Master's degree in chemical engineering required; Ph.D. preferred
5+ years of R&D experience in catalysis and manufacturing scale-up with a Master's; 2+ years with a Ph.D.
Proven ability to design and execute experimental programs independently
Experience in technical service and sales support
Familiarity with sulfur removal from fuels and gas processing technologies preferred
Strong communication skills, both oral and written
Experience in colloidal science and organometallic chemistry preferred
Responsibilities
Conduct growth projects using the Merichem Stage-Gate process
Provide technical service and sales support for catalyst production
Coordinate with the Analytical Team for timely analysis of samples
Submit invention disclosures and support patent applications
Advise on research projects and business initiatives
Adopt best practices for experimental design and documentation
Manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining confidentiality
Benefits
Opportunity to work in a dynamic and innovative environment
Engagement with cutting-edge research in catalysis
Potential for professional growth and development
Collaborative work with a diverse team of experts
Exposure to various aspects of the chemical engineering field
Full Job Description
No Relocation Offered. Must reside in Houston
SUMMARY
Provide program management to support Merichem Catalyst business. This includes generating new ideas for growth opportunities and leveraging the talents of all of FTC and outside the company when needed. Conduct growth, developmental projects. Provide technical service, sales support, and other support to the catalyst business and catalyst production at MCP.
PRIMARY JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
Conduct growth projects according to Merichem Stage-Gate process. This includes planning, set-up, and hands-on execution of experimentation; conduct literature and intellectual property searches; obtain and interpret experimental results, communicate them in meetings, and timely document in forms of intra memo, technical memorandum, or stage gate reports
Conduct technical service, sales support, and other short-term projects
Support plant operation for catalyst production, including coordinating with Analytical Team to ensure timely completion of analysis of MCP QC and sales-focusing samples
Submit Invention Disclosure and Idea Document when warranted. Support the obtainment of patents when needed
Provide input and advice as needed to support other research projects and business initiatives
Adopt industry best and scientific practices with high efficiency to design/conduct experiments, generate/interpret results, document communicate findings
Independently design and execute experimental programs and interpret the results to use in solving technical problems
Read, comprehend, maintain concentration and analyze complex data
Work on multiple projects simultaneously
Discrete with confidential information
Work with customers, suppliers and contractors to ensure compliance with policies and procedures related to achieving EHS&S Excellence
Continuously improve our commitment to excellence in Environmental, Health, Safety and Security performance
Other duties as assigned by management
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Master's degree in chemical engineering required
Ph.D. degree in chemical engineering preferred
Minimum 5 years in chemical engineering in a related industry with R&D experience in catalysis, formulation, and manufacturing scale-up required with a Master's degree
Minimum 2 years in chemical engineering in a related industry with R&D experience in catalysis, formulation, and manufacturing scale-up required with a Ph.D.
Experience with independently designing and executing experimental program
Experience interpreting the results to solve technical problems
Experience working with tech service/sales support is required
Experience in sulfur removal from fuels, gas processing technologies, or general experience in the fuels industry preferred
Experience in colloidal science and organometallic chemistry preferred
Strong oral, written and interpersonal communications skills
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
This position has no supervisory responsibility
EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK
Able to work an agreed upon standard schedule and additional hours as job duties demand
TRAVEL
Occasional travel domestic & international
Must have a current, valid driver's license
Must be able to obtain a passport and TWIC card
Able to be insurable under our company's liability insurance policy
WORK CONDITIONS
Physical demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work in an office environment & lab environment with chemicals that are often toxic, many are priority pollutants, some are carcinogenic or corrosive
Site visits to refineries and chemical plants may include exposure to materials such as caustic, strong acids and hydrocarbons, potential for H2S exposure and requirements for additional testing (e.g. PPE, drug)
Analysis of research samples requires careful handling of materials because of their unknown origin
High temperatures and/or high pressures are sometimes present in experiments
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate
Able to sit and use a computer for extended periods of time
Routine physical exertion
Standing and walking for moderate periods
Able to climb stairs, up to 50 ft. ladders and other equipment
Able to stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and maintain balance
Able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, exert force and set up gas cylinders including 6-packs and other heavy equipment necessary for performing experiments
Able to use senses to distinguish chemical odor by smell
Able to physically wear the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required by FTC and/or during site visits to Merichem shop, refineries and chemical plants
Able to use a respirator - (1) Must be able to pass the Respirator Protection Fit Test and (2) Must be able to wear a full-faced or half-faced respirator as required per task and / or in times of emergency
Able to use arms and hands to reach, grasp, touch, handle, and feel objects
Able to see clearly, judge distance, adjust and maintain focus and meet vision standards for the job role
Able to speak and communicate proficiently.
OTHER DUTIES: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
