Process Design Engineer

Hyfé • San Francisco, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Hyfé is seeking a process development engineer who will turn lab and pilot data into decision-ready process models. This role is designed for someone who learns quickly, embraces ambiguity, and is motivated to build scalable, sustainable solutions to some of the world’s most pressing problems.

Requirements

• BA in Chemical Engineering or a closely related field with 4+ years of experience
• Demonstrated hands-on problem solving in a startup, or similarly fast-paced environment.
• Ability to perform mass- and energy-balance reconciliation on imperfect data and to explain the accuracy and precision of common analytical methods (e.g. HPLC, UV-Vis).
• Proficiency with process-modeling tools such as Aspen Plus or SuperPro Designer, including justification of property-method selection and definition of pseudo-components for complex streams.
• Proficiency in techno-economic modelling (TEM), including running sensitivity and uncertainty analyses, and communicating key cost and risk drivers.
• Clear, concise written communication, strong organization, and the ability to present recommendations that enable timely decisions.

Nice To Haves

• PhD in Chemical Engineering or closely related field with 1-4 years of experience
• Experience building an Aspen Plus model for aqueous or electrolyte systems and translating model outputs into economic evaluations.
• Working knowledge of experimental design; sensitivity analysis or simple Monte Carlo methods; and data analysis in JMP, Python, or similar tools.
• Experience with biomass preprocessing (for example, milling and solids handling), membranes, filtration, centrifugation, evaporation, or ion-exchange resins.
• Experience drafting process diagrams and participating in structured risk identification.

Responsibilities

• Own the flow of data from the lab and pilot to process design. Reconcile and close mass and energy balances, investigate outliers, and document underlying assumptions, such that the data is reliable and defensible for design and economic decisions.
• Build and maintain an Aspen Plus flowsheet with appropriate property methods for aqueous, electrolyte, and biopolymer streams. Translate model outputs into techno-economic inputs (yields, utilities, throughput, consumables), run focused sensitivity analyses, and summarize what matters for decisions.
• Collaborate with chemists to design lean experiments that reduce uncertainty in process performance and product quality. Engage with equipment suppliers to size and cost unit operations and to plan targeted trials.
• Draft and iterate PFDs, P&IDs, control notes, and operating procedures that reflect pilot learning and safety considerations. Contribute to risk reviews such as structured risk registers (FMEA) and pre-HAZOP activities.
• Write concise decision memos and prepare clear slides for leadership, investors, and customers. Contribute figures and process descriptions to support patent and grant applications.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary, commensurate with experience
• 15 days PTO, paid holidays, and year-end office closure (pending business performance)
• 401(k) plan
• Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Short-term disability coverage
• In-office snacks & drinks

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level