Process Engineer

Position Overview

Limelight Steel is on a mission to eliminate emissions from iron and steelmaking and build a brighter future. With the potential to significantly reduce energy use and produce iron more cost-effectively than fossil-based methods, our electrified ironmaking technology targets the 8% of global CO2 emissions coming from current processes. We are a startup based in Oakland, CA, backed by industry-leading climate tech investors and committed to building a diverse and courageous team.

As our Process Engineer, you will own our process flow models, piping and instrumentation diagrams, and techno-economic models to guide process development. You will ensure regulatory compliance and deliver practical, cost-effective solutions to production and scale-up challenges.

Location: Oakland, CA

Key Responsibilities

• Process Modeling: Develop and maintain process flow diagrams, P&IDs, and techno-economic models.
• Project Costing & Support: Estimate costs for scale-up and future projects; assist with capital and major maintenance projects.
• Process Design & Optimization: Design, analyze, and document production processes; recommend and implement process improvements to enhance safety, quality, yield, and efficiency.
• Process Integration: Engineer processes to integrate Limelight ironmaking technology with upstream supplier and downstream customer operations.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all equipment and processes comply with relevant codes and regulations.
• Data-Driven Improvements: Design and implement data monitoring systems to prioritize and drive process improvements.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Materials, Chemical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering, or related field
• Experience Required: 5+ years experience in process engineering, preferably in industrial applications
• Process Modeling Expertise: Proficiency in developing and maintaining process flow diagrams, P&IDs, and techno-economic models. Familiarity with process monitoring tools, simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus or similar), and statistical analysis. Experience supporting capital projects, including cost estimation and planning.
• Process Innovation: Demonstrated ability to develop practical, cost-effective solutions to production challenges and bottlenecks. Experience in pilot plant and scale-up operations is a plus, with a strong capability to leverage data and apply first-principles thinking.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with industry codes, safety standards, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Startup Mindset: Experience working in team-oriented, fast-paced startup environments, with high personal accountability and strong communication skills.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive stock option package
• Comprehensive health benefits including full premium coverage for UnitedHealthcare PPO Gold for employees (with 80% coverage for dependents) and full premium coverage for Guardian Vision and Dental for employees
• Generous time-off schedule: 20 days paid time off and 10 holidays tailored to the holidays you observe
• Sustainable 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match
• 2x weekly catered team lunches
• A team of curious, passionate, kind, and courageous people committed to eliminating industrial emissions
• Unparalleled opportunities for growth, leadership, and project ownership in a dynamic, rapidly-growing startup company