Job Description The world’s biggest breakthroughs rarely fail in theory, they fail in execution.
A process works beautifully in the lab, then collapses under real‑world constraints. A technology clears every technical hurdle, then stalls at pilot because no one owns delivery. A promising system exists, but never quite makes the leap to something you can actually build, install, and run.
This team exists to close that gap.
They operate where science meets engineering reality — taking first‑of‑a‑kind technologies out of the lab and into pilot plants, demonstration facilities, and ultimately commercial scale.
Senior Process Engineer Right now, they’re looking for a Senior Process Engineer who can own that complexity end‑to‑end.
What you’ll be doing This is not a “sit behind the model” role. You’ll take ownership of pilot plant delivery — translating experimental results into something that can be designed, built, installed, commissioned, and operated safely. You’ll work alongside scientists, simulation specialists, fabricators, vendors, and commissioning crews — and you’ll be accountable for making the system work in the real world.
In this role, you will:
Own the delivery of pilot‑scale systems, from early design through to installation and commissioning.
Translate lab and experimental outcomes into practical, buildable process designs.
Lead first‑of‑a‑kind process design, embedding scale‑up, operability, and safety considerations from day one.
Prepare and review engineering deliverables including BFDs, PFDs, P&IDs, equipment lists, and preliminary layouts.
Develop and iterate mass and energy balances, equipment sizing, and process assumptions as data evolves.
Perform techno‑economic assessments to inform design choices and commercial decisions.
Lead procurement of process and mechanical equipment, working directly with local and international vendors.
Act as the
on‑site technical owner
during fabrication, installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting.
Identify technical, commercial, and safety risks early — and actively manage them through delivery.
Communicate clearly with internal leaders and external stakeholders when trade‑offs are required.
What we’re looking for This role suits someone who has been through pilot delivery before, and understands where theory breaks down.
You’ll be a strong fit if you have:
A degree in
Chemical Engineering
Hands‑on experience delivering pilot plants or demonstration‑scale systems
— not just contributing to them.
The ability to move comfortably between modelling, design, site work, and commissioning.
Experience working with hazardous or corrosive systems, with a strong safety‑by‑design mindset.
Sound judgement when data is incomplete and timelines are non‑negotiable.
A track record of owning outcomes, not just producing analyses.
Clear communication skills — especially when explaining uncertainty, risk, and trade‑offs.
The Ideal Background
There’s no single “perfect” background for this role. Strong candidates typically have experience working
outside the lab, delivering pilot or demonstration‑scale systems in real operating environments.
You’re likely to have worked with
corrosive or hazardous processes, early‑stage or first‑of‑a‑kind technologies, and systems where data was incomplete and design assumptions were tested in the field.
Your experience may come from
chemical manufacturing, hydrometallurgy, mineral or metals processing, energy‑adjacent technologies, or pilot plant operations. Specific commodity experience is less important than the ability to
own delivery, balance safety and operability, and make sound engineering decisions under pressure.
If you’ve been responsible for getting a pilot plant built, commissioned, and running — not just designed — you’re probably a strong fit.
Why this role is different You won’t be handed a perfectly defined problem. You won’t have the luxury of infinite data. And you won’t be shielded from accountability.
But you will see your work move from concept to something physical, operating, and real — and you’ll know you played a critical role in getting it there.
If you’re motivated by ownership, execution, and seeing complex systems come to life outside the lab, this role will stretch you in the right ways.
Interested? Reach out to
Thaís Amorim
at
thais@theonset.com.au
for a confidential conversation.
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