Chemical Process Engineer| Envirotech

Want to help us in our mission to end the plastic pollution crisis? 

Then come join Samsara in tackling one of the planet's biggest problems with big impact!  

Samsara represents the coming together of co-founders, the Australian National University (ANU), one of Australia's largest retailers and Main Sequence Ventures, to address a big planetary problem and build the kind of solution the world has been waiting for. Not onlywill Samsara’s technology play a key role in solving the world's plastic recycling problems and eliminating the production of plastics from fossil fuels, our commercial potential is compelling. 

We are a jaw droppingly unique company! Whilst we are an envirotech start-up creating infinite recycling to end plastic pollution, we are also building an incredible place to work.  We know that to make the magic happen our day to day working lives and rewards for our efforts need to be unique and exciting for the extra effort put in. 

Due to our continued growth we are looking for a Chemical Process Engineer.  Someone who has developed a deep understating of process modelling as well as practically implementing designs into working systems. Someone who will be able to take relatively complex and nebulous experimental data and help build that into a robust process and is comfortable with making decisions under uncertainty.

Purpose of the role...

You will be involved in the design and analysis of processes that industrialise Samsara’s enzymatic plastics recycling discoveries. Reporting to the Chief Technical Officer and working with the Science and Operations teams, you will work collaboratively in process design by:

• Developing and analysing process models in Aspen with regard to energy use, LCA and efficiency. This will include investigating alternative consumables for their effects
• Developing Heat & Mass Balances, Process Flow Diagrams and P&ID's
• Assisting in the development of Basis of Design / FEED / Alarm-Trip schedules
• Participating in SID processes such as Design / Safety Review, HAZOP
• Developing and performing experiments on pilot scale equipment
• Contributing to the implementation or improvement of existing design and project management processes
• As the situations present themselves, you may be required to assist with procedure development, commissioning process development and readiness to operate processes
• Assist in the development of equipment specifications and equipment selection criteria

You will...

• Assist in the detailed design of the R&D facility for PET and Nylon
• Model learnings from batch plant in continuous plant simulations
• Develop and run alternative process simulations to help develop cost/benefit scenarios
• Be a key contributor to HAZOP studies, readiness-to-operate and commissioning of processes

Top things that will make you successful...

• A working knowledge of relevant regulations and standards concerning chemicals, WHS, piping and process safety. Of equal importance is the ability to take relatively complex and nebulous experimental data and help build that into a robust process.
• Being comfortable with making decisions under uncertainty is essential
• Past exposure to a range of processing concepts and environments to assist in the development of equipment specifications and equipment selection criteria
• Whilst this is not a project management position, prior exposure to and use of good project management disciplines will be well regarded
• A good understanding of Management of Change and Document Control is required. As stated above processes are modelled in Aspen
• A deep working knowledge of process simulation is required which could be in other packages and you will be able to draw on your experience to implement and develop process concepts
• You understand how to develop robust, flexible solutions that are usable in an operating environment
• Minimum degree qualification in Chemical Engineering, preferably with some experience in industry or research
• Advanced technological skillset and a demonstrated history with technology.
• Experience evaluating and implementing new systems and scale-up of Chemical Processes
• Intellectual strength balanced with a warm and low-ego personality
• High-energy, fast paced and driven with the ability to multitask and exercise sound judgement to make decisions with an 80/20 mentality where required to achieve critical milestones but not compromise the integrity of the technology and product.

Critical to your success...

• Thinking outside the box- processing technologies are constantly evolving, needs to be able to excel at finding new and better solutions.
• Challenging conventional wisdom - able to rattle the status quo, take leadership, and see beyond traditional approaches
• Flexibility - developing an adjustable approach to any situation even if you do have a scientific “hunch”
• Build and leverage - a strong network of relationships internally at all levels of Samsara and externally with industry partners, government bodies and potential customers

The successful candidate will be a purpose-driven team player who is inspired by an opportunity to have impact in the world. They must deeply believe in Samsara’s purpose and the important role we will play in creating the most impactful recycling company. 

What you might like about us...

Remuneration - we offer competitive salaries in addition to the option of owning company shares. Flexibility - at Samsara, flexible work means that our people are able to achieve work-life harmony. This includes support for how our people maintain health and wellbeing, parent or care for others, study, transition to retirement or pursue personal interests. Autonomy - you are trusted to work independently, make sensible decisions, ask better questions, adopt techniques to work smarter and do what you say you will do.  Flat structure - we don’t entertain bureaucracy at Samsara! Our people are empowered to use their own initiative to solve problems collaboratively. Communication is fast which means quicker decisions and the flexibility to adapt quickly to changes.

Samsara is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and anyone seeking employment at Samsara is considered based on merit, qualifications, competence and talent. We don’t regard colour, religion, race, national origin, sexual orientation, ancestry, citizenship, sex, marital or family status, disability, gender, or any other legally protected status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.

Does this sound like your dream job? If it does, join our mission and apply now! 

And for more information check out our explainer video here!

• Looking for candidates available to work:
  • Monday: Morning, Afternoon
  • Tuesday: Morning, Afternoon
  • Wednesday: Morning, Afternoon
  • Thursday: Morning, Afternoon
  • Friday: Morning, Afternoon
• 2-3 years of relevant work experience required for this role
• Work visa can be provided for this role
• Expected start date for role: 22 April 2024
• Expected salary: $80,000 - $100,000 per year