The Process Engineer is responsible for identifying and implementing process improvements across the Baltimore location.  This role partners closely with cross-functional teams to improve process efficiency, equipment reliability and adherence to standard work processes.

Detailed Responsibilities:

Process Ownership & Standard Work

• Own improvements to portioning process automation between sprinter and leafy green machinery
• Build improvement plans around shipping accuracy and error reduction on all lines
• Partner with Operations to evaluate drop zone management process within meal bagging and portioning activities
• Own our Home Chef Operating system (HCOS) and drive improvement to each department pillar
• Develop, track and analyze key process performance indicators (KPIs), using data and on-floor observations to identify variability, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities impacting safety, quality, throughput and yield.
• Lead scoping & implementation of process improvements and updates to standard work, ensuring changes are practical, sustainable, and aligned with day-to-day operational activities. 

On the Floor Support & Training 

• Maintain regular on-floor presence to observe process execution and assist with real-time troubleshooting of automation processes. 
• Coach machine operators, leads, and supervisors on proper process execution and equipment operation, reinforcing adherence to standard work and expected performance standards.  
• Develop, update, and deliver training materials tied to standard work to build operator capability and support sustained process improvements.  

Cross-functional Integration  

• Serve as a key liaison between plant operations and cross-functional partners, including maintenance, engineering, and corporate CI teams to communicate process needs, issues, and improvement opportunities.  .
• Support process trials, new product trials, and process or equipment changes.

This position requires <10% travel

Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability needed for this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities.

• Experience in food manufacturing is preferred; strong candidates may have experience in supply chain, plant operations, or operational excellence roles.
• Experience supporting and improving automated machinery, with a working understanding of mechanical systems, controls interactions, and equipment operating parameters.
  Exceptional communication skills with a demonstrated ability to drive results, manage conflict, build alignment, and collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams and with external partners.
  Strong project management skills, with experience prioritizing multiple workstreams and facilitating structured problem-solving among diverse stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills, including experience using Excel to analyze data, build models, and clearly communicate insights to partners.
• Self-starter with a strong sense of ownership and a can-do mindset, focused on finding solutions and enabling progress rather than identifying obstacles. Demonstrated willingness to take initiative, adapt to changing priorities, and take on work of varying size and complexity.
  High energy, strong interpersonal skills, and a proven ability to influence without authority while maintaining flexibility and accountability.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to see the big picture while also diving into the details required to execute and sustain improvements.
• Completion of a four-year degree program in a related field (please describe): STEM degree such as Chemical or Mechanical Engineering and 1-2 years of experience in operations strongly preferred

More About Us

ETCH is a startup commercializing a radically new and efficient decarbonization technology for the simultaneous greenhouse gas-free production of hydrogen and solid carbon from natural gas.  

The Process Engineer position at ETCH, INC will be focused on development and optimization of our current processes, as well as supporting our scale-up efforts. 

Primary duties include: the optimal design, performance, efficiency, and safety of the processes, while driving continuous improvements and innovations.

Other duties include:

• Design thermal processes: Develop and design furnaces and furnace improvements for specific materials or processes. Design and integrate heating systems, including electric elements tailored to process requirements.
• Thermal modeling: Use simulation software (e.g., ANSYS, COMSOL, or CFD tools) to model heat transfer, combustion, fluid flow, and temperature distribution inside the furnace.
• Material selection: Specify appropriate refractory materials, insulation, and structural components for furnace linings and housings.
• Efficiency improvements: Identify ways to reduce energy consumption, increase thermal efficiency, and minimize heat losses.
• Process control: Define instrumentation and control strategies (temperature sensors, feedback loops, PID tuning) to ensure stable operation.
• Prototype testing: Participate in commissioning and testing of furnace systems; validate thermal performance against design specs.
• Data analysis: Monitor and interpret thermal profiles, gas flows, emissions, and process parameters for continuous improvement.
• Prepare documentation: Create P&IDs, process flow diagrams, technical specifications, and operation manuals.
• Regulatory compliance: Ensure designs comply with safety standards, environmental regulations (e.g., emissions control), and industry codes (e.g., ASME, API, NFPA).
• Work with engineering team: Collaborate on integration with mechanical systems and solids handling.
• Liaise with vendors: Evaluate and manage suppliers of furnace components and subsystems.
• Failure analysis: Investigate and resolve furnace failures, overheating, or uneven heating issues and recommend and implement system upgrades.
• Prevent workplace safety hazards by system recommendations, implementation, and routine inspections

Tools/Software Experience

• Simulation: ANSYS, COMSOL, Fluent, SolidWorks Flow Simulation
• CAD/Design: SolidWorks, PTC Creo, Catia
• Control systems: PLC programming tools (Siemens, Allen-Bradley), SCADA
• Data analysis: Excel, MATLAB, Python (for thermal data)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Chemical Engineering or related field

• 10+ years of experience in process engineering,
• Experience with furnace operation, design, and optimization in industries such as metallurgy, glass manufacturing, ceramics, or petrochemicals.

• Background in thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and heat transfer.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities
• Must be able to work safely and follow safety precautions in industrial environments (temperature, humidity, noise, confined spaces, etc.).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach
• Experience with process simulation software and statistical analysis tools preferred
• Knowledge of relevant industry standards and environmental regulations

The ability to work independently as well as in a team environment toward timely execution of goals is required.

ETCH is committed to equal opportunity for its employees. To that end, ETCH does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or other legally protected characteristic. ETCH is committed to providing qualified individuals access to all employment programs, benefits and activities on the basis of demonstrated ability, performance and merit without regard to personal factors that are irrelevant to the program involved.

Compensation commensurate with relevant experience.