Project Development Engineer

Role details

About MTF International

MTF International is a specialist industrial and energy development company focused on developing innovative projects across energy, chemicals, specialty products and industrial technologies.

Working alongside our technology and commercial partners, MTF develops projects from early-stage concept and feasibility through engineering, permitting, construction and commissioning.

We are currently developing an innovative polypropylene (PP) waste-to-fuel project in La Porte, Texas, using proprietary technology to convert waste polypropylene into high-value ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD), while utilizing internal process streams to support the facility's energy requirements.

As the project progresses, we are looking for Project Development Engineers to join the team and play a hands-on role in developing this project from concept through execution.

The Role

As a Project Development Engineer, you will support the technical development and delivery of industrial projects, with an initial focus on the development of the proposed polypropylene-to-ULSD facility in La Porte, Texas.

You will work across the full project development lifecycle, coordinating technical information, developing engineering requirements, supporting feasibility and design activities, working with external engineering and technology partners, and helping to ensure the project is technically, commercially and operationally viable.

This is a hands-on role suited to an engineer who enjoys working in a developing project environment rather than a highly structured corporate engineering function.

You will work closely with project leadership, process and technology specialists, external engineering consultants, contractors, equipment suppliers and site stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Project Development

• Support the development of the polypropylene-to-ULSD project from concept and feasibility through detailed engineering, construction and commissioning.
• Translate the overall project concept into practical engineering requirements and deliverables.
• Assist with developing project scopes, technical specifications, design criteria and engineering packages.
• Review technical proposals, engineering documentation and supplier information.
• Identify technical risks, constraints and opportunities and support the development of appropriate solutions.
• Contribute to project schedules, cost estimates, technical plans and development milestones.
• Support technical due diligence and feasibility assessments as the project develops.

Process & Engineering

• Develop an understanding of the proprietary PP upcycling process and its key operating requirements.
• Support process flow development, including material and energy flows, feedstock requirements, product streams and utilities.
• Assist with reviewing and developing PFDs, P&IDs, equipment specifications, process data sheets and other engineering documentation.
• Work with process, mechanical, electrical and other engineering disciplines to ensure the overall design is integrated.
• Review equipment requirements and assist with vendor and equipment selection.
• Support engineering calculations and technical assessments within your area of competence.
• Assist in evaluating process performance, yields, throughput, energy requirements and operating assumptions.
• Support the development of design improvements as the technology is further optimized.

Project Interface & Coordination

• Coordinate technical information between MTF, technology providers, engineering consultants, contractors and other project stakeholders.
• Work with engineering consultants and equipment vendors to ensure project requirements are understood and delivered.
• Attend technical meetings and project reviews and document actions and decisions.
• Track technical deliverables and follow up on outstanding engineering information.
• Help identify interfaces between the new facility and existing site infrastructure.
• Support discussions relating to feedstock supply, utilities, product handling, storage, tie-ins and site requirements.

Site Development, Safety & Regulatory

• Support site assessments and technical development activities at the proposed La Porte location.
• Assist with identifying permitting, environmental, safety and regulatory requirements relevant to the project.
• Support HAZID, HAZOP, risk assessment and other process safety activities as required.
• Ensure engineering work considers applicable US codes, standards and regulatory requirements.
• Work with relevant specialists to ensure safety is incorporated into the design from the outset.
• Support technical documentation required for permitting and project approvals.

Construction & Commissioning

As the project progresses, the role will expand into project execution, including:

• Supporting construction planning and contractor coordination.
• Reviewing construction documentation and technical queries.
• Supporting equipment installation and site activities.
• Assisting with inspection, testing and commissioning activities.
• Supporting start-up and performance testing of the facility.
• Identifying and resolving technical issues during construction and commissioning.
• Supporting the transition from project development into operational readiness.

About You

We are looking for an engineer who is technically capable, practical and comfortable working in an entrepreneurial project environment.

You do not need to have experience in this exact technology. More important is your ability to understand a technical process, work through engineering problems and coordinate effectively with different technical disciplines and external partners.

You will ideally have:

• A bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Process Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Approximately 2–5 years' engineering experience, ideally within chemical processing, petrochemical, refining, energy, manufacturing or another industrial environment.
• Experience working with engineering documentation such as PFDs, P&IDs, equipment specifications or technical datasheets.
• An understanding of industrial process equipment and plant operations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to interpret technical information and identify gaps, risks or inconsistencies.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• The ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• A practical, hands-on approach to engineering and project development.
• A willingness to work across disciplines and take ownership of tasks outside a narrowly defined engineering function.

Desirable Experience

Experience in any of the following would be advantageous:

• Chemical or petrochemical processing.
• Waste-to-energy, recycling or plastics processing.
• Pyrolysis, thermal cracking, depolymerization or catalytic processes.
• Refining or hydrocarbon processing.
• Process plant development.
• FEED or EPC project environments.
• Process safety, HAZOP or HAZID.
• Equipment specification and vendor management.
• Industrial permitting or environmental approvals.
• Construction, commissioning or plant start-up.
• Experience working with technology licensors or technology providers.

What We Offer

This is an opportunity to join a growing industrial project development business at an exciting stage of development.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Work on an innovative circular-economy project converting waste plastic into valuable fuel products.
• Gain exposure to the full lifecycle of an industrial project, from concept through construction and commissioning.
• Work directly with technology providers, engineering companies, industrial partners and project stakeholders.
• Take meaningful ownership of technical workstreams.
• Develop broad project development experience across engineering, commercial and operational areas.
• Be part of a small, entrepreneurial team where your contribution can have a direct impact on project outcomes.

Benefits

• Flexible working structure
• Gym membership: Access to a membership at Life Time, a state-of-the-art health and fitness facility.
• Healthcare: Medical and healthcare benefits through Blue Cross Blue Shield.
• 401(k): 401(k) retirement benefits with a company contribution match.
• Health bonus: Participation in a health and wellbeing bonus programme.
• Paid vacation: 25 days of paid vacation per year.

Equal Opportunity

MTF International is committed to providing an inclusive working environment and considers applicants based on their skills, experience and suitability for the role.

MTF International is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of legally protected characteristics.

Note: This position description describes the current requirements of the role and may evolve as the project and wider MTF International business develop.

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person