Lead Engineer – Battery Recycling Factory

Role Overview

The Lead Engineer – Battery Recycling Factory will play a key role in the development, design, implementation, and operation of a new battery recycling facility. The initial focus of the role will be to work closely with the project and technical teams on the assessment and selection of recycling technologies, support the engineering design of the plant, and later lead the implementation, commissioning, and management of the recycling technological process.

Key Responsibilities

1. Technology Assessment and Selection

• Participate in technical evaluation of available battery recycling technologies and compare different recycling process routes.
• Assess technology providers based on technical performance, scalability, safety, cost, environmental impact, and regulatory compliance.
• Participate in technical meetings with equipment suppliers, engineering companies, consultants, and potential technology partners.

2. Plant Design and Engineering Support

• Work with internal and external engineering teams on the conceptual, basic, and detailed design of the recycling plant.
• Provide technical input for:
  • process flow diagrams,
  • mass and energy balances,
  • equipment layout,
  • plant capacity planning,
  • utility requirements,
  • material handling systems,
  • environmental control systems,
  • fire safety and explosion protection systems.
• Review technical drawings, equipment specifications, and supplier proposals

3. Technology Implementation and Commissioning

• Lead technical implementation of the selected recycling technology.
• Coordinate installation, testing, and commissioning of process equipment.
• Work with suppliers to ensure equipment is installed and operated according to design specifications.
• Prepare and review commissioning plans, test protocols, and acceptance criteria.
• Support factory acceptance tests and site acceptance tests.
• Ensure that process performance meets agreed capacity, recovery, quality, safety, and environmental targets.

4. Process Management and Optimization

• Manage and optimize the recycling technological process after commissioning.
• Monitor process parameters, equipment performance, product quality, recovery rates, and operating costs.
• Identify and implement improvements in throughput, yield, safety, energy use, and product quality.

5. Team Leadership and Cross-Functional Coordination

• Lead and coordinate engineering and technical activities related to the recycling process.
• Work closely with management, project teams, suppliers, consultants, permitting experts, and operations staff.
• Support recruitment and training of technical and operational personnel.
• Provide technical guidance to process engineers, mechanical engineers, operators, maintenance teams, and laboratory staff.

Required Qualifications

• University degree in one of the following fields:
  • Chemical Engineering,
  • Mechanical Engineering,
  • Metallurgical Engineering,
  • Process Engineering,
  • or another relevant technical discipline.
• Minimum 7–10 years of experience in industrial process engineering, recycling, chemical processing, metallurgy, waste treatment, or similar heavy/industrial production environment.
• Experience in design, commissioning, or operation of industrial processing plants.
• Strong understanding of process equipment, material handling, safety systems, and plant operations.
• Experience working with technology suppliers, EPC contractors, or engineering consultants.
• Ability to read and review technical drawings, PFDs, P&IDs, layouts, equipment specifications, and process documentation.
• Strong project coordination and problem-solving skills.
• Good command of English; Bulgarian and/or other European languages are an advantage.

Preferred Experience

Experience in one or more of the following areas would be a strong advantage:

• Lithium-ion battery recycling.
• Black mass production or processing.
• Hydrometallurgical processing.
• Pyrometallurgical processing.
• Mechanical recycling and separation technologies.
• Hazardous waste treatment.
• Chemical plant operation.
• Metallurgical processing.
• Fire safety and explosion protection in industrial facilities.
• Industrial automation and process control.

Key Skills and Competencies

• Strong technical and analytical thinking.
• Practical industrial engineering mindset.
• Ability to evaluate and compare complex technologies.
• Project management and coordination ability.
• Strong communication skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Continuous improvement mindset.

We offer:

• A role in an international company implementing modern technologies and innovative solutions
• Work in a fast-growing sector with a key role in green energy
• A motivated team
  
• Additional health insurance
• Food vouchers
• Extra day off for your birthday
• Team building, conferences, sports, and other events
• Company-paid training and courses
• Reimbursement of transport costs
• Reimbursement of child education costs
• Reimbursement of well-being expenses
• Employee referral bonus

Equal Opportunity

Solarpro gives equal employment opportunities to all candidates and staff. No one will be discriminated against based on ethnicity, religion, age, sex, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected traits. Applies to all stages of hiring and employment.

Data Handling & Privacy

Applicant data will be handled confidentially by Solarpro solely for recruitment purposes. Data won’t be shared with others unless required by law. Supplying data is voluntary. You may request access or correction by filing a written request.

More information about the Personal Data Protection Policy (GDPR) and how the company manages your personal data is available on the following page: Solarpro Technology GDPR Policy