Process Engineer in Chemistry - Reims, France - Syntetica

Description

Process Engineer

Who we are

Syntetica is an early stage chemistry startup specialising in the recycling of synthetic textiles founded by Marco Bertone (CEO, ex-head of growth of Selency) and Louis Monsigny (ex. doctorate Paris Saclay).

Globally, less than 1% of textile waste is recycled to produce new textiles. We are on a mission to change this, and to usher in an era where the clothes already produced are endlessly recycled, starting with polyamide. Our polyamide depolymerisation process is the first of its kind; it offers a sustainable alternative to traditional clothing production methods, significantly reducing waste and emissions by up to 80%.

By repurposing old clothing into new high-quality materials, Syntetica is reshaping the future of fashion while mitigating its environmental impact.

We have filed our first patent, raised from the world-leading accelerator Entrepreneur First, and are currently fundraising for an ambitious seed round. Our next objective is to scale our chemical process to produce recycled polyamide for our customers, which includes two of the largest fashion brands in the world.

Our ultimate goal is to become the first group to recycle all synthetic textiles (polyester, polyamide and elastane) simultaneously making net zero in the industry a reality. Because we already have all the textiles we need, to make all the textiles that we will ever need.

Context

You will be Syntetica's first hire. You will have very important responsibilities from day 1 to innovate and support the scaling of our chemical process. We are looking for an extremely ambitious researcher in chemistry with a strong background in catalysis and expertise in purification processes.

As our Catalysis Researcher, you will lead efforts to improve our chemical process, from the catalytic system to the purification steps, to support the scale up. Your responsibilities will include optimising catalysts and reaction conditions to maximise efficiency and yield, optimising the purification of the resulting products to reach high purity.

You will work side by side with the founders to integrate our technology into existing industry workflows. If you want to make a strong impact on a highly ambitious early-stage start-up with a mission to decarbonise the textile industry, this job is for you.

Key responsibilities

You will play a crucial role in scaling up our depolymerization process from laboratory-scale to pre-industrial application. Key responsibilities include:

• Collaborating with our team to optimize catalysts, reaction conditions, and purification processes to maximize efficiency and yield.
• Leading efforts in scaling up the production process while ensuring quality control and cost-effectiveness.
• Provide design and engineering guidance for equipment and processes.
• Perform the required calculations (ASPEN HYSIS, etc) and studies for the pilot and plant designs and sizings.
• Build the thermodynamic models of the entire process and build a PFDs and P&IDs

What we're looking for :

Education & background :

• A PhD or MsC in Process Engineering, Chemical Engineering or a related field with 4 years of experience in industry.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to quickly grasp complex concepts and adapt to new challenges.
• 4+ years in an industrial environment / engineering company
• Strong knowledge of industrial environment and processes
• Expertise in process simulation

Personal qualities :

• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively within interdisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrates scientific rigour and meticulous attention to detail
• Shows adaptability and a commitment to continuous learning
• Possesses humility and openness to growth

Starting date: flexible, preferably 01/05/2024

Contact person for more (technical) information: Louis Monsigny ).