Chemical Process Development Engineer

Aspen Aerogels, Inc.; East Providence (RI); On-site; USD 100,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k Employer Match

Life and Disability Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Aspen Aerogels, Inc. is seeking an engineer to support transformational process changes in manufacturing and partner with R&D to advance next-generation aerogel composites.

You will help identify, develop, and scale processes from lab to pilot and then to full commercial manufacturing. Responsibilities include ensuring successful introduction of new products, establishing standard work, and applying statistical analysis to optimize processes.

Qualifications

• 2-5 years' experience in chemical process fundamentals and/or process design and development.
• Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering.
• Knowledge of chemical process development, preferably with a focus on silica synthesis and modification.
• Knowledge of pilot and manufacturing operations, and the process of transitioning new products/processes from lab to pilot and full commercial manufacturing.
• Hands on experience with analytical method development.

Responsibilities

• Support technically transformational process changes in manufacturing and partner with R&D to identify, develop, and execute next generation manufacturing of aerogel composites.
• Partner with R&D and Plant Engineering to identify, develop and execute new product and process improvements in the areas of safety, production capacity, yield and cost reduction.
• Partner with R&D to interpret product design requirements to determine feasibility, process steps required, and cost to manufacture.
• Support the successful introduction of new products and processes via the trial manufacturing process.
• Build upon lab and trial generated learnings to establish and implement full scale standards, documentation, and procedures for all new and existing products to ensure manufacturing capabilities.

Skills

Chemical process fundamentals

Process design & development

Silica synthesis & modification

Pilot & manufacturing operations

Analytical method development

Statistical analysis

Leadership & initiative

Education

Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering

Job description

Responsibilities

• Support technically transformational process changes in manufacturing and partner with R&D to identify, develop, and execute next generation manufacturing of aerogel composites.
• Partner with R&D and Plant Engineering to identify, develop and execute new product and process improvements in the areas of safety, production capacity, yield and cost reduction.
• Partner with R&D to interpret product design requirements to determine feasibility, process steps required, and cost to manufacture.
• Support the successful introduction of new products and processes via the trial manufacturing process. Lead and/or execute the experimental work required to support scale up activities and develop a robust commercial scale aerogel manufacturing process from small-scale laboratory data.
• Build upon lab and trial generated learnings to establish and implement full scale standards, documentation, and procedures for all new and existing products to ensure manufacturing capabilities; includes updating and/or generating work instructions, standard operating procedures, and process flow diagrams (PFD).
• Analyze process and quality data to improve and/or troubleshoot the aerogel manufacturing process; determine root cause of failure modes to develop corrective actions.
• Develop project goals and priorities with the technical manager in collaboration with Manufacturing, Plant Engineering, Quality, and EHS&S.
• Support project teams through developmental phases of engineering projects related to process equipment including conceptual design of both process and equipment. Assist in design requirements managed through the management of change process; includes design, equipment procurement, construction, installation, start up, commissioning, validation, and qualification of facilities and/or equipment.
• Document User Requirement Specifications and qualification plans for new processes and/or equipment related to the manufacturing of aerogel and/or supporting processes, i.e. reclamation equipment/processes.
• Adopt and follow Aspen's core values of Safety, Quality, Integrity, Teamwork, Customer and Innovation on both a personal and professional level.

Qualifications

• 2-5 years' experience in chemical process fundamentals and/or process design and development.
• Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering.
• Knowledge of chemical process development, preferably with a focus on silica synthesis and modification. Alternatively, a broad knowledge of material engineering.
• Knowledge of pilot and manufacturing operations, and the process of transitioning new products/processes from lab to pilot and full commercial manufacturing.
• Hands on experience with analytical method development.
• Experience with research and analytic techniques. Ability to apply statistical analysis and/or practical experience to make sound conclusions and use to optimize process development activities.
• Ability and willingness to lead and do work.
• Innate intellectual curiosity.
• Predisposition to leverage analytic reasoning, creativity, and judgment.
• Well-developed influencing skills – ability to inspire confidence and drive consensus.
• Ability to handle complex matters across multiple initiatives.
• Intellectual agility to deal effectively with strategic issues and operational details.
• Ability to effectively influence and motivate external and internal stakeholders.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Frequently required to stand
• Occasionally required to walk
• Frequently required to sit
• Frequently required to utilize hand and finger dexterity
• Occasionally required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel or crawl
• Frequently works near moving mechanical parts
• Frequently works around fumes, airborne particles, or toxic chemicals
• Occasionally exposed to extreme heat or cold (non-weather)
• While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate
• The Engineer must occasionally lift and/or move more than 10 pounds.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefits

Aspen is committed to offering a comprehensive benefits package, a positive and productive work environment, encouraged work/life and family balance, and opportunities for growth and development, in a culture that is focused on inclusion, sustainability, and working together to solve the world's toughest challenges.

Aspen Aerogels, Inc. offers a competitive benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Tuition Reimbursement, Paid Holidays, Sick Time, and PTO. In addition, we also offer 401k Employer Match, Life and Disability Insurance, and other benefits.

Expected Compensation: Between $100,000 and $110,000 USD/year based on experience. Yearly Bonus eligibility.

Aspen Aerogels, Inc. is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to [e-mail] or call and leave a voice message at [phone] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information and we will return your message.

For Our Rhode Island Applicants: Aspen Aerogels, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. The East Providence, RI facility of Aspen Aerogels is subject to Title 28, Chapter 29-6.2 of Rhode Island General Laws, which governs Worker's Compensation.

Equal Opportunity Employer. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.