At a Glance
- Tasks: Build and own models for innovative synthetic fuel systems that drive real engineering decisions.
- Company: Join Rivan Industries, a pioneering synthetic fuel company focused on decarbonising heavy industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, significant share options, private health insurance, and unlimited time-off.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with extensive relocation support and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a tangible impact on sustainable energy solutions while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: PhD or equivalent in chemical engineering; strong modelling skills in Python/MATLAB required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Rivan Industries (Rivan.com) is a synthetic fuel company designed to decarbonise heavy industry. We aim to make synthetic fuel cheaper than fossil fuels and sustain life on earth by keeping the CO2 locked underground. We design and manufacture modular synthetic fuel plants consisting of a DAC system, an Alkaline Electrolyser, and a Sabatier Reactor, vertically integrating with off‑grid DC solar and the European gas‑grid. We’ve recently deployed the UK’s largest synthetic fuel plant and are planning to 1000x this scale in the next 2 years. Rivan’s bottleneck is not ideas, it’s knowing which ones are right. We are looking for someone to build and own the models that determine what we design, build, and scale.
You will develop first‑principles and data‑driven models of our lime‑based DAC system and use them to make real engineering decisions. This is not a pure modelling role. Your work will directly influence hardware, operating conditions, and architecture selection.
The role:- Build and own first‑principles models of core DAC unit operations (carbonation, calcination, hydration)
- Translate experimental data into validated models that predict real system behaviour
- Identify dominant rate‑limiting mechanisms across regimes (kinetics, diffusion, heat/mass transfer)
- Define scaling laws and operating envelopes from lab → pilot → MW scale
- Work closely with experimental and design teams to validate models and resolve discrepancies
- Drive architecture decisions (e.g. fluidised vs moving bed, rotary vs flash calcination)
- Develop simple, robust models first, and only increase complexity when justified
- PhD or equivalent experience in chemical engineering or related field. We are open to strong recent PhD grads; or experienced ICs with demonstrated modelling ownership
- Strong first‑principles and reduced‑order modelling (heat/mass transfer, reaction engineering)
- Ability to build models in Python and/or MATLAB (not just use tools)
- Experience simplifying complex systems into tractable models
- Experience validating models against experimental or real‑world data
- Clear reasoning and ability to make decisions under uncertainty
- Experience with gas‑solid systems (adsorption, calcination, gasification, pyrolysis, catalysis, decomposition etc.)
- £70-90k Salary depending on experience
- Significant share options as part of the early team
- In‑person work at our HQ in Bermondsey, South‑East London
- Extensive relocation support, including £6000 per year extra to live close to our HQ
- Private health insurance
- Unlimited time‑off
We encourage exceptional applicants from all backgrounds to apply for this role, even if they do not meet all the requirements listed. If you don't see a current role that fits, we also welcome open applications via our website.
Senior Process Modeling Engineer - DAC & Scale-Up employer: Rivan Industries
Rivan Industries is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to the decarbonisation of heavy industry while working at our innovative HQ in Bermondsey, South-East London. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide significant share options, private health insurance, and unlimited time-off, fostering a supportive work culture that values diverse backgrounds and encourages creativity in tackling complex engineering challenges.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Process Modeling Engineer - DAC & Scale-Up
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those at Rivan or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got modelling experience, create a portfolio or a project that showcases your work. Share it during interviews or even on LinkedIn to grab attention.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your first-principles modelling knowledge. Be ready to discuss how you’d approach real-world problems, especially in DAC systems.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Process Modeling Engineer - DAC & Scale-Up
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Sustainability:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for decarbonising heavy industry shine through. We want to see how your values align with our mission at Rivan Industries, so don’t hold back on sharing why this role excites you!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase your experience in chemical engineering and modelling. We’re looking for someone who can build and own models, so include specific examples of your past work that demonstrate your skills in first-principles and reduced-order modelling.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon unless it’s necessary. Use simple language to explain complex ideas, as this reflects your ability to simplify systems into tractable models.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rivan Industries
✨Know Your Models Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the first-principles and reduced-order models relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss how you've built and validated models in Python or MATLAB, and be ready to explain your reasoning behind key decisions.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Rivan is looking for someone who can simplify complex systems into tractable models. Think of examples from your past experience where you identified rate-limiting mechanisms or resolved discrepancies between models and experimental data. This will demonstrate your analytical skills.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with Rivan's mission to decarbonise heavy industry and their approach to synthetic fuels. Being able to connect your modelling work to their goals will show that you're not just technically skilled but also aligned with their vision.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about their current projects, challenges they face in scaling up, or how they envision the future of synthetic fuels. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.
