Cyclyx Plant Engineer - Cyclyx

Cyclyx International Overview

Only 10% of plastics are recycled today, and that must change. Cyclyx is a new kind of plastic feedstock management company that works with industry participants to increase plastic recyclability. Cyclyx operates as a membership consortium, uniting stakeholders around the circular value chains to work together and drive new results in plastic recycling. By working with partners to source, collect and pre-process large volumes of waste plastic based on exact technical specifications, Cyclyx redirects more plastic into recycling. This new partner-driven model aims to boost plastic circularity - and break the cycle that has kept recycling from reaching its full potential.

Simply put, our mission is to use our technical solutions for the recycling of post-use plastics.

Since its founding in 2020, Cyclyx has been a post-use plastic feedstock management company working with industry participants to develop innovative recycling solutions for all types of post-use plastics. The Cyclyx Circularity Lab in Portsmouth, NH provides plastic testing services, supports Cyclyx Engineering and Business Development teams, and carries out fundamental research & development to discover novel circular recycling pathways for plastics.

Cyclyx Plant Engineer

Role Overview

This role is responsible for the engineering, process, and production support and optimization for the assigned Cyclyx Circularity Center (CCC). The Cyclyx Plant Engineer will serve as Cyclyx discipline lead and subject matter expert (SME), leveraging his or her exceptional leadership, and technical skills to ensure that the Cyclyx production facilities operate to meet their required performance. The Cyclyx Plant Engineer will provide on-site technical support and oversee teams made up of both internal and third-party resources.

This role requires a hands-on, knowledgeable, highly engaged, and responsive collaborator who is a self-starter, resourceful, brings creativity and strong interpersonal skills to the organization.

Key Responsibilities

The Cyclyx Plant Engineer plays a critical role in ensuring that the design and processes within the Cyclyx production facilities are able to meet product specifications in support of efficient and effective production. This requires an individual that can contribute their own technical expertise to production and process optimization as well as effectively coordinate with and manage internal and external resources.

Key responsibilities include:

1. Process Design and Optimization:

• Process Development: Design, develop, and optimize plant processes for the efficient processing (sorting, shredding, pelletizing, granulating, etc.) of waste plastics.
• Process Improvement: Continuously assess plant operations to identify areas for improving productivity, reducing waste, and increasing throughput.
• Scale-Up and Modifications: Ensure that the plant processes can scale efficiently based on increased input volumes or changes in product requirements.

1. Equipment Maintenance and Reliability:

• Equipment Selection and Installation: Oversee the selection, installation, and commissioning of new equipment, such as conveyors, shredders, trommels, balers, and pelletizers.
• Preventive Maintenance: In collaboration with the maintenance team, develop and manage preventive maintenance schedules for all machinery to ensure reliability and minimize downtime.
• Troubleshooting and Repairs: Lead troubleshooting efforts when plant processes fail to perform per specification. Coordinate with maintenance teams to implement timely repairs and resolve technical issues.

1. Project Management:

• Capital Projects: Plan and manage capital projects such as plant expansions, upgrades, or equipment modifications, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Cross-Departmental Coordination: Coordinate with other departments (e.g., operations, procurement, safety) to ensure engineering projects align with overall plant goals and comply with company standards.

1. Health, Safety, and Environmental Compliance (HSE):

• Safety Compliance: Ensure that all engineering processes and equipment meet regulatory and company safety standards, implementing safety controls and safeguards as necessary.
• Environmental Compliance: Ensure that all waste handling, processing, and emissions from the plant comply with environmental regulations, including proper disposal of waste materials and minimizing environmental impact.
• Risk Management: Identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with plant operations, including mechanical, chemical, and process safety risks.

1. Budget and Cost Control:

• Cost Optimization: Optimize engineering processes to reduce operational costs, including energy consumption, maintenance expenses, and material waste.
• Budget Management: Manage the engineering department's budget, including capital expenditures for equipment, tools, and maintenance supplies.

1. Quality Control and Assurance:

• Process Quality: Ensure that plant operations maintain high-quality standards, including consistent feedstock quality, equipment performance, and final product specifications.
• Testing and Monitoring: Implement systems for monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) such as equipment efficiency, throughput, and yield, and ensure quality control checkpoints are in place.
• Root Cause Analysis: Lead investigations into process or product quality issues, identifying root causes, and implementing corrective actions.

1. Energy and Utility Management:

• Energy Efficiency: Monitor and improve energy use within the plant, ensuring that equipment is operating efficiently and looking for opportunities to reduce energy consumption.
• Utility Systems: In collaboration with the maintenance team, oversee the maintenance and operation of plant utilities, such as compressed air, power distribution, and ventilation systems.

1. Documentation and Reporting:

• Technical Documentation: Maintain detailed records of all engineering projects, equipment manuals, process flows, safety assessments, and maintenance logs.
• Reporting: Provide regular reports to senior management on plant performance, including production metrics, equipment reliability, maintenance activities, and process improvements.

1. Training and Development:

• Technical Training: Provide process related training and development for operators, maintenance personnel, and other plant staff on the proper operation and maintenance of equipment.

1. Innovation and Technology Integration:

• New Technologies: Stay up to date with the latest technologies in material handling and waste plastic processing, and evaluate the feasibility of implementing new technologies in the plant.
• Automation and Control Systems: Work to implement automation systems and process control systems to increase efficiency and improve monitoring.

Experience/Knowledge

• 5 - 10 years of experience in bulk material handling facilities handling plastics, polymers or similar materials, experience with waste plastics preferred.
• Experience working within SCADA and PLC control platforms.
• Expertise in process instrumentation, (temperature, pressure, level, flow, and analytical transmitters and switches).
• Experience with controls and equipment integration, commissioning, and startup requirements of manufacturing facilities.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements, including NFPA/NEC, UL, OSHA.
• Proven record for managing third service providers and contractors for engineering, construction and installation.
• Strong planning skills, with the ability to effectively coordinate, and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen attention to detail.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal cross-functional teams and external vendors.
• Excellent judgment regarding health, safety, environmental guidelines, policies, and regulations as they pertain to process control.

Education/Training

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant technical discipline such as Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering. A combination of relevant education and work experience will also be considered.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience working with industrial automation and controls systems.

Personal Qualifications

• Excellent business acumen, commitment to teamwork, and results oriented.
• Superior interpersonal skills and written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-confidence, initiative, and strong problem-solving skills.
• Impeccable personal and professional ethics.

Position Mechanics

Reports to: Plant Manager

Type: Salaried; full time

Work Hours: 40 hours/week base; work hours and start times may vary with each project or project phase, local office, and projects globally, occasional early morning, evening, and weekend work required.

Staff: None

Location: Onsite Houston, TX

Work environment: professional office and manufacturing.

Travel: < 15%

Physical Demands: Varies from work performed in an office environment to that associated with a manufacturing environment.

Company Benefits

Cyclyx offers a competitive benefits package which goes beyond just a paycheck. Our comprehensive benefits package includes competitive, company funded (up to 90% company-paid premiums) health, dental, vision and insurance plans to robust retirement benefits that include company-matching contributions, and much, much more. We also provide development and growth opportunities because we believe investing in your success is investing in our success. Also, working for a rapidly growing, fast-paced organization, you will have the opportunity to grow professionally and expand your network while building a rewarding and dynamic career.

Company Culture

We are committed to recruiting, developing, and retaining diverse and highly talented individuals. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, an engaging and growing culture, and a variety of opportunities for our employees' professional growth and development.

Cyclyx is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We value mutual respect and diversity in the workplace and are committed to Employment Equity and Inclusion. We celebrate the unique differences of our employees that drives curiosity, innovation, and the success of our business. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and do not discriminate any applicant's status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Accommodation is available for applicants with disabilities.