Development Engineer

The Company

8 Rivers is a clean energy and climate technology company leading the global energy industry towards achieving net zero.

Since 2008, 8 Rivers has been pioneering infrastructure-scale technologies that can drastically reduce or remove CO2 emissions. We’re proud to be a growing, world-class team of engineering and business experts working together to commercialize technologies and deliver projects across multiple sectors, with a focus on oxy-combustion and ultra-low carbon intensity processes. The 8 Rivers technology portfolio includes ultra-low carbon hydrogen production (8RH2), transformative low-carbon power cycles (Allam-Fetvedt Cycle), and hyper-efficient direct air capture (Calcite). With more than $1B in funding raised into our portfolio, we hold more CO2-related patents than any other entity in the world, and we are actively deploying our technology into projects in the US and abroad. Our diversified suite of technologies was developed to help the hardest-to-decarbonize sectors to achieve their net-zero goals by prioritizing the balancing of economics and science. 8 Rivers is speeding the arrival of a net-zero world where clean energy powers human prosperity. 

Apply today if you are interested in contributing to our vision for a cleaner tomorrow, today.

About this Opportunity

We are seeking a Development Engineer or Senior Development Engineer to play a pivotal role in the development of 8 Rivers’ core technologies: 8RH2, Calcite, AFC-C, and SepR8. Visit our website for more information on our technology portfolio here. 

This individual will ensure that the assigned technology is developed for commercial deployment and that engineering deliverables are completed with quality, on time, within budget, and meet all technical requirements. This role requires excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, for liaising with core technology team members, clients, pilot plant operations, and both internal and external stakeholders.

This individual would work as part of a multidisciplinary team and collaborating effectively with others is crucial. This role requires the ability to identify issues, analyze problems, and develop effective solutions to optimize and scale the technology in a nimble environment. Attention to detail is critical in developmental projects to ensure safety, compliance, and quality standards are met; the ability to adapt to changing project requirements, priorities, and deadlines is essential for success in this role.

Note: This is an onsite position based in either our Durham, NC or Houston, TX offices.

Responsibilities

• Design and Engineering: Leading the conceptualization, design, and development of new technologies or enhancements to existing ones. Utilizing advanced engineering principles and tools to create innovative and practical solutions. Performing technoeconomic analysis to aid in option evaluation and support competitive landscape analysis.
• Technical Problem Solving: Addressing complex engineering problems that arise during the development process. Applying expertise in troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and implementing effective solutions to ensure project success. Performing research and process simulation as required to support efforts.
• Prototyping and Testing: Overseeing the creation of prototypes and managing rigorous testing phases to evaluate product performance against defined criteria. Analyzing test data to make informed decisions about design changes and improvements.
• Technical Leadership: Working with the Product Manager to manage development projects from inception to completion, including planning, scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation. Ensuring technology can be deployed into commercial projects: pre-FEED, FEED and EPC phase by meeting technical specifications. Coordinating cross-functional teams comprising of engineers, designers, operators, and technicians.
• Quality Assurance and Compliance: Ensuring all development activities comply with relevant industry standards, certifications, and regulatory requirements. Implementing quality controls throughout the development process to achieve high standards of product quality and safety.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Communication: Communicating effectively with stakeholders at all levels, including management, clients, and external technical partners. Presenting project updates, technical reviews, and strategic plans to ensure transparency and stakeholder alignment.
• Mentorship and Professional Development: Mentoring junior engineers and team members, providing guidance and support for professional development. Creating a learning environment that encourages knowledge sharing and skill enhancement.

Basic Qualifications

• Development Engineer – Requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 3 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD.
• Senior Development Engineer - Requires a minimum of 8 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 6 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD with 3 years experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering or related technical discipline.
• Ability to work full-time onsite at either our Durham, NC or Houston, TX office 4-5 days/week.
• Business travel as needed for technology development requirements and continuity.

Required Skills

• Experience in chemical, oil & gas, industrial gases, power generation and/or clean energy industry & technologies.
• A demonstrable understanding of the lifecycle of a technology from R&D concept through commercialization
• A demonstrated track record of technology development, scale-up, and/or commercialization
• Experience developing technology in a lab or pilot plant
• A clear understanding of the commercial implications of engineering solutions proposed and how they affect the project economics and risk profile.
• Excellent written and verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills including attention to detail while being able to adapt to new priorities.
• A track record of demonstrating initiative and problem solving.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience performing process simulation utilizing Aspen Plus/HYSYS or similar software.
• Experience using SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or Visio
• Experience with process design, plant design, PFD & P&ID development, and safety reviews (HAZOP, PHA or LOPA).
• Experience supporting technical work products for feasibility studies, Pre-FEED, FEED and EPC project phases.

Keywords: Senior Development Engineer, Chemical Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Process Engineer, Design Engineer, Application Engineer, Systems Engineer, Integration Engineer

Note to Recruiters/Recruiting Agencies: We are managing our recruitment efforts in-house and do not require external assistance. We kindly ask that you refrain from contacting us further regarding this or similar opportunities.