Founder - Head of Engineering

About the job Founder - Head of Engineering

As the Head of Engineering (HoE) at BlueShift, you will lead the development, scaling, and commercialization of our technology. You will be responsible for designing and optimizing chemical process flows, overseeing pilot-to-commercial scale transitions, and building an agile, high-performing engineering team. Your leadership will drive the execution of our technical vision, ensuring that BlueShift remains at the forefront of sustainable industrial innovation.

Responsibilities

• Lead pilot-to-commercial scale process development, including in-house FEED studies and scale-up from bench to pilot to demo plants.
• Develop modular reactor designs that integrate with existing industrial and EPC (Engineering, Procurement & Construction) infrastructure.
• Develop and refine process flow diagrams (PFDs), P&IDs, mass and energy balances to support system design and scale-up.
• Utilize process modeling software (Aspen+ or equivalent) to optimize process efficiency and techno-economics.
• Navigate technical ambiguity in a fast-paced startup environment and rapidly implement new methodologies.
• Provide expertise in hydrometallurgy, electrochemical processes, and mining-related technologies.
• Oversee materials handling systems and ensure compatibility with industrial operations.
• Hire, mentor, and manage a growing engineering team, fostering a culture of innovation and execution.
• Communicate technical insights effectively to internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Electrochemical Engineering, or a related field (BS with 10+ years of experience also considered).
• 7-10+ years of experience in chemical process engineering, with a track record of taking technologies from pilot to demonstration/commercial scale.
• Experience conducting and/or supervising FEED studies and scaling electrochemical or hydrometallurgical processes.
• Proficiency in process modeling software (Aspen+ or similar) and engineering design tools (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or equivalent).
• Startup experience (or equivalent intrapreneurial experience) and ability to work in an execution-driven culture.
• Strong leadership and team-building experience.
• Location: Cambridge, MA (Hybrid, minimum 3 days per week in person).

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and equity incentives.
• Opportunity to work on breakthrough technologies that tackle national security, climate change and industrial decarbonization.
• Fast-paced, mission-driven environment with high-growth potential.
• Collaborative and supportive team, dedicated to innovation and sustainability.
• Professional development and career growth opportunities.