Process Development Engineer

Process Development Engineer

Florrent is innovating to scale the next generation of high energy density supercapacitors. Our supercapacitors provide reliable power at every level of the grid at lower cost and reduced emissions compared to existing high-power solutions, all while embedding the valorization of agricultural waste streams into our products. Florrent is growing our Massachusetts-based team, looking for scientists and engineers passionate about solving hard problems and delivering innovative solutions to address the world's growing power quality and decarbonization challenges.

Florrent is seeking a hands-on Process Development Engineer to lead the design, commissioning, and operation of pilot-scale systems for activated carbon production. This role is central to scaling lab innovations into real-world processes and requires direct engagement with equipment, process troubleshooting, and daily pilot operations. The ideal candidate combines deep process engineering knowledge with a roll-up-your-sleeves attitude, capable of bridging theory with practice in a dynamic R&D and scale-up environment.

Pilot Plant Design & Build-Out

• Lead the physical design and build-out of pilot-scale systems, including furnaces, processing vessels, filtration units, and various types of material handling equipment.
• Select and specify mechanical and process components; source and coordinate with vendors and fabricators.
• Personally support or oversee installation and commissioning of new systems.

Daily Pilot Plant Operations

• Be physically present on the floor, operating and troubleshooting thermal and chemical process equipment.
• Prepare raw materials, monitor runs, and adjust process parameters in real time.
• Collaborate closely with technicians and engineers to execute experiments.

Process Development & Scale-Up

• Develop and optimize process parameters for activated carbon production using bench and pilot data.
• Translate lab procedures into robust, scalable operating protocols.
• Track and interpret data from sensors, logbooks, and lab analysis to inform process improvements.

Troubleshooting & Engineering Support

• Rapidly identify, diagnose, and correct mechanical or process issues with minimal supervision.
• Recommend and implement design modifications based on pilot findings and process observations.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians in safe, effective hands-on engineering practices.

Documentation & Safety

• Maintain detailed operating records, change control logs, and equipment maintenance logs.
• Author SOPs for all pilot unit operations.
• Lead or support safety reviews (e.g., PHA, MOC) and ensure compliance with EHS protocols for chemical and thermal systems.

Don't have all of the qualifications listed below? That's okay, we still want to hear from you if you think there's good alignment between you and Florrent!

• B.S. or higher in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Process Engineering, or related field
• 5–10+ years in process development, scale-up, or pilot plant engineering roles
• Proven experience with hands-on setup, operation, and troubleshooting of process equipment
• Strong knowledge of thermal, chemical, and solid-handling processes
• Experience working with corrosive chemicals, high temperatures, and hazardous materials in a lab or pilot plant
• Proficient in reading and creating P&IDs, equipment specs, and mechanical drawings

• Experience with activated carbon, char, or biomass-derived materials
• Exposure to PLC-based control systems or DAQ tools
• Knowledge of Aspen, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or other process modeling/design tools

• This is a hands-on, on-site position in a pilot plant and lab-scale environment
• Frequent standing, climbing, and lifting required; must be comfortable working around heat, pressure, and chemicals
• Regular interaction with mechanical systems, process equipment, and materials in development

This is not a desk-only role. You'll be on the floor helping build, run, and improve systems that bring sustainable carbon technologies to life. Join a mission-driven team where your engineering expertise and practical skills are equally valued in the creation of scalable, real-world solutions.