Principal Process Engineer

General Summary

SunGas Renewables, Inc., (SunGas), is a renewable energy technology company owned by GTI Energy and C2X SunGas is seeking an experienced Principal Process Engineer to join our team with exciting growth potential. SunGas supplies licensed technology and equipment solutions based on its proprietary fluidized bed gasification system. The SunGas system combined with downstream technologies produces a wide variety of renewable energy and chemicals products, including syngas, hydrogen, electric power, renewable natural gas, methanol, sustainable aviation fuel, gasoline and diesel fuels.

We are looking for a skilled Principal Process Engineer to join a thriving energy company in Houston, Texas. You will be working on all aspects of process systems designs related to the company’s gasification system. SunGas’ dynamic work environment includes daily interaction with our own technical subject matter experts and suppliers, as well as our customers and their EPC and owner’s engineers. Applicants should be energized by a dynamic team environment in which a diverse set of stakeholders must be engaged during the successful deployment of SunGas’ renewable energy platform. This position reports to the SunGas Process Engineering Manager and the VP of Engineering.

Work Location

This is a full-time position located in the SunGas offices Monday through Friday. SunGas is located near Fallbrook and W. Sam Houston Parkway N. in Houston. Extended or hybrid remote work options are not available for this position, however we do offer the flexibility to work outside of the office on occasion when necessary.

Travel

The position requires occasional travel up to 10% of the time primarily for business and technical meetings, site and shop visits, and to industrial plant facilities.

Compensation

SunGas Renewables is offering a competitive salary and benefits package based on appropriate experience. Benefits include health, dental, vision, life, LTD, STD, 401K, PTO, employee assistance program and opportunities for career development.

Culture

SunGas Renewables offers an energetic, forward-thinking, collaborative, fun environment designed to avoid the “too rigid corporate” world. We believe we are strengthened by our diversity, ethics, and effort, and provide the opportunity and support for everyone to grow – as an individual, a team, and an organization.

Responsibilities

Reviewing and contributing to proposals

Leading process engineering projects and interfacing with clients and client engineers

Achieve schedule commitments

Utilizing and furthering the design methodologies for the SunGas technology system

Modeling process simulations in AspenPlus/HYSYS or similar software and developing specialized modeling tools specific to the SunGas technology system

Implementing process design, equipment sizing and selection, equipment data sheets, systems engineering, PFD/P&ID development, control valve sizing, line list generation, flare and relief valve calculations and others

Collaborating with process controls specialists to develop DCS control narratives and system logic narratives

Leading hazard analysis, operability, and constructability reviews

Contributing in third-party engineering service provider selection and engineering reviews with clients and SunGas supplier

Providing technical support for detailed engineering, pre-commissioning, commissioning, startup, and plant operations. Onsite support will result in some amount of travel and extended stay at project sites

Developing and maintaining SunGas design procedures and tools

Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics

PFD, PID development

Systems design/Advanced & regulatory controls

Process control fluency

Safety system fluency

Hydraulic calculation

Control valve size

Flare system relief scenario and relief valve sizing

Outgoing and energized by bringing the best out of everyone on the team

Well-versed in engineering workflows and project delivery from both client and vendor perspectives

Well-established process engineering skills including generation of heat and material balance, PFD, and PID, process design criteria, equipment sizing, process modeling, plant integration, and technical design and oversight

Working knowledge of Hazard Analysis methodologies, safety systems and SIL level application

Skilled in revision control and methods

Ability to exercise sound judgement in prioritizing tasks and solving problems, chasing issues through resolution

Familiarity with fluidized beds, solids handling systems, biomass conversion, steam methane reforming, oxycombustion, carbon capture, fuels/methanation synthesis and reactions

Knowledge of new and novel chemical processes is a plus

Some experience with thermal integration of varied process technologies

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Proposal/report writing

Experience with plant operation, ideally including startup and commissioning

Client facing/interaction experience

Required Education and Experience

A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering with –15-25 years of related experience

Highly experienced with process simulation using AspenTech programs such as Aspen Plus and HYSYS, and other process simulators

Experience with AutoCAD, Bluebeam, or similar software for drafting and editing P&IDs preferred

Other relevant formal training including HAZOP, HAZID, Project Management is a plus

Fluent in chemical manufacturing facilities process design

Strong background working in EPC and systems engineering is a plus

Fluidized bed, syngas system and gasification experience a plus.

EEO Statement

SunGas Renewables, Inc., a subsidiary of GTI Energy, is committed to developing a barrier-free recruitment process and work environment. If you require any accommodation, please e-mail us at and we’ll work with you to meet your accessibility needs. You must have legal authorization to work for SunGas Renewables, Inc. on your date of hire with no further action required by SunGas Renewables, Inc. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, or genetic information.

About SunGas Renewables

SunGas Renewables, in partnership with C2X, is taking a leading role in the growth of the advanced biofuels industry by providing its S- 1000 renewable syngas product to third parties while also developing and investing in low-carbon biofuels projects. The SunGas Renewables S-1000 gasification system, based on technology originally developed by GTI, when integrated with other technologies, provides a reliable syngas manufacturing platform to produce green methanol, renewable natural gas, green hydrogen and other renewable biofuels from sustainably sourced biomass. On May 14, 2024, SunGas and C2X announced a strategic partnership and C2X’s investment in SunGas.

About GTI Energy

Since 1941, GTI Energy has contributed to the strengthening of energy systems and the communities they serve. As a leading technology development organization, we are focused on developing, scaling, and deploying energy transition solutions that improve lives, economies, and the environment. GTI Energy leverages the expertise of our trusted team of scientists, engineers, and partners to deliver impactful innovations needed for low-carbon, low-cost energy systems worldwide. We embrace systems thinking, open learning, and collaboration to bring solutions from concept to market, with more than 1,000 patents secured in our 80-year history.

About C2X

C2X is aiming to make a significant contribution to a low carbon future by accelerating the availability of green methanol in large quantities. C2X will develop, own and operate green molecule production facilities in strategic locations, which will supply the chemical, aviation and shipping sectors with low carbon fuels and feedstocks.