R&D Chemical & Process Engineer (Biomass Fuels)

Verta Bioenergy is seeking an R&D Chemical & Process Engineer (Biomass Fuels) in Manila, Philippines. The role involves developing biomass pellet formulations, conducting combustion trials, and ensuring quality control. Candidates should have a degree in Chemical Engineering and 3–6 years of relevant experience. The position requires hands-on lab work and frequent travel to client sites. Verta Bioenergy focuses on converting waste into sustainable biomass fuels.
Company Description Verta Bioenergy is a pioneering clean energy company focused on converting agricultural and municipal waste into high-quality biomass pellets for industrial B2B customers. The company delivers sustainable and cost-competitive alternatives to fossil fuels, helping partners reduce carbon emissions and improve environmental performance.


As part of ENGIE Factory, the venture arm of the ENGIE Group, Verta Bioenergy benefits from the support of a global leader in energy solutions. ENGIE Group is committed to accelerating the transition to a carbon-neutral world through energy efficiency, renewable energy, and innovative technologies, providing a strong platform for impactful work in the biomass sector.


Key Responsibilities
Fuel chemistry & formulation (R&D)
Develop and optimize biomass pellet formulations to hit target energy content, durability, ash and fines parameters.Work the fuel chemistry: ash chemistry, chlorine, sulphur, alkali content, ash fusion/deformation behaviour, and their effect on combustion.Blend different agricultural waste feedstocks to achieve required fuel chemistry and combustion performance.Design and run lab-scale tests; characterize feedstock and finished pellets and interpret lab/COA data (proximate, ultimate, ash analysis).Translate lab results into production-ready formulations and process settings.
Combustion trials, metering & monitoring
Plan, set up and run combustion trials of Verta pellets in client boilers.Meter and monitor combustion performance during trials — fuel feed, temperatures, emissions-relevant parameters, ash and slagging behaviour.Collect, log and analyze trial data; document boiler performance and any issues observed.Diagnose feedstock and combustion problems (chlorine corrosion, slagging/fouling, fines, NOx) and recommend formulation or operating adjustments.
Quality & technical problem-solving
Implement quality control measures for consistent pellet quality across batches.Run root-cause analysis on quality or performance issues and drive corrective actions.Work with the production team, external labs and industry experts to close technical gaps.Maintain clear technical records, test reports and trial summaries.
Requirements
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering. Strong chemistry fundamentals are essential.3–6 years of relevant experience in R&D, process chemistry, fuels/combustion, cement, power, or a related heavy-process industry.Solid grasp of fuel chemistry, ash/combustion chemistry, heat transfer and reaction behaviour.Hands-on lab capability: formulation, testing and interpretation of analytical/COA results.Comfortable running field trials and handling instrumentation/metering on operating equipment.Strong data analysis and technical reporting skills.Willing and able to travel to client and plant sites in Cavite 2–3 times per week.Based in or able to work from Quezon City, Metro Manila.
Nice to Have
Experience with biomass, solid fuels, or boiler/combustion equipment.Exposure to emissions, ash chemistry, slagging/fouling or corrosion in combustion systems.Lab testing and feedstock characterization experience.
What We Offer
A core technical role with real ownership of product and client outcomes.Direct work on proprietary fuel chemistry and combustion control.

Fast-moving, revenue-generating company scaling production.