Rise Reforming (YC S26) Is Hiring a Senior Chemical Process Engineer

Rise Reforming is hiring a Senior Chemical Process Engineer to lead design, construction, and commissioning of a pilot unit and then help scale to the first commercial plant. The role requires 5+ years scaling catalytic technologies, hands-on experience procuring and integrating pilot-scale equipment, commissioning and operating pilot chemical plants, knowledge of recycling loops, and experience with gas-to-liquids processes (syngas-to-methanol preferred). Candidates should be familiar with process simulation tools like Aspen and able to collaborate with EPCs on FOAK commercial unit design. Preferred skills include PLC/SCADA integration, modular systems experience, and comfort in a fast-paced startup environment. The position reports to the CTO, is in-person in Chicago/Wheaton (car required), is US-citizen/visa-only, and offers $125K+ salary, stock options, performance bonus, and benefits.

Rise Reforming commercializes a modular process to convert underused biogas into supply-secure chemicals such as dimethyl ether and methanol, targeting decentralized production to reduce dependence on centralized fossil-fuel supply chains. A pilot demo will run at a Chicagoland wastewater plant - marketed as the first wastewater biogas-to-methanol demonstration in the Americas - with the goal of proving technology for broader commercial deployments. The startup, founded in 2024 and part of YC S26 with a small founding team, envisions the role growing into VP of Engineering or Chief Engineer overseeing multiple deployments.