Director of Engineering
Aepnus Technologies
On-site • Oakland, CA, United States • Full-time • $175,000 - $220,000 Annual Salary
Who We Are
Aepnus Technology is a pioneering U.S.-based climate tech startup, backed by top-tier climate venture capital firms, including Clean Energy Ventured, Lowercarbon Capital and Voyager VC. We are at the forefront of developing technologies that enable electrified, sustainable, and domestic production of critical materials.
Our initial mission is ambitious: transforming chemical waste from the battery sector into valuable commodity chemicals. But we’re not stopping there. Our long-term vision is to expand our electrolysis platform to produce a wide range of industrial chemicals, driving a 50 million-ton annual reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
The challenges we face are significant, but so is the opportunity to create a lasting impact. We are building an exceptional team of visionaries and problem-solvers dedicated to decarbonizing the chemicals industry. If you're passionate about making a difference, join us on this exciting journey!
What You’ll Do
As Aepnus’ Director of Engineering, you will report directly to the CTO and take on a central role in shaping the company’s technical and strategic trajectory. This is more than just an engineering leadership role; it’s a chance to be a cornerstone in building and scaling an innovative startup poised to transform the chemicals industry.
We’re looking for a creative and hands-on leader with an entrepreneurial spirit who thrives in dynamic environments. You’ll spearhead the construction, commissioning, and operation of our demonstration plant while building and leading a high-performing engineering team. Working closely with the CTO and CEO, you will translate Aepnus’ strategic vision into actionable project plans, ensuring the successful scale-up and commercialization of our groundbreaking electrolysis technology.
This role is perfect for someone who is as comfortable rolling up their sleeves to solve technical challenges as they are navigating complex project landscapes. You’ll collaborate with internal teams and external partners, ensuring efficient and capital-effective project execution while maintaining the highest standards for safety, quality, and sustainability.
The ideal candidate will be based in the San Francisco Bay Area and ready to bring their leadership, technical expertise, and innovative mindset to drive Aepnus’ mission of decarbonizing the chemicals industry.
Primary Responsibilities:
Oversee the construction, commissioning, and operation of the demonstration plant, ensuring alignment with project objectives and timelines.
Collaborate with and manage key external partners, including the EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) partner, to ensure seamless project execution.
Monitor and control project costs, ensuring construction remains within budgetary constraints while meeting quality and performance standards.
Translate strategic objectives into actionable project plans, enabling capital-efficient delivery and achieving the lowest lifecycle costs with technical integrity.
Develop and maintain project KPIs, providing transparent and accurate updates to Aepnus leadership on project progress and performance.
Establish and enforce technical baselines and requirements for projects, including engineering deliverables, technical standards, design criteria, process safety requirements, and procedural guidelines.
Create and oversee technical roadmaps aligned with Aepnus' long-term strategic goals, with a focus on scaling electrolysis technology.
Negotiate and manage contracts with third-party vendors and contractors to secure favorable terms and high-quality deliverables.
Recruit, mentor, and lead a high-performing engineering team capable of driving Aepnus’ scale-up and commercialization objectives.
Ensure all technical operations comply with environmental, safety, and industrial standards, mitigating risks and aligning with regulatory and corporate requirements.
Develop and implement risk management frameworks to address challenges in scaling and commercializing new technologies.
Required Qualifications:
10+ years of experience managing complex industrial projects in sectors such as hydrometallurgy, mining, commodity, or specialty chemicals.
Proven track record of leadership in EP (Engineering and Procurement) or EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) service providers, construction firms, and as an owner or owner’s representative.
Demonstrated success overseeing multimillion-dollar projects, ensuring cost efficiency, timely delivery, and compliance with environmental, safety, and industrial standards.
Expertise in managing EPC projects, negotiating contracts, and building productive relationships with third-party vendors and partners.
Experience developing and executing comprehensive execution plans with complex interdependencies, including defining objectives, milestones, and timelines while coordinating multiple parties (e.g., EPC contractors, licensors, and plant operations).
Strong business acumen and ability to foresee and manage interdependencies across project life cycles, including engineering, procurement, modularization, construction, commissioning, and start-up.
Deep understanding of process design, scale-up, industrial system integration, and modularization.
Exceptional expertise in multi-disciplinary environments, including Civil, Process, Mechanical, Electrical, Automation, and Piping systems.
Proficiency in defining technical roadmaps, project KPIs, and risk management strategies to ensure project success.
Proven ability to recruit, mentor, and lead dynamic, multicultural, and multidisciplinary engineering teams.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders and facilitate the delivery of complex facilities.
A track record of presenting clear, transparent project updates and delivering measurable results to stakeholders.
Excellent analytical and critical-thinking skills with the ability to resolve technical and organizational challenges.
Ability to adapt to evolving project requirements and navigate complex technical landscapes.
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, or Electrical preferred).
Preferred Qualifications:
Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in Engineering, with expertise in electrochemical technologies, renewable energy, or chemical recycling industries.
Practical experience scaling pilot or demonstration plants to commercial-scale operations, incorporating sustainable practices to minimize lifecycle impact.
Familiarity with sodium sulfate electrolysis, battery manufacturing, or similar chemical processes, particularly within regulated markets.
Professional certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional) or PE (Professional Engineer), combined with a strong understanding of regional clean energy and environmental compliance standards.
Experience managing international projects, suppliers, or teams, with a focus on commercialization pathways and scaling industrial technologies.
Demonstrated ability to drive innovation, improve processes, and adapt to evolving technologies and business requirements.
Compensation & Benefits
100% coverage of medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees.
401(k) plan and additional retirement benefits.
Flexible vacation policy, mental health days, generous sick leave, and a week-long winter break in December.
Why Aepnus?
At Aepnus, you'll collaborate with bright, driven individuals dedicated to solving some of the most significant challenges of our time. Here’s what we offer:
A Front-Row Seat in Climate Tech Innovation: Be part of our pioneering team, working closely with our founders and scientific advisors to scale groundbreaking technologies that will shape the future. Your contributions will play a key role in bringing these innovations to market.
Rapid Growth and Advancement Opportunities: As we expand, so will your career. You'll have the chance to take on new responsibilities, grow professionally, and help us achieve our vision for a sustainable future.
Competitive Compensation and Benefits: We believe in work-life balance and supporting our team. Enjoy competitive pay, equity, flexible vacation policies, comprehensive health insurance, and other perks designed to keep you happy and motivated.
A Dynamic, Fast-Paced Work Environment: Help build Aepnus from the ground up in an exciting environment where every day presents new challenges and opportunities to make a real impact in the energy industry.
A Culture of Passion and Possibility: Join a community of curious and motivated individuals, all driven by a shared commitment to creating positive change.