National Thermal Process Technologist

Brown and Caldwell•Columbia, MD

8h•$144,000 - $236,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Brown and Caldwell is looking for a National Thermal Process Technologist to join senior leadership of our Solids and Energy practice. In this role, you will work closely with the other technologists and Practice leadership to drive vision and strategy for the thermal practice, build alignment across national projects and resources, and support market growth and development. This role will deliver high quality technical solutions, establish technical rigor and support various projects from applied research and planning through detailed design, construction and commissioning. This role will also support client service teams with technical strategy and solutions during key project pursuits. The ideal candidate should have strong leadership skills and significant experience in planning, process design, operations, troubleshooting and commissioning large and complex thermal process projects (e.g., thermal drying, incineration, advanced thermal processes, etc.). We are looking for a candidate that is self-motivated, technical and quality focused, and is energized by mentoring rising engineers and working in a team environment. Ideally, you are engaged in the biosolids industry and have established relationships throughout the industry. Work is performed with minimal supervision. This role will not have any direct reports.

Requirements

Demonstrates advanced expertise within their technical area, effectively applying principles and practices to complex and multifaceted projects, driving competitive advantage.
Communicates complex technical information with clarity and precision to both technical and non-technical audiences, ensuring comprehensive understanding.
Exhibits exceptional teamwork and leadership abilities, fostering collaboration and building high-performing, cohesive teams to achieve ambitious project goals.
Ensures adherence to quality standards and best practices, maintaining consistency and proactively mitigating risks in technical delivery.
Delivers compelling and influential technical presentations, effectively communicating innovative ideas and solutions to diverse and high-level audiences.
Ability to recruit and develop talent for SMS affiliated with the technical area, approaching leadership with a mentoring mindset and leading a culture of talent development in support of Practice goals.
Skilled at presenting with ability to communicate to clients, as well as at conferences and industry association events.
Typically requires minimum of 10 years in assigned specialty related experience.
Typically certified in the SMS Framework, and progressing through the SMS competencies.
A degree in Engineering, Science, Geology, or a related field with an emphasis related to the technical role required.

Nice To Haves

Strong understanding of solids processing fundamentals and plantwide process understanding
Ability to develop and train others in solids and energy balances
Possesses advanced knowledge of biosolids thermal drying, incineration and/or advanced thermal processes
Familiarity with emissions controls systems associated with thermal processes
Ability to identify when thermal processes or other solids processes will impact upstream or downstream liquids processes
Understanding of the role of sludge and cake quality, and how that impacts the reliability and successful operation of thermal processes
Working knowledge of biosolids regulations and market trends
Knowledge of construction and startup challenges specific to thermal drying
Familiarity of NFPA and dust safety requirements associated with thermal processes
Process design for large or complex thermal process projects
Familiarity with various thermal dryer types and vendors, and the differing process control and operational considerations
Evaluating and analyzing emerging technologies and emerging contaminants
Significant experience supporting and leading planning, process design, detailed design and commission of biosolids thermal facilities
Dewatering design, troubleshooting and optimization
Working effectively across multidisciplinary teams (e.g., process mechanical, electrical, I&C, permitting, etc.) during preliminary and detailed design
Evaluating and designing cake receiving, storage and cake conveyance (e.g., conveyors and cake pumping) systems
Master’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Civil or Environmental) preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead project delivery teams nationally to achieve project goals, ensuring the consistent application of quality standards, guidelines and best practices across projects and teams throughout the project lifecycle.
Drive technical delivery and quality management, ensuring development and adherence to quality standards and best practices to maintain consistency and mitigate risks.
Build and maintain strong relationships with clients nationally, understanding their needs and developing and implementing tailored technical solutions that exceed expectations.
Monitor industry trends, market developments, and emerging technologies to develop innovative solutions that drive competitive advantage
Lead and coordinate collaboration with project delivery, client services, and technical services teams to develop and implement innovative solutions, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
Support Practice leader with SMS governance and systems to drive talent development for technical practitioners
Lead development of technical training and mentoring of less experienced technical practitioners, in support of national Practice goals
Flexibility to adapt and execute various additional assignments based on evolving needs.
Provide mentorship, guidance, support, and knowledge-sharing to help less experienced team members develop their skills and grow within their roles.