James Petka

James Petka has a diverse work experience in engineering roles. James started their career at Carnegie Mellon University's College of Engineering as an Undergraduate Researcher, where they developed a process to produce silane-covered silica nanoparticles. James then conducted combustion engineering research as a Combustion Engineering Researcher at The University of Kansas, investigating the impact of biodiesel blend properties on diesel engine emissions.

After that, James joined Mylan as a Process Engineer Intern, where they improved testing practices at a drug manufacturing plant by devising a more efficient alternative for Quality Control testing.

James then worked at Synfuels Americas as a Fischer Tropsch Process Engineer, leading the design of Gas-to-Liquids and Coal-to-Liquids plants. James also served as a Project Consultant for ChemEssen, a Synfuels Americas affiliate, where they assessed technical validity of project opportunities. Additionally, they worked as a Fischer Tropsch Process Engineer at Synfuels China, the parent company of Synfuels Americas, where they improved project development techniques.

James then joined ExxonMobil as a Basestocks Process Engineer and later took on the role of Basestocks Feed Flexibility Discipline Technology Lead. In these roles, they facilitated process improvements, developed metrics and models to identify credit opportunities, and oversaw initiatives to reduce raw material costs.

Currently, James is a Process Engineer at Plug Power, where they utilize their skills and experience to contribute to the company's processes.

James Petka attended Carnegie Mellon University from 2011 to 2015, obtaining a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Chemical Engineering.