Chemical Engineer - Surface Processing and Production Scale-Up
BS-level Process Engineering roles on Crosslinked list a median of $116k (762 that show pay). This posting does not list pay.
Own niobium electropolishing and wet-chemical surface processing for SRF cavities, scaling from bench to production line.
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Worth knowing
Why it is interesting. Stand up the full wet-chemistry line for niobium SRF cavities, from bench demos to production, at a nuclear-energy startup.
Might not be for you. Inorganic acid and metal surface work, no polymers; HF handling and 5+ years of experience required.
Heads-up: Cover letter required
Adjacent materials role:Own niobium electropolishing, buffered chemical polishing, HF/H2SO4 etching and cleaning of niobium SRF cavities; surface science and electrochemistry required
- Seniority
- Mid-level
- Work
- On-site
- Type
- Full-time
- Degree
- BS
- Experience
- 5+ yrs
- Industry
- Energy
- Role
- Process Engineering
Role details
ABOUT SUBCRITICAL SYSTEMS
Subcritical Systems, Inc. is a venture-backed startup in Austin, Texas building accelerator driven systems and the only US commercial manufacturer of superconducting accelerator cavities. What Space X did for rockets, we plan to do for accelerators and commercialize across applications of power production, medical isotopes, and semiconductors.
We are in the process of building the Accelerator Driven System — an inherently safe, novel nuclear fission system in which a particle accelerator drives a subcritical core, making meltdown physically impossible for clean power production. Our founding team includes successful entrepreneurs with a track record of building several multibillion dollar companies in deep-tech, and scientists who were leading U.S. national labs with deep experience in accelerator & nuclear technologies.
We are actively hiring to expand our team as we work toward licensing, regulatory submissions, and construction of our first energy amplifier. More information is available at subcritical.com.
ROLE SUMMARY
At Subcritical Systems, Inc. (SSI) you'll own the wet-chemical processes that turn raw niobium cavities into superconducting RF hardware ready for an Energy Amplifier. You'll work shoulder-to-shoulder with mechanical and electrical engineers, physicists, and technicians to take electropolishing, etching, and rinse processes from R&D through repeatable production. SSI is where rigorous engineering meets purpose, and process discipline truly matters.
As Chemical Engineer, you will own the surface-processing chemistry for SSI's niobium SRF cavities and related accelerator hardware: electropolishing (EP) of metals, buffered chemical polishing (BCP) of metals, degreasing, ultrasonic cleaning, and high-pressure water rinsing (HPR), and the supporting acid handling, mixing, and waste streams. You'll run the bench today: building the demonstrations and processes, and stand up the production line tomorrow: tank design, fluid handling, instrumentation, interlocks, and the procedures and travelers that make the process repeatable. Expect to start hands-on with a small core team and grow into the technical lead for SSI's surface-chemistry program.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Own niobium electropolishing process: HF/H2SO4 chemistry and process control.
- Develop and qualify wet-processing processes: buffered chemical polishing, HF chemistry/pickling, ultrasonic cleaning, and ultra-pure-water high-pressure rinsing.
- Work closely with other engineers and scientists to design the systems and qualify the processes.
- Help develop SSI’s chemical safety and compliance programs.
Required
- 5+ years experience in inorganic wet-chemical process engineering.
- Hands-on experience with acid chemistry (HF, H2SO4, HNO3, H3PO4, or HCl) including safe handling, mixing, and disposal, and the associated engineering controls.
- Working knowledge of electrochemistry.
- Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, or a related field required.
- Strong working knowledge of the underlying engineering: electrochemistry, transport phenomena, reaction kinetics, and surface science.
- Ability to read and interpret Process & Instrumentation Diagrams.
- Bias for action and able to coordinate effectively across engineers, scientists, trades, vendors, and executives.
Preferred
- Able to perform hydraulic calculations for compressible and incompressible fluids.
- Direct experience with niobium electropolishing or BCP for SRF cavities.
- Experience with ultra-high-purity fluid systems and cleanroom procedures.
- Experience with OSHA and EPA hazardous-waste programs, or other regulated chemical operations.
Benefits
We offer health, dental, and vision insurance.
LOCATION & WORK POLICY
This role is fully in person in Austin, Texas. Our facility is located next to Austin Airport.
HOW TO APPLY
Apply on LinkedIn or submit your resume and a brief cover letter to [email protected] with the subject line "Chemical Engineer - Surface Processing and Production Scale-Up - Application". Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
