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Recycling Process Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are searching for a Process Engineer to join our Fuel Recycling engineering team. Position Description The person in this role is responsible for conducting design, development, prototyping, and ...

We are searching for a Process Engineer to join our Fuel Recycling engineering team. Position Description The person in this role is responsible for conducting design, development, prototyping, and ...

The Process Engineer provides plant-level research and development support to improve, optimize, and expand existing recycled PET (rPET) flake production processes and technologies. This role ...

The Process Engineer provides plant-level research and development support to improve, optimize, and expand existing recycled PET (rPET) flake production processes and technologies. This role ...

The Process Engineer provides plant-level research and development support to improve, optimize, and expand existing recycled PET (rPET) flake production processes and technologies. This role ...

As a global advanced materials and recycling group, we develop, produce, and recycle materials for ... Delivers expert work in Process Engineering with high quality and timeliness, applying best ...

As a global advanced materials and recycling group, we develop, produce, and recycle materials for ... Delivers expert work in Process Engineering with high quality and timeliness, applying best ...

... recycling. Position Overview Cyclic Materials is seeking a Process Engineer to support the ... development, commissioning, and optimization of our Arizona Spoke Plant. This is an exciting ...

Nucor is North America's largest recycler and most diversified steel and steel products company ... The Process Engineer drives efficiency and innovation across Nucor Raw Materials Group's 17 ...

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River Metals Recycling LLC Location: Cincinnati, OH, United States Other Available Locations: N/A ... The Process Engineer drives efficiency and innovation across Nucor Raw Materials Group's 17 ...

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Polymer Process Engineer# Polymer Process EngineerWashington Plant - Washington, IA 52353 ... Experience in recycling LLDPE film is highly desirable. This role will support production, product ...

Process Engineer Professional Lancaster, OH, US 2 days ago Requisition ID: 1522 About Us With more than 30 years of experience, Cirba Solutions is the premier battery recycling materials and ...

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Recycling Process Engineer information

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$49.5K

$92K

$142.5K

How much do recycling process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for recycling process engineer in the United States is $92,018.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,500.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a recycling process engineer do?

A Recycling Process Engineer is responsible for designing, optimizing, and overseeing processes involved in recycling materials such as plastics, metals, paper, and glass. They work to improve the efficiency and sustainability of recycling operations, often developing new techniques for sorting, cleaning, and reprocessing materials. These engineers collaborate with plant managers, environmental scientists, and equipment manufacturers to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and to reduce waste. Their work is critical in helping organizations minimize their environmental impact and promote a circular economy.

What are some typical challenges recycling process engineers face in optimizing plant operations?

Recycling Process Engineers often encounter challenges such as managing the variability of incoming waste streams, maintaining equipment efficiency, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. They must continuously analyze process data to identify bottlenecks and implement solutions that maximize recovery rates while minimizing costs. Collaboration with operations teams and equipment vendors is crucial to troubleshoot issues and drive process improvements. Adaptability and problem-solving skills are key, as recycling technologies and market demands can evolve rapidly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a recycling process engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Recycling Process Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical, mechanical, or environmental engineering, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in waste management or manufacturing. Familiarity with process simulation software, quality control systems, and knowledge of environmental regulations and certifications like ISO 14001 are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, project management skills, and effective communication set exceptional candidates apart in this role. These capabilities are crucial for designing efficient recycling processes, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving sustainability initiatives in complex operational environments.

What is the difference between Recycling Process Engineer vs Recycling Technician?

AspectRecycling Process EngineerRecycling Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or environmental scienceHigh school diploma or equivalent, technical training
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and optimize recycling processes in industrial settingsOperate and maintain recycling equipment on the production floor
Industry UsageInvolved in process improvement and engineering projectsHands-on equipment operation and troubleshooting

The Recycling Process Engineer focuses on designing and improving recycling systems, requiring engineering knowledge. In contrast, the Recycling Technician handles daily operations and equipment maintenance. Both roles are essential in the recycling industry but differ in responsibilities and required qualifications.

Are recycling process engineers in high demand?

Recycling process engineers are in growing demand due to increased focus on sustainability and waste management. They are needed in industries such as manufacturing, waste treatment, and environmental consulting, often requiring knowledge of process optimization and environmental regulations.

Is recycling a good career path?

Recycling Process Engineers play a key role in developing and optimizing waste management systems, contributing to environmental sustainability. The field offers opportunities in manufacturing, environmental consulting, and government agencies, often requiring knowledge of process design, environmental regulations, and technical skills. It can be a stable career with growing demand as sustainability initiatives increase globally.

What states have the most Recycling Process Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Recycling Process Engineer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Recycling Process Engineer jobs?

For Recycling Process Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Recycling Process Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,018 per year, or $44.2 per hour.

Recycling Process Engineer

Columbus, MS • On-site

Steel Dynamics, Inc.
Manufacturing • 5 - 10K employees

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Steel Dynamics rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 58 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Aluminum Dynamics

Aluminum Dynamics Inc is seeking a Process Engineer for our Starkville/Columbus Mississippi Greenfield State of the art Aluminum UBC Recycling and slab casting facility.  The position will support the process’ of UBC Recycling including shredding, delacquering, melting, molten metal processing, and slab casting. The engineer will work closely with experienced engineers, operations, and laboratory personnel to startup the UBC production process, assist with process monitoring and troubleshooting, and support continuous improvement efforts. This position offers hands on exposure to a greenfield startup environment and provides strong development toward a long-term engineering career within SDI.


  • Support the automated continuous process of processing used beverage cans into molten aluminum
  • Assist with process data collection, analysis, and reporting to support operational decision making.
  • Support commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting of equipment and process systems.
  • Help develop, maintain, and follow standard operating procedures and work instructions.
  • Track and analyze key process performance metrics such as throughput, yield, energy use, and product quality using Excel and related tools.
  • Collaborate with laboratory personnel to interpret test results and connect data to process performance.
  • Follow all safety policies, participate in safety reviews and training, and support required process and environmental documentation.
  • Work collaboratively with operations, maintenance, laboratory, and engineering teams to support continuous improvement initiatives.

  • Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Materials Science, or a related engineering discipline.
  • Strong academic foundation in mass and energy balances, thermodynamics, and basic process control.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and basic data analysis.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Willingness to learn, take initiative, and work in a hands on manufacturing environment.
  • Ability to work effectively with others and communicate clearly.
  •  
  • Work experience in manufacturing, chemical processing, energy, or materials industries.
  • Exposure to laboratory work or industrial data collection.
  • Interest in sustainability, renewable energy, or decarbonization technologies.

Steel Dynamics, Inc., and all affiliated entities are equal opportunity employers. 


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About Steel Dynamics

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Steel Dynamics is one of the largest and most diversified domestic steel producers and metals recyclers in the United States, with an estimated steelmaking and coating capacity of approximately 13 million tons, and facilities located throughout the United States and in Mexico. We operate using a circular manufacturing model, producing lower-carbon-emission, quality steel using electric arc furnace (EAF) technology with recycled ferrous scrap as the primary input. Our circular economy is powered by our three primary operating platforms: steel, metals recycling, and steel fabrication. Our steel operations produce steel products, including hot roll, cold roll, and coated sheet steel, structural steel beams and shapes, rail, engineered special-bar-quality steel, cold finished steel, merchant bar products, and specialty steel sections. Our metals recycling operations collect and process ferrous and nonferrous scrap from manufacturing and end-of-life items, such as automobiles, appliances, and machinery. This processed scrap is then sold to end-users for reuse, including our EAF steel mills, which produce new steel from the scrapped material. We sell a meaningful amount of steel to our own steel fabrication operations that in turn produce and sell structural steel joist and deck building systems to consumers.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Fort Wayne, IN, US

Year founded

1993