Principal Chemist - Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR)
Location: Houston TX 77047
Position Summary
The Principal Chemist will provide scientific and technical leadership in the development, evaluation, and commercialization of surfactant-based Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) technologies. This position is responsible for leading laboratory research, supporting field implementation, improving product quality, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative, customer-focused chemical solutions.
The ideal candidate combines expertise in surfactant chemistry, formulation development, laboratory testing, quality management systems, and oilfield operations with excellent technical communication and problem-solving skills.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Development & Laboratory Leadership
- Design, execute, and interpret laboratory studies to evaluate surfactant formulations for Enhanced Oil Recovery applications.
- Lead routine surfactant laboratory testing programs, including sample preparation, experimental design, data analysis, and technical reporting.
- Maintain accurate laboratory documentation, test records, and performance databases in accordance with company and industry standards.
- Support formulation optimization and product performance assessments under reservoir-relevant conditions.
Quality Assurance & Quality Control
- Develop, implement, and continuously improve Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) programs for surfactant products and laboratory operations.
- Establish and maintain robust Quality Management Systems (QMS) to ensure compliance with internal standards, customer requirements, and regulatory guidelines.
- Collaborate with manufacturing, procurement, and external suppliers to ensure consistent product quality and specification compliance.
- Investigate product and process quality issues, conduct root-cause analyses, and implement corrective and preventive actions.
Field Implementation Support
- Support field testing and commercial deployment of surfactant EOR technologies.
- Provide technical expertise during field operations and troubleshoot performance-related challenges.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline required.
- Master's degree or Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field preferred.
- Minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience in surfactant formulation development and laboratory testing.
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in Quality Assurance, Quality Control, or Quality Engineering within a manufacturing or chemical production environment preferred.
- Strong understanding of laboratory testing methodologies, quality management systems, and technical documentation practices.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze complex technical data and communicate findings effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Excellent presentation, technical writing, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams and manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
- Willingness to travel domestically to support field trials and technology implementation activities.
What We Offer
- Competitive pay: $100,000-$130,000 USD annually, based on experience and qualifications
- Annual performance bonus opportunities
- Health, Dental & Vision Insurance and 401K
- Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
- Career advancement opportunities
- Professional development and technical training
- Collaborative, innovation-focused work environment
Additional Requirements
- Ability to work safely in laboratory, manufacturing, and field environments.
