Head of Scale Up

Radical Dot is hiring a Head of Scale-up (m/w/o) to lead the development and scale-up of our cutting-edge technology for converting mixed plastic waste into high-value chemical building blocks. Moving beyond traditional methods like pyrolysis and gasification, we are pioneering a sustainable and cost-efficient solution for the chemical industry.

As an early-stage start-up, we are looking for a hands-on and adaptable leader who thrives in a dynamic environment. You will play a critical role in leading the charge for our upcoming demonstration plant (100-200 kg/day input plastic), contributing directly to the success of our mission to address the global plastics crisis.

• Leading the scale-up of our lab technology to a demonstration unit capable of processing ~100-200 kg of plastic waste per day 24/7, which includes the following activities

• Performing detail engineering and process integration
• Completing procurement and designing equipment specifications
• Building and assembling of the demonstration unit
• Optimization of the demonstration unit

• Ensuring safe and efficient operations

• Refining chemical engineering designs to enhance process understanding and inform strategic decisions.
• Engagement, setup and maintenance of key industry collaborations and partners including exploring options for new partnerships.
• Building and mentoring a team of outstanding chemical engineers. We have ambitious growth plans over the next 3 years, and we would hope to grow an engineering team of at least 5-10 people by then.
• Leading or supporting advanced process modeling using Aspen and/or reactor fluid dynamic tools to optimize process efficiency and performance.
• Engaging in some practical pilot construction work in the first 2 years, facilitating a transition to a more managing and strategic role over time.
• Working closely with the rest of the Engineering and Science team in a collaborative “one-team” mindset.

• 5 years of experience in chemical engineering including industry experience (chemical or petrochemical industry). Experience in a start-up environment is a plus.
• Team leadership including experience with supervising and growing a team of chemical engineers, mentoring and developping them.
• Proven track record in process scale-up from lab to industrial scale, including detail engineering and reactor design, both from a technical and project management stand point (e.g., budgeting and timelines). Experience in system scale up may include scaling of reactors/reactions, separation, or distillation units in the chemical industry.
• Problem anticipation and creative problem-solving skills.
• Ability to navigate scaling parameter and quantitative determination such as mass transport, rheology/viscosity, kinetics, filtration, distillation, recrystallisation.
• Familiarity in process modeling and simulation (e.g., Aspen Plus or equivalent tools) and reactor fluid dynamics is required. Strong expertise is a plus.
• Familiarity with chemical recycling, high-pressure reactions, or corrosive environments is an advantage.
• Experience with bubble column reactors would be a strong advantage.
• Proficiency in English is required, German is a plus.

• Sport membership
• Travel expenses compensation

Even if you don't meet every single qualification mentioned above, share with us why you believe you'd be an excellent match for this role in your application! Your unique skills and perspectives could be the perfect fit for our team.