Senior Pyrolysis Engineer – Biomass Energy Systems

Location: Darwin, Northern Territory
Salary: $100,000
Employer: Environmental Keystones Pty Ltd
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Join Australia’s first carbon-negative baseload energy project.
Environmental Keystones is deploying a cutting-edge waste-to-renewable-energy facility in Darwin, using advanced pyrolysis and gasification technology to convert green municipal waste into electricity, biochar, and carbon credits.

We are seeking a Senior Pyrolysis Engineer with deep, practical expertise in biomass thermal conversion systems. This is a rare opportunity to shape the design, construction, and operation of a new energy asset from the ground up.

About the Role

This position will lead the onsite integration and commissioning of a high-temperature pyrolysis system, optimised for continuous green waste feedstock processing and syngas generation. The syngas will be used to power internal combustion generators delivering 2 MW of renewable baseload electricity.

Key responsibilities include:

Overseeing the mechanical installation, integration and commissioning of biomass pyrolysis or gasification units

Tuning reactor operation for optimal energy yield and by-product control (biochar, bio-oil, syngas)

Managing the interface between thermal conversion systems and gas-cleaning, reforming, and power generation modules

Ensuring compliance with Australian safety, fire, emissions, and pressure-vessel standards

Drafting operational manuals, test plans, and risk mitigation procedures for continuous operation

Providing technical mentorship to site-based engineers and maintenance personnel

Required Experience

Extensive field experience commissioning and operating biomass pyrolysis and/or gasification plants

Strong working knowledge of syngas conditioning, tar removal, and internal combustion generation

Direct involvement with 2 MW+ scale systems preferred (or equivalent biomass energy projects)

Strong grasp of thermochemical engineering principles, fuel-feedstock dynamics, and emissions control

Demonstrated ability to lead commissioning teams and interface with multidisciplinary contractors

Engineering qualification (mechanical, chemical or process) or equivalent applied technical track record

Why This Role Is Unique

The specialised nature of pyrolysis-to-power systems means there is a limited pool of engineers globally with real-world, plant-level experience. This role is critical to unlocking the safe, efficient delivery of one of Australia’s most innovative decarbonisation projects—and to upskilling the next generation of local talent through structured knowledge transfer.