Lead Chemical Engineer

Lead Chemical Engineer

Location: Antwerp

Are you looking for a job where …

·    the opportunities to pave your own career path and grow are endless;

·    you have an opportunity to build things from scratch and make an impact;

·    you get a permanent R&D position which is all about developing new technology;

·    you can work with bright people from across the world in the same lab;

·    you can simply be yourself, you are unique!

… If so, you are probably ready to hear more about Fairbrics story…

And what if it was possible to make clothes from CO₂?

It is not a dream, this is what we do at Fairbrics! We are building the novel technology to efficiently transform CO₂ captured at heavy industry sites into low-carbon polyester fabrics.

Are you looking for technology that helps fight climate change?

Today, polyester is produced from petroleum. Textile industry emits 1.2bln tons of GHG gases into the atmosphere yearly – this is more than all international flights and shipping combined! At Fairbrics, we are on a mission to combat climate change by developing innovative circular manufacturing process, based on the latest developments in catalytic chemistry. Our process uses CO₂ as feedstock to manufacture synthetic fibers.

Are you looking for a career with ambition and growth?

Originally based in France Paris region, Fairbrics already generated traction amongst textile industry market leaders such as H&M and Aigle. We are also backed by top climate tech Venture Capital funds. Fairbrics is expanding its European footprint by building its first-of-a-kind flagship demonstrator facility in Antwerp, Belgium as part of the EU-funded Project.

If you are still interested in reading, an open role with our start-up may be for you! We are looking for an independent, hands-on, and experienced Chemical engineer.

About the job

We are looking for a Lead Chemical Engineer in our industrialization team. They will effectively translate the outcomes of catalytic chemistry research from the R&D team into plant manufacturing specifications and requirements at all relevant phases.

Key responsibilities:

·      Play a leading role in the scale-up of Fairbrics technology from the R&D lab to the kilo-lab , pilot and the plant scales including batch and continuous processes.

·      Manage a team of chemists / chemical engineers and the laboratory itself, including maintenance of chemicals and equipment supply, troubleshooting instruments.

·      Implement and follow safety procedures in the kilo-lab and support the chemical process safety studies (flammability, exothermicity…).

·      Coordinate with the R&D team to ensure alignment on technical needs and project execution for scaling up.

·      Use substantial knowledge on reactors design to overcome the challenges of scaling-up a chemical process.

·      Perform the required studies for the kilo-lab and pilot plant designs and sizing, as well as evaluating PFDs / P&IDs.

·      Carry out engineering-driven financial analysis and cost-benefit calculations.

·      Maintain professional and technical knowledge, remaining updated on the advantages and disadvantages of a broad range of process apparatus (reactors, distillation, gas separation, mixers…).

Desired profile

·      MSc or PhD in a technical field: chemical engineering, chemistry or equivalent

·      A least 5 years experience and knowledge in an industrial environment / engineering company / chemical laboratory

·      Ability to learn new topics with minimal guidance

·      Highly motivated and a team player

·      Excellent oral and written communication skills

·      Ability to work in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment

·      Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize, and meet deadlines

·      Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

·      Expertise in troubleshooting and process simulation are a plus

·      Fluency in English is required; French and Dutch are a plus

Additionally

·      Safety analysis skills (HAZOP, HAZID…)

·      Familiarity with electrolyzer units, heterogenous / homogenous catalytic systems

·      Experience with liquid/gas and/or high-pressure processes.

Compensation and perks

·      Competitive compensation

·      Employee benefits 

·      Key role in a dynamic start-up environment