Assistant Project Engineer Jobs in Prior Lake, MN

Company Description
Claros Technologies is a venture-backed deep-tech company committed to solving the global challenge of eliminating PFAS from the environment. PFAS remediation is rapidly evolving into a multi-billion-dollar global market and is at the forefront of regulatory action across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Our patented and scalable destruction technology has been proven to eliminate 99.99% of PFAS in customer samples-without creating harmful byproducts.
We are a diverse team of scientists, business builders, and impact-driven leaders dedicated to solving critical environmental problems. In early 2024, Claros closed a $20 million financing round led by top environmental venture capital firms, positioning us to scale commercial adoption and expand globally.
If you're a mission-driven and highly motivated Engineer, join us in addressing one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time.
Job Summary
The Engineer III is responsible for supporting the design, implementation, and operation of PFAS destruction systems, including pilot- and commercial-scale projects. This role is critical to project execution, equipment specification, and process development, ensuring that Claros' UV-PFAS destruction technology meets client needs and regulatory requirements. The Engineer III works closely with Sales, Engineering and external partners to deliver safe, efficient, and high-quality solutions that enable sustainable and responsible PFAS management. This role will be an integral leader in establishing engineering controls, systems, and documentation as ClarosTechUV technology enters the commercial adoption phase.
Key Responsibilities
• Manage and coordinate multiple client pilot and commercial projects from design through delivery, ensuring alignment with project plans, schedules, budgets, and quality requirements.
• Partner with Sales and Business Development to walk customer sites, assess pilot feasibility, and evaluate pathways from pilot to full commercialization.
• Oversee fabrication, testing, installation, commissioning, and performance evaluation of PFAS destruction systems and equipment. May be required to oversee relationships with outsourced engineering or third-party engineering partners.
• Ensure all project deliverables meet defined scope, schedule, and quality standards.
• Teach, mentor, and provide technical guidance to junior engineers and technicians; review and check engineering work for accuracy and completeness.
• Participate in customer meetings, providing clear technical updates, data interpretation, and recommendations.
• Perform process mass and energy balances; develop and maintain Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) and Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).
• Specify and select process equipment, UV systems, instruments, valves, and piping components.
• Develop technical specifications and conduct bid comparisons and vendor evaluations for equipment procurement.
• Support and execute experimental testing, pilot trials, and performance evaluations of PFAS destruction technology; analyze pilot data and recommend process or design optimizations.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive project systems and documentation, including drawings, manuals, operating procedures, specifications, test reports, and change records.
• Contribute to the development and standardization of engineering documentation, technical specifications, and project control systems.
• Assist with proposal preparation, capital cost estimates (including multi-million-dollar projects), and technical writing for customer quotations.
• Support trade shows or conferences as a technical representative.
• Protect proprietary information and intellectual property by adhering to confidentiality and documentation procedures.
• Participate in safety programs, hazard reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Chemical Engineering preferred; Mechanical Engineering considered. Please no civil engineering applicants).
• 3-5+ years of experience in project engineering, process design, pilot system execution, or manufacturing environments within water treatment, chemical, or environmental technology.
• Experience implementing a system for engineering controls and documentation in an emerging engineering organization.
• Experience supporting capital projects, ideally in the multi-million-dollar range.
• Strong understanding of water and wastewater treatment principles and water chemistry.
• Proficiency in developing PFDs and P&IDs using AutoCAD or similar software.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical writing skills, including development of manuals and operating procedures.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously and work effectively across cross-functional teams.
• Familiarity with applicable engineering standards and safety practices (ASME, ASTM, ANSI, UL, CE, CSA, and international codes).
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience working at customer sites, including commissioning, troubleshooting, and performance testing.
• Wastewater or industrial water treatment experience (e.g., experience with large manufacturers such as 3M, Daikin, or similar organizations).
• Experience with industrial controls, instrumentation, electrical systems, or data acquisition platforms; ability to collaborate effectively with controls engineers.
• Willingness to learn and apply technical standards outside of primary engineering discipline.
Work Environment
This role operates in both office and laboratory/pilot plant settings. Travel to customer sites or vendor facilities may be required, up to approximately 25% domestically and internationally. The position may involve exposure to chemicals, pressurized systems, and UV light sources in controlled conditions with appropriate safety measures. Standard business hours apply, with flexibility to support project testing, commissioning, and field schedules as needed.
Benefits
• Competitive compensation: $100,000 - $130,000
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and company holidays
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Opportunities for career growth and professional development
• Company-sponsored training and certifications (e.g., forklift operation)
• Supportive, team-oriented work environment
Location: On-site at Claros Headquarters in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Travel: May be required periodically for client visits, industry events, or conferences
Learn More
Visit www.clarostech.com to learn more about our mission and impact.
Claros Technologies is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.