About this role
Position: Process Design Engineer
Job Type: Full-Time - On -site
Location: Eastern Bypass Rd, Ruai – Nairobi, Kenya
About Octavia Carbon Octavia Carbon is a pioneering Direct Air Capture (DAC) startup dedicated to tackling the global climate crisis through innovative carbon removal technologies. Our mission is to reverse climate change from Kenya using cutting-edge climate tech. As we scale our transformative solutions, we are building a world-class team of engineers and scientists to drive impact at a global level.
Position Overview
We are looking for an early-career engineer to support the design, development and safe operation of our direct air capture systems and related laboratory and pilot equipment. The role combines engineering analysis with practical implementation, from calculations and drawings through equipment selection, testing and commissioning.
You will work with process, research, fabrication, electrical, automation, operations and procurement teams to turn ideas and test results into reliable engineering solutions.
What you will do
• Develop process designs based on project and testing needs.
• Prepare heat and mass balances and carry out equipment-sizing calculations.
• Prepare and update process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), equipment datasheets and operating descriptions.
• Help select pumps, vacuum equipment, vessels, piping, valves, heaters, heat exchangers, instruments and other process equipment.
• Define how equipment should be measured, controlled and protected using instruments, alarms, operating sequences and safety interlocks.
• Prepare technical specifications, review supplier information and support equipment procurement and quality checks.
• Plan tests, analyse process data and recommend improvements to performance, reliability and energy use.
• Support installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, safety reviews and preparation of operating procedures.
What we are looking for
• A Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, or a closely related field.
• A good understanding of material and energy balances, thermodynamics, fluid flow, heat transfer and mass transfer.
• Ability to carry out engineering calculations and explain your assumptions and results clearly.
• Ability to prepare or read PFDs, P&IDs, equipment drawings and datasheets.
• Confidence working with data to identify problems and suggest practical solutions.
• Clear written and verbal communication, good organization and attention to detail.
• Willingness to work both at a desk and hands-on with laboratory or pilot equipment.
Preferred experience
• Up to three years of relevant experience in process design, equipment sizing, instrumentation, commissioning, pilot operations or engineering research. Fresh graduates with relevant internships, industrial attachments or strong engineering projects are encouraged to apply.
• Experience preparing equipment specifications, working with suppliers or checking delivered equipment.
• Some exposure to sensors, process controls, PLCs or SCADA systems.
• Experience using tools such as AutoCAD, Draw.io, Aspen Plus or HYSYS, DWSIM, Python, MATLAB or similar software.
• Interest in carbon capture, gas processing, adsorption, vacuum or heating systems is an advantage.
What you can expect
This role offers broad exposure to process design, equipment development, controls and direct air capture technology. You will be able to follow your work from analysis and drawings through fabrication, testing and operation.
How to apply
Send your CV, a short cover letter and your completed solution through the application channel stated in the posting.
As part of your application, please complete the challenge attached on the external site and attach your solution by Monday, 10th August 2026 at 11:59 pm.
Here's the Assessment: Process Engineer Assessment
Octavia Carbon offers competitive growth opportunities, a competitive salary, a route to owning company equity, and a high degree of professional freedom & responsibility, coupled with intense working environment to enable a steep learning curve.
Octavia Carbon is an equal opportunity employer and especially encourages applications from women, and individuals from diverse socioeconomic, religious and regional backgrounds.