Mechanical Process Engineer

Kunin Technologies•Chattanooga, TN

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Kunin Technologies is developing a group 14 metal chlorination plant overseas for an industrial partner. The plant will convert metal-bearing feeds into electronic-grade metal products through chlorination, purification, and hydrolysis, with Kunin’s ion-exchange media recovering metal from dilute process liquors. The partner will build and operate the plant; Kunin owns the process, design package, performance guarantee, and operating-team training. The Mechanical Process Engineer owns the plant’s equipment and modular skids. Based on basic-engineering datasheets, this person specifies mechanical equipment and piping, selects materials of construction with the Senior Process Engineer, develops skid layouts with the fabricator, evaluates vendors, conducts factory acceptance tests, and supports installation, hook-up, and pre-commissioning at the partner’s site. The role works with the VP of Capital Projects on schedule and cost, the Senior Process Engineer on process intent, and the partner-country contractor on piping, structural, and installation design. Key project milestones include completing the equipment list, datasheets, and skid concept for the basic engineering package by May 21, 2027; having all skids through factory acceptance and on site by December 3, 2027; and achieving mechanical completion by December 31, 2027. Bench and mini-pilot process development is planned in Chattanooga from December 2026 to May 2027, with commercial operation targeted for the first quarter of 2028. The successful candidate will be a founding member of Kunin’s Capital Projects team and is expected to work on two to three projects in parallel after this plant passes its project gates. As the team grows, the engineer is expected to lead the mechanical engineering team across projects. The position is located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and requires travel to fabricator shops and the partner’s site, including extended site stays in the fourth quarter of 2027. Extended hours and weekends are frequently required to support critical project milestones. U.S. citizenship is required. Compensation is $110,000–$240,000, plus benefits and equity.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or chemical engineering.
At least 5 years of mechanical or equipment engineering experience in specialty chemicals, chlor-alkali, electronic gases, or hydrometallurgy.
Experience with at least one modular or skid-built plant.
Experience specifying and accepting lined vessels, columns, and chlorine-handling equipment.
Familiarity with ASME VIII, B31.3, and chlorine industry practice.
Proficiency in 3D plant design review using Plant 3D, E3D, or equivalent, and in preparing mechanical datasheets.
Ability to work in a fast-paced and demanding atmosphere.
Creative problem-solving ability that integrates equipment design, materials, and fabrication for a corrosive-service plant with a fixed schedule.
U.S. citizenship.
Ability to travel to fabricator shops and the partner’s site, including extended stays on site in the fourth quarter of 2027.
Availability for frequently required extended hours and weekends to support critical project milestones.

Responsibilities

Prepare mechanical datasheets and specifications for process equipment, piping, valves, and instruments in HCl, chlorine, and metal chloride service.
Develop modular skid designs with the fabricator, covering layout, structural design, piping, access, maintainability, shipping, and installation.
Select materials of construction and address corrosion engineering, including glass-lined, PTFE/PFA-lined, graphite, Hastelloy, and quartz equipment; inspect lined equipment upon receipt.
Conduct vendor technical bid evaluations, expediting, and factory acceptance tests for columns, lined vessels, chlorine systems, and ion-exchange modules.
Support installation, hook-up, pressure and leak testing, pre-commissioning, and mechanical-completion punch lists at the partner’s site.
Coordinate with the VP of Capital Projects on schedule and cost, the Senior Process Engineer on process intent, and the partner-country contractor on piping, structural, and installation design.
Own the plant’s mechanical equipment and skids.
As the team grows, lead mechanical engineering work across multiple projects.