Open Position:
Flow Reactor Engineer
Company Overview
CataLum Technologies Inc., a Montreal-based startup at the forefront of advancing environmentally-friendly chemistry through photocatalysis, has secured its initial investment from Syniad Innovations, a Canadian deep-tech foundry. Founded by McGill Chemistry Professor Chao-Jun Li, CataLum's primary mission revolves around the development and commercialization of light-driven catalysts, which significantly reduce the energy required for essential processes like carbon capture, sustainable fuel upcycling, and high-value chemical production.
Through their photocatalysts, CataLum has achieved unprecedented levels of reaction efficiency across various critical industrial applications, encompassing carbon capture, ammonia generation, polyethylene breakdown, and high-density biofuel refining. Currently, the company is actively working on converting natural gas into valuable chemicals such as cyclohexane, methanol, ethylene glycol, and toluene. These challenging-to-decarbonize compounds are crucial components of numerous household products' supply chains. Additionally, CataLum's photocatalysts hold the potential for more environmentally sustainable production of significant chemical precursors used in pharmaceuticals, green solvents, and biodegradable polymers, offering both economic and ecological benefits.
Job Summary
The Flow Reactor Engineer will be an integral member of CataLum's dedicated R&D team, responsible for harnessing the unique capabilities of our pressurized temperature-controlled photo flow reactors. The key focus of this role involves designing and engineering the flow reactor to accommodate both gas and liquid substances, while also devising methods to adapt and implement our existing batch reaction conditions into the flow reactor systems. This will necessitate close collaboration with a multidisciplinary group of experts in chemical, mechanical, and electrical engineering, jointly working on constructing and testing laboratory-scale systems. Under the guidance of CataLum's Chief Technology Officer, Professor Chao-Jun Li, the Flow Reactor Engineer will utilize their engineering prowess to optimize the performance of CataLum's photo flow reactors, striving towards the development of a commercial product that boasts exceptional efficiency and reliability.
This is a full-time role based in Montreal, QC
What You Will Do
Mechanical design and engineering of the flow reactor system consisted of gas/liquid input, pressurized temperature-controlled photo chambers, product/reactant separation systems, and connections to analysis systems.
Implementing our previous batch reaction conditions to the flow reactor systems, including gas-gas reactions, gas-liquid reactions, liquid-liquid reactions, and heterogeneous catalysis.
Work with the Senior Chromatographic Scientist to develop an interface between the flow reactors and separation/ analytical equipment.
Prepare test plans to validate the operation of the equipment.
Develop best practices, routines and innovative solutions to improve production rates and quality of output. Provide process documentation, technical specifications, and operating instructions.
Support CataLum’s other engineering design, integration, building and upgrading efforts.
Perform process simulations, risk assessments, and manage cost and time constraints.
Who You Are
Experience developing innovative mechanical systems and processes.
Experience with gas flow, fluid flow, heterogeneous catalyst, fixed bed, chemical, pressure, and thermal management technologies.
Demonstrated creative problem solving with engineering that has led to new product capabilities and better production efficiencies.
Expertise with design and simulation software tools.
Mechanical engineering or similar degree (mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, etc.).
Work well in focused teams with multiple disciplines.
Versatility to thrive in a start-up environment.
Teamwork, communication and organizational skills.
Enthusiasm for high-impact, hard tech solutions.
Benefits
Competitive Salary
Comprehensive Benefits (medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage)
Career growth opportunities
Friendly work environment
Paid vacation/holidays
Salary
$65k-75k CAD
To apply, please send your CV and Cover Letter to info@catalum.com
CataLum is a committed Equal Opportunity Employer that upholds a strict policy against discrimination. The company does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, gender, religion, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sex, genetic information, sexual orientation, military and veteran status, or any other factors prohibited by federal, provincial, or local laws. Furthermore, CataLum explicitly prohibits any form of unlawful discrimination based on the perception that an individual possesses any of the aforementioned characteristics or is associated with someone who is perceived as having any of these characteristics. The company is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment, promoting equal opportunities for all employees, and ensuring that everyone is treated with respect and fairness.