Job Description
Technical Lead, Carbon Process Development
📍 Location: Walkersville, MD (on-site position)
🚀 Build a First-of-Its-Kind Domestic Carbon Platform
An advanced materials venture in Maryland is launching a pilot facility to commercialize a proprietary carbon-conversion process that will establish a fully domestic supply of high-performance synthetic graphite and related materials.
Backed by experienced technical leadership and validated bench-scale chemistry, the team is now entering equipment procurement and pilot plant commissioning. This role offers the opportunity to translate proven chemistry into stable production and help build the technical foundation for commercial expansion.
🔧 What You Will Do
In this hands-on role, you will:
- Translate bench-validated chemistry into pilot-scale operating conditions
- Define and refine process parameters and material targets
- Support equipment selection, process design decisions, acceptance testing, and commissioning
- Develop and execute structured test plans to improve yield and consistency
- Interpret material characterization data (XRD, Raman, SEM, GDMS)
- Troubleshoot high-temperature thermal and chemical purification systems
- Establish documentation, safety rigor, and repeatable operating procedures
- Collaborate closely with operations and senior technical leadership
📈 What Success Looks Like
At 6 months:
- Core pilot equipment installed and commissioning underway
- Initial operating parameters defined and tested
- Structured troubleshooting framework in place
At 12 months:
- Stable pilot production achieved
- Process variability reduced
- Data-driven optimization implemented
- Technical foundation established for commercial replication
🎯 What You Bring
We are targeting high-performing technical leaders with 7–12 years of experience who are ready to assume expanded ownership in a pilot-scale, high-growth environment.
Experience in graphite is welcome but not required.
Strong candidates may currently hold titles such as:
Senior Process Engineer • Process Development Engineer • Pilot Plant Engineer • Chemical Process Engineer
Highly relevant backgrounds include:
Rare earth chemical separation and slurry systems • Acid leaching and mineral extraction circuits • High-temperature ceramics • Boron or refractory materials processing • Powder handling and purification systems
The strongest candidates will demonstrate:
- Experience bringing new processes or pilot plants online in early-stage environments
- Technical depth paired with practical, hands-on execution
- Ownership mindset with long-term growth orientation
🎓 Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline required.
- Master’s or PhD welcomed but not required.
🧭 Operating Environment
This is an early-stage pilot-scale operation. Success requires:
- Comfort operating in a fast-moving build environment while helping establish and refine core systems.
- Sound technical decision-making in a small, high-accountability team
- Startup or pilot plant experience is highly valued
✈ Travel - Minimal travel expected travel
💰 Compensation & Benefits
- Base Salary: $140-160K, commensurate with experience
- Bonus: 10% annual performance bonus
- Eligible for Long-Term Incentive plan
- Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), Paid Time Off, company-paid STD, LTD, and Life insurance.
🔐 Work Authorization
This position is expected to support U.S. Government programs that may involve Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and/or export-controlled technologies. Candidates must comply with all applicable U.S. export control laws and regulations. Eligibility to obtain any required authorization or clearance in the future may be required.
🌍 Equal Opportunity Employer
Our client is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.