Director of Engineering - Waste-to-Energy / Syngas / SAF

Director of Engineering - Waste-to-Energy / Syngas / SAF (Miami, FL)📍 Location: Miami, FL (Required or willing to relocate) 🏭 Industry: Waste-to-Energy | Gasification | Syngas | Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) | Industrial Facilities | Clean EnergyA pioneering clean‑energy venture is seeking a highly skilled Director of Engineering to lead the engineering strategy, process development, and technical execution of a first‑of‑its‑kind industrial facility converting waste into syngas and ultimately sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) using advanced gasification and proprietary technologies.This role is ideal for a seasoned engineering leader with deep domain expertise in waste-to-energy systems, refinery operations, gasification, syngas conversion, and energy-generation infrastructure. You will shape the technical backbone of a transformative project with significant environmental and economic impact.About the RoleThe Director of Engineering will oversee all engineering functions supporting the design, development, construction, integration, and optimization of advanced waste-processing, syngas generation, and SAF production technologies. You will lead multidisciplinary engineering teams, collaborate closely with EPC contractors, manage design integrity, and ensure the facility meets technical, safety, performance, and regulatory standards.This is a high‑visibility leadership role with direct influence on technology roadmap, project execution, operational readiness, and long‑term asset performance.Key ResponsibilitiesEngineering Leadership & StrategyLead the entire Engineering Department, including process, mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, controls, and design teams.Develop the technical strategy, engineering standards, and long‑range technology roadmap aligned with corporate vision.Serve as the primary technical authority on gasification, syngas, and SAF production pathways.Process & Technology OversightOversee process design, PFDs, P&IDs, mass/energy balances, process modeling, control strategies, and HAZOP studies.Lead engineering for waste-to-energy systems, including gasification of solid waste streams, syngas cleanup, conditioning, and downstream conversion to jet fuel.Ensure integration of power generation equipment, utilities, and auxiliary systems.Project Execution & EPC ManagementWork closely with EPC partners to ensure engineering deliverables meet design requirements for constructability, operability, maintainability, and safety.Approve engineering packages, design reviews, technical specs, and vendor selections.Provide technical oversight throughout FEED, detailed engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning.Operational ReadinessPartner with operations to develop start‑up strategies, commissioning plans, operator training, and performance testing protocols.Drive continuous improvement to enhance process efficiency, yield, reliability, and environmental performance.Regulatory, Safety & ComplianceEnsure engineering activities comply with federal, state, and local regulations, including environmental, permitting, and industrial safety requirements.Lead risk assessments, process safety reviews, and reliability engineering programs.Team Leadership & DevelopmentBuild, mentor, and manage a high‑performing engineering organization.Establish KPIs, technical development programs, and engineering governance frameworks.Required QualificationsBachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field (advanced degree preferred).15+ years of engineering experience in: Waste-to-energy plantsRefineries (process engineering, operations, or technology)Gasification or syngas productionEnergy generation or industrial process facilitiesStrong process engineering background with direct expertise in waste-to-syngas and/or syngas-to-fuels pathways.Experience working with EPC contractors and managing major industrial project designs from concept to commissioning.Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams and manage complex engineering organizations.Excellent communication skills; capable of interfacing with leadership, regulators, EPCs, and technical partners.Located in Miami or South Florida or willing to relocate.Preferred QualificationsExperience with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) synthesis routes.Background in circular economy, renewable fuels, or decarbonization technologies.Experience implementing digital engineering tools, advanced modeling, or plant optimization technologies.Professional Engineering (PE) license or international equivalent.What We OfferHigh‑impact leadership role in a breakthrough clean‑energy venture.Competitive compensation, performance incentives, and equity participation.Opportunity to help build a transformative technology from the ground up.Relocation package for candidates moving to Miami. EOE Statement: Specialist Staffing Group is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.In addition to base pay, direct-hire employees may be eligible for client offered benefits such as medical, dental, and vision coverage, and paid leave where required by applicable law. Eligibility may vary based on factors such as location and hire date and is subject to change.To find out more about Progressive please visit www.progressiverecruitment.com