Job Title: Process Engineer
Department: Engineering Procurement Construction (EPC) & Utility
Company: California Bioenergy LLC
Reports To: Director of Engineering
Office Location: Bakersfield, CA
Status: Exempt
Annual Salary Range: $110,000 - $120,000
Benefits: Standard CalBio benefits package is available: Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401k with match.
COMPANY DESCRIPTION
California Bioenergy LLC (CalBio), founded in 2006, is one of the nation’s leading developers, owners, and operators of dairy digester projects. Working closely with our family dairy partners and agencies, including CARB, CDFA, CPUC, CEC, and the EPA, alongside affiliates Midwest Bioenergy, Northwest Bioenergy, and Southwest Bioenergy, we capture methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and beneficially use it to generate renewable natural gas (RNG) and electricity. Our projects reduce more than 1 million metric tons of CO₂e emissions per year, with a pathway to doubling these reductions over the next three years. A major use of CalBio RNG is as vehicle fuel; when truck fleets transition from diesel to natural gas, pollution emissions can drop by ~90%, delivering immediate air-quality benefits in communities such as California’s San Joaquin Valley and the L.A. Basin. These projects also help protect local air and water quality, create jobs, and provide new revenue and other meaningful benefits for our dairy partners.
POSITION PURPOSE
A degreed engineer (typically a B.S. degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering), with EIT or PE, desirable. Capable of handling the technical aspects of projects while keeping overall project goals in mind.
ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
- Prepares or reviews design drawings, calculations, data sheets, specifications and other documents based on specific task direction from Senior Engineers or Lead Engineers.
- Understands basic operating principles and is familiar with engineering standards and codes.
- Assumes some project management responsibilities.
- Possesses good organizational, planning, written and oral communication skills to manage projects. Attentive to detail and completeness. Interfaces directly with engineering consultants, contractors, and equipment vendors on an as-needed basis.
- Is proficient in engineering and computer simulation software necessary to perform calculations.
- Perform site visits to conduct field troubleshooting.
CRITICAL SKILL SETS
- Planning/Organization: Can plan and organize his or her own work to meet deadlines. Understands basic steps necessary to complete tasks.
- Meeting Company Objectives: Understands and supports company goals. May require additional guidance from more senior engineers on work approach.
- Communication Skills: Solid communicator, both in written and oral form, to consultants, service providers, vendors and co-workers.
- Adaptable/Flexible: Is adaptable to changing company goals, priorities, workloads, and work scope, without loss of focus and direction.
- Technical Competence: Good technical analysis and problem-solving skills. Capable of performing some computer simulations, spreadsheets, and calculations. Understands codes and regulations when presented with documents. Attentive to detail.
- Project Management: Assists in preliminary scoping, job definition, development of schedule and cost estimating efforts.
- Computer Literacy: Proficient in most technical PC applications.
- Process Improvements: Works to develop project technical and implementation improvements through suggestions, team brainstorming and other industry practices. Suggests improvements for utilization on other projects.
- Safety Awareness: Practices and design for safe work activities. Becomes increasingly familiar with applicable industry safety designs and regulations.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor of Science degree from a four-year college required.
- 2–5 years process engineering experience required.
Ability to develop simple block flow diagrams, heat and material balance, and process flow diagrams (PFDs) - Ability to develop or review Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret data, common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to write conforming to a prescribed style and format.
- Ability to comprehend and apply the principles of basic engineering calculations.
- Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of practical problems.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work locations are industrial and agricultural, primarily outdoors in the central valley of California. Temperatures range from 40 deg F in the winer to 115 deg F in the summer. Limited exposure to hazardous materials and/or toxic fumes will require the use of approved personal protective equipment. Regular exposure to heat, noise, flammable materials, rotating equipment, and other conditions normally encountered in an industrial environment should be expected. California Bioenergy will ensure all applicable work rules and safety requirements are closely adhered to. This position will require heavy lifting (<50 lbs) and/or climbing ladder and/or stairs, bending squatting, and crawling in tight spaces to safely access work sites.