Chemical Process Engineer

Our client, a rapidly growing advanced engineering start-up company, is seeking a Chemical Process Engineer to support the development, manufacturing readiness, and operational integration of advanced energy materials.

Location: Seattle, WA. This is a hybrid position with on-site presence required three times per week (Tues/Wed/Thurs).

In this role you will:

• Lead or support process and system design for radiochemical separation, purification, synthesis, and palletization activities within remotely operated and highly controlled environments.
• Drive experiments, testing plans, and system validation efforts in partnership with multidisciplinary engineering and scientific teams.
• Develop, review, and maintain process documentation including PFDs, P&IDs, heat/mass balances, specifications, requirements, and commissioning plans.
• Support full lifecycle system integration—from concept through commissioning and production.
• Troubleshoot, refine, and sustain chemical processing systems and related equipment.
• Ensure strong engineering rigor around requirements management, interface control, quality standards, and traceability.
• Contribute to facility design/modifications that support chemical fuel processing operations.
• Coordinate with subcontractors and vendors to ensure proper technical execution and alignment to requirements.
• Analyze experimental and reference data and prepare clear, technically sound reports.
• Present technical findings and design updates during internal and external design reviews.
• Communicate effectively within a diverse, cross-functional engineering organization.

Key Qualifications & Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Chemical Engineering (or related field) and 7+ years of relevant chemical/process engineering experience.
• Experience designing systems for handling hazardous, corrosive, high-temperature, high-pressure, or otherwise complex chemical media.
• Experience with powders, slurries, liquids, and gases in process environments.
• Strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated experience developing P&IDs, PFDs, heat/energy balances, design specifications, operational sequences, commissioning documentation, etc.
• Experience writing technical specifications and procurement documents.
• Working knowledge of quality frameworks such as NQA-1, AS9100D, ISO 9001, or similar.
• Ability to lead and coordinate design workstreams with limited oversight.
• Comfortable working in fast-moving, technically uncertain, and highly collaborative environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly desired (not required): Experience designing systems for radiochemical handling or remote operations within shielded environments.

Compensation:

Approximately $140,000 to $185,000 annual base salary depending on experience. All levels are encouraged to apply.

Benefits:

Equity participation opportunities; Generous paid time off and flexible work schedules; 401(k) savings plan with employer contribution; Up to 16 weeks of paid parental leave; Employer-funded Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions; Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; Public transit reimbursement or commuter benefits; Relocation support; Collaborative, pet-friendly workspace.

About Hansell Tierney

Hansell Tierney is one of the premier staffing and recruiting companies in the Pacific Northwest. Launched in 2001, we are a woman-owned business that serves and staffs Northwest organizations by doing things the right way, not just the easiest way. Hansell Tierney partners with candidates and clients to match the best candidates with interesting local opportunities. We navigate every relationship with the highest level of discretion and service while holding ourselves accountable to our promises. Our business thrives on our deep understanding of the job market and our ability to skillfully tailor our recruitment process to meet our clients’ unique needs.