Process Design Engineer

About the role

Octavia Carbon is a Direct Air Capture startup focused on climate‑tech solutions in Kenya. We are seeking an early‑career engineer to support the design, development and safe operation of our DAC systems and related pilot equipment.

Key responsibilities

• Develop process designs based on project and testing needs.
• Perform heat and mass balance calculations and size equipment.
• Create and update process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping & instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), equipment datasheets and operating descriptions.
• Select pumps, vacuum equipment, vessels, piping, valves, heaters, heat exchangers and instruments.
• Define measurement, control and safety interlocks for equipment.
• Prepare technical specifications, review supplier information and support procurement.
• Plan and execute tests, analyse process data and recommend improvements.
• Assist with installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, safety reviews and operating procedures.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering or a related field.
• Strong understanding of material and energy balances, thermodynamics, fluid flow, heat and mass transfer.
• Ability to carry out engineering calculations and clearly explain assumptions.
• Experience reading and preparing PFDs, P&IDs and equipment drawings.
• Confidence working with data to identify problems and propose solutions.
• Clear written and verbal communication, good organization and attention to detail.
• Willingness to work both at a desk and hands‑on with laboratory or pilot equipment.

Required skills

• Process design
• Heat and mass balance calculations
• Equipment sizing
• PFD and P&ID creation
• Instrumentation selection
• Technical specification writing
• Supplier evaluation
• Process data analysis
• Installation and commissioning
• Troubleshooting
• Safety interlock design
• AutoCAD
• Draw.io
• Aspen (process simulation)
• PLC
• SCADA