Chemical Process Engineer

Job Description

VPSA Process Engineer

Location: Remote (U.S.) with Travel

Travel: Up to 20%

Industry: Industrial Gases / Air Separation / Process Engineering

About the Opportunity

A growing industrial gas company is seeking a VPSA Process Engineer to support the design, development, commissioning, optimization, and long-term operation of Vacuum Pressure Swing Adsorption (VPSA) oxygen production facilities.

This role will serve as the primary process engineering resource for new VPSA projects, plant expansions, commercial proposals, and operational improvement initiatives. The successful candidate will work across engineering, operations, vendors, suppliers, and customers to develop process designs, support equipment selection, troubleshoot operating issues, and improve plant performance.

This is a highly technical role best suited for candidates with direct experience in VPSA oxygen systems, PSA technologies, adsorption processes, or related industrial gas operations.

Position Responsibilities

Process Design & Engineering

• Develop process designs for VPSA oxygen generation facilities.
• Evaluate multiple process concepts and identify optimum design solutions.
• Perform process simulations and engineering calculations.
• Develop Heat & Material Balances (H&MBs).
• Generate Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs).
• Support development of P&IDs.
• Calculate utility requirements and process equipment sizing.

Equipment Specification & Procurement Support

Provide process engineering support for:

• Compressors
• Blowers
• Vacuum systems
• Adsorption vessels
• Control valves
• Relief valves
• Heat exchangers
• Tanks
• Instrumentation
• Analyzers
• Oxygen processing equipment

Plant Start-Up & Commissioning

• Support VPSA commissioning activities.
• Participate in startup planning and startup execution.
• Perform process performance testing.
• Troubleshoot startup and operating issues.
• Support ongoing optimization of existing VPSA facilities.

Risk, Safety & Operational Excellence

• Participate in HAZOP studies.
• Support technical risk assessments.
• Support environmental and safety evaluations.
• Maintain lessons learned documentation.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives.

Customer & Vendor Collaboration

• Review technical vendor proposals.
• Support customer technical discussions.
• Assist with project execution and design reviews.
• Coordinate with operations and maintenance teams.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering.
• 5+ years of process engineering experience.
• Direct VPSA oxygen production experience.
• Experience developing:
• Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs)
• Heat & Material Balances (H&MBs)
• Strong understanding of:
• Adsorption systems
• Process calculations
• Equipment sizing
• Utility requirements
• Process troubleshooting
• Ability to travel up to 20%.

Preferred

• VPSA Oxygen Generation
• PSA Systems
• VSA Systems
• Industrial Gas Industry
• Air Separation
• Oxygen Production
• Advanced Process Control
• HAZOP Participation
• Plant Commissioning
• Startup Support
• CO2 VSA Experience
• Nitrogen PSA Experience
• Master's Degree in Chemical Engineering

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a hands-on process engineer who combines strong process design skills with real-world operating experience.

This person should be comfortable:

• Developing process designs
• Running simulations
• Sizing equipment
• Supporting vendors
• Participating in HAZOPs
• Commissioning plants
• Troubleshooting operating facilities
• Working directly with customers and operations teams

They enjoy solving complex process challenges and improving industrial gas facility performance.

What Success Looks Like

Success in this role will be measured by the ability to:

• Deliver accurate process designs.
• Successfully support VPSA startups and commissioning efforts.
• Improve reliability and performance of operating VPSA facilities.
• Reduce process-related operating issues.
• Support projects that deliver on time and within budget.
• Drive continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Serve as a trusted technical resource for both internal and external stakeholders.