly in scaling up technology, preferably within chemical manufacturing or advanced materials production.
Proven experience in overseeing the engineering design, EHS, permit application, construction, and commissioning of manufacturing facilities.
In-depth knowledge of the chemical industry, chemical engineering/equipment, EPC collaboration, and sustainable engineering practices.
Solid understanding of the selection criteria for processing equipment, especially for powder and dust handling devices.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, coupled with outstanding program management abilities.
Experience with MS Project, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Proactive and collaborative approach to problem-solving, with a vision for advancing product and process creation.
Ability to excel within a matrix organization, demonstrating a flexible, adaptable, dynamic, and can-do attitude.

Responsibilities

Lead the front-end engineering design (FEED) for the new facility, ensuring alignment with the company's objectives and sustainability goals.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to oversee equipment design and selection, optimizing processes for efficiency and environmental impact.
Collaborate with EPC companies and manage the facility build-up/retrofit process, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.
Navigate permitting processes and liaise with regulatory authorities to secure necessary approvals.
Oversee the commissioning of the new facility, ensuring a smooth transition from construction to the operational phase.
Define and procure equipment based on engineering needs, considering energy consumption, maintenance costs, and other specifications.
Continuously evaluate and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impact.
Collaborate with operations and maintenance teams to troubleshoot and address any technical issues.
Recruit, mentor, and lead a high-performing engineering team capable of executing complex projects and driving innovation.
Develop and implement training programs to enhance the technical skills and knowledge of the engineering team.
Foster a collaborative and innovative work culture within the engineering department.