Principal Process Engineer

Company Overview:

Utility is delivering sustainable energy solutions, enabling the energy transition to a low carbon world. It’s our passion, our drive and why we exist. Our team combines world-leading expertise and thought leadership with many decades of industry experience. Leveraging our proprietary and differentiated solutions, Utility is unlocking beyond net-zero hydrogen production as the affordable clean energy of the future.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a Principal Process Engineer within our Process Engineering team, that serves as a technical authority and subject matter expert in the design, development, and optimization of our hydrogen production technologies. The ideal candidate will be instrumental in driving projects from early conceptual design, working closely with the Business Development function, through detailed engineering, delivering innovative, reliable, and cost-effective process solutions that align with client expectations and comply with all regulatory standards.

This role involves leading process engineering efforts, mentoring junior engineers, engaging directly with clients and EPCs, and contributing to the continuous improvement and innovation of our technology. The role will collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, business development, and project execution teams to deliver high-performance solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

· Lead Process Design Activities: Oversee the development and implementation of process designs that include Utilities technology, from conceptual design through basic and detailed engineering phases.

· Technology support: Provide expert technical input to support projects, including preparation of process design packages, performance guarantees, and test plans

· Support Technical Proposal manager with development of technical proposals for clients.

· Early-Phase Project Definition: Lead or support the development of project scope, objectives, and high-level process concepts during FEL stages (particularly FEL-1 and FEL-2).

· Client and EPC Interface during FEL execution: lead the execution of Front End Loading (FEL), serving as the primary contact for clients, and EPC contractors, ensuring alignment on technical deliverables and resolving complex issues.

· Development of Engineering Deliverables: Prepare or guide the creation of key FEL-phase deliverables e.g. Basis of Design; Process Flow Diagrams, Heat & Material balances, Equipment sizing, Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams.

· Stakeholder Coordination: Interface with project management, discipline engineers, commercial teams, and external consultants to gather input and ensure alignment.

· Process Simulation and Optimization: Perform rigorous process simulations and optimizations using Promax to evaluate and improve process efficiency, operability, and economic performance.

· Technical Leadership and Mentorship: Mentor and guide junior and mid-level engineers, fostering technical excellence and knowledge sharing within the engineering team.

· Process Safety and Risk Management: Conduct process hazard analyses (HAZOP, PHA) and ensure designs adhere to best practices for safety, operability, and environmental compliance.

· Support R&D and Innovation: Collaborate with R&D teams to develop and validate technology for commercialization.

· Standard Development and Continuous Improvement: Contribute to the development and refinement of internal design standards, philosophies, workflows, and engineering tools to enhance design quality and efficiency.

· Proposal Development and BD Support: Assist in the preparation of technical content for Technical Proposals, client presentations, and commercial discussions, offering insights into technology and process design competitiveness.

· Project Execution: Support projects participating in site visits, design reviews, or technical workshops with stakeholders worldwide.

· Operational Support and Troubleshooting: Provide expert guidance during plant commissioning, startup, and operational troubleshooting, helping clients maximize performance and reliability of units.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering,
• Minimum of 15–20 years of progressive experience in process engineering, with at least 10 years in a senior or lead engineer role.
• Proven track record of working on project front end loading, including preparation of Process Design Packages and client-facing technical work.
• Experience supporting commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting of operating units.
• Strong familiarity with industry standards and codes (e.g., API, ASME, NFPA, etc.).
• Deep understanding of hydrocarbon production technologies (e.g. reforming, partial oxidation), and other hydrogen production technologies (e.g., electrolysis, thermochemical processes, solid oxide, or emerging innovations).
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously.
• Experience working in a high-growth, fast-paced environment.
• Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and leadership skills.
• Effective communication skills, capable of articulating complex technical concepts to diverse stakeholders and senior management.
• Travel up to 20%.