Senior Chemical Engineer

Do you want to be on the cutting edge of the clean energy and climate tech industry? Are you excited about the intersection of renewable energy and the circular economy? We are too. And that's why we launched SOLARCYCLE, an advanced technology-based recycling company.

The solar industry needs a global end-of-life partner to restore, renew, and ultimately recycle yesterday's solar panels for tomorrow's clean energy projects. SOLARCYCLE aims to be the partner of choice for solar asset owners looking for a responsible solution to their end-of-life system needs. And we need you to direct our field operations to help us become a leader in this new burgeoning sector in the renewable energy industry.

About the role:

We are seeking a Senior Chemical Engineer to join our recycling facility in Mesa, AZ. As a key member of our R&D team, you will play a vital role in running laboratory tests and piloting chemical processes for the recycling of silicon and CdTe solar panels. The main focus will be on developing efficient methods to separate and recover metals and semiconductors. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to engage with a team of lab technicians and chemists as we expand our research capabilities. This role will report directly to the US Director of R&D.

Role Responsibilities:

• Design and conduct laboratory tests to evaluate chemical processes for the recycling of silicon and CdTe solar panels.

• Develop and implement wastewater treatment strategies for the recycling facility.

• Monitor and analyze data from laboratory, pilot scale, and industrial scale operations to identify opportunities for process optimization and efficiency improvement.

• Maintain accurate and detailed records of laboratory experiments, pilot scale operations, and process parameters.

• Monitor and analyze data to identify opportunities for process optimization, efficiency improvement, and cost reduction

• Prepare technical reports, including data analysis, conclusions, and recommendations

• Other Duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• This position may have supervisory responsibilities as the teams are built out.

Education, Training, and Professional Experience:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field. Advanced degrees or relevant certifications are a plus.

• Preferred 5 years of experience in chemical engineering, with a focus on process development and optimization.

• Knowledge of separation and recovery methods for metals and semiconductors.

• Strong background in chemical processes related to recycling is preferred, preferably in the field of silicon or CdTe solar panels.

• Experience in running laboratory tests and transitioning them to pilot scale operations.

• Proficiency in process simulation software and data analysis tools.

• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot process-related issues.

• Strong project/program management abilities, with the capability to manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously.

• Leadership skills and the ability to manage and motivate a team.

• Effective communication and collaboration skills to work cross-functionally with the R&D team and other stakeholders.

You don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. If you think this role is for you but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right person for this role.

You will be working alongside a highly successful team who deliver amazing innovative work in the solar PV industry! The solar industry needs a global end-of-life partner to restore, renew and ultimately recycle yesterday's solar panels for tomorrow's clean energy projects. SOLARCYCLE aims to be the partner of choice for solar asset owners looking for a responsible solution to their end-of-life system needs.

Solar power is one of the most powerful tools humanity has in our fight against climate change. But for solar to truly scale to its full potential, we need to create renewable supply chains and a vibrant secondary market for upcycled panels and recycled materials. Since its launch in 2022, SOLARCYCLE has assembled a world-class management team with experience scaling companies and organizations such as Amazon, Nextracker, Sierra Club, Solaria, and SunPower. The company has secured high-volume contracts with industry leaders such as AES, EDF Renewables North America, EDP Renewables North America, Greenbacker, Ørsted, Qcells, Silfab, Silicon Ranch, and Sunrun. This is the next frontier - ensuring a cleaner, more sustainable and domestic supply of the critical minerals needed for the next wave of solar. We exist to make clean energy massively scalable and even more sustainable by radically advancing recycling technology and infrastructure for the solar industry. If this resonates with you, we really want to meet you.