Process RD&D Manager

The Process RD&D Manager at Travertine is responsible for managing and overseeing RD&D projects, translating experimental designs into chemical process designs, and supporting the construction of laboratory and pilot test equipment. This role involves analyzing data from benchtop and pilot experiments, improving process flow diagrams, and maintaining a clean and safe laboratory environment. Strong leadership and a solid understanding of chemical processes are essential to ensure successful project execution.

To become the Process RD&D Manager at Travertine, candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in engineering (chemical, materials, or metallurgical) or have equivalent experience, coupled with at least 5 years of applied chemical process design experience. Essential skills include expertise in chemical experiment design, mass and energy balance development, and proficiency in analytical techniques. Familiarity with process flow diagrams (PFDs) and a passion for Climate Tech will give candidates a competitive edge.

In addition to a competitive salary, Travertine offers a robust benefits package to its Process RD&D Manager. This includes stock options, health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, and a 401k plan with a 100% match up to 3% of salary. The company also has a flexible time off policy, fostering a work-life balance that appeals to many professionals looking to engage in meaningful work.

Apart from the required qualifications, desirable skills for the Process RD&D Manager position at Travertine include experience in interfacing with contractors, phosphate fertilizer production, and a background in an RD&D environment. Process simulation expertise and the ability to translate designs from pilot to commercial scale will significantly enhance a candidate’s profile, making them stand out in the innovative realm of Climate Tech.

The Process RD&D Manager plays a vital role in advancing Travertine's mission to decarbonize industry by managing technology development projects that facilitate low-waste, carbon-negative production of essential elements. By ensuring rigorous experimentation and analysis, this position directly supports the scaling up of Travertine's environmentally conscious technology, ultimately contributing to a sustainable future and carbon removal on a grand scale.

In your response, focus on specific projects where you designed and conducted experiments, highlighting the methodology you used, the types of chemicals you worked with, and the outcomes. Discuss any analytical techniques you employed in assessing results and how they informed process design.

Share a structured approach to troubleshooting that includes identifying the problem, analyzing data, and evaluating potential variables that could influence the results. Use a specific example to illustrate how your analytical skills contributed to resolving issues effectively.

Discuss the integration of data analysis with process design principles in your past work. Emphasize your ability to work collaboratively with simulation engineers and your experience in developing heat and mass balance models that guided scaling decisions.

Outline a specific project, detailing your role in project initiation, execution, and closure. Highlight aspects such as project planning, resource allocation, managing timelines, and how you evaluated the success of the project against predetermined objectives.

Talk about your proficiency in reading and creating PFDs, offering insights into how these diagrams guide development and operational decisions. Provide an example of a project where PFDs played a pivotal role in process optimization.

Safety is paramount in any lab setting. Discuss specific practices you enforce, such as regular safety audits, proper usage of personal protective equipment, and training personnel in safe lab procedures to foster a culture of safety and efficiency.

List the analytical techniques you’ve mastered, such as spectroscopy or mineralogical characterization, and elaborate on how these techniques contributed to achieving successful outcomes in your RD&D projects.

Share your approach to prioritizing tasks based on project impact, deadlines, and available resources. Discuss any tools or methodologies you utilize to manage several streams of work while maintaining high-quality outputs.

Provide an example that highlights your experience in scaling processes. Discuss the challenges faced, how you overcame them, and what methodologies you implemented to successfully transition from benchtop to commercial applications.

Express your passion for climate technology and how it aligns with Travertine's mission. Discuss any specific technologies or innovations that inspire you and how you envision contributing to significant advancements in this field through your role.