Principal Chemist

SI Group; Houston, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

SI Group is seeking a Principal Chemist in Houston to lead innovation across oil and gas, lubricants, fuels, and plastics. You will guide the R&D synthesis team, evaluate new platforms, and prioritize development based on strategic and financial criteria.

You will manage projects, ensure safety, and collaborate with customers and cross-functional teams to deliver high-impact solutions. The role emphasizes scientific leadership, process optimization, and the creation of new intellectual property,

Qualifications

• PhD with a minimum of 10 years of relevant industry experience (postdoc counts).
• MSc with a minimum of 15 years of relevant industry experience.
• BSc with 15 or more years of relevant industry experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead innovation efforts to provide best-in-class solutions for customers.
• Evaluate platforms and prioritize development based on business strategy and criteria.
• Build and execute project plans with milestones, timelines, and resources.
• Provide technical guidance to customers and cross-functional teams during product evaluation and use.
• Transfer new products with Pilot, Manufacturing, and Process Technology teams.
• Represent SI Group at customer presentations and industry conferences.

Education

PhD + 10+ years

MSc + 15+ years

BSc + 15+ years

Job description

As the Principal Chemist, reporting to the Sr. Director - R&D, you will be responsible for leading innovation efforts to provide best in class solutions to customers. Additionally, you will evaluate possible innovation platforms and prioritize for development based on business strategy as well as financial, technical and probability criteria to execute business growth.

How You Will Make an Impact:

Product Innovation and Technical Leadership

• Develop innovative chemical technologies and solutions for oil and gas production, transportation and industrial lubricants, fuels, rubber and adhesives, and plastics.
• Serve as a technical expert and trusted advisor to the R&D synthesis team
• Advance sustainable products designed to minimize environmental impact
• Connect our technical capabilities with emerging customer needs and market opportunities
• Collaborate with customers and cross-functional teams to develop and advance new ideas
• Stay current on technology trends aligned with SI Group’s market strategies
• Create intellectual property through new products, processes, and methods that strengthen our differentiated portfolio
• Lead the selection, implementation, and support of innovative technologies, including artificial intelligence, data science, and predictive analytics

R&D Project Management and Safety

• Build and execute project plans with clear tasks, timelines, milestones, and resources
• Lead projects based on internal and external customer requirements
• Anticipate challenges, remove barriers, and identify opportunities to improve executionTrack project progress, costs, timelines, and risks; communicate updates and recommended solutions to stakeholders
• Maintain accurate project records and a repository of technology and product development reports
• Promote a clean, safe, and healthy workplace by following safety practices, using protective equipment properly, and reporting potential hazards

Customer and Cross-Functional Support

• Generate product performance data that supports compelling customer value propositions
• Provide technical guidance to customers and Technical Service teams during product evaluation, implementation, and use
• Partner with Pilot, Manufacturing, and Process Technology teams to transfer new products successfully and troubleshoot current products
• Support Regulatory, Marketing, Business Development, and Product Management with technical data and product materials
• Capture and share lessons learned to strengthen future development and support
• Represent SI Group through customer presentations, lunch-and-learn sessions, and industry conferences

Creating Extraordinary Starts With:

• PhD and a minimum of 10 years of relevant industry experience (Postdoc counts as experience); or
• MSc and a minimum of 15 years of relevant industry experience; or
• BSc and 15 or more years of relevant industry experience
• The salary range for this position is$150,000-$180,000.The specific rate offered will be determined by a variety of factors including location, experience, and education.

About Us

Essential Solutions with Extraordinary Results

SI Group is a global leader in the innovative technology of performance additives, process solutions, active pharmaceutical ingredients, and chemical intermediates. Our solutions are essential to many diverse industries and applications, creating extraordinary results. We drive value by enhancing the quality, performance, and durability of countless items we use every day.

We are on a journey to captivate our customers at every level. Whether that means expanding our capabilities, global reach, or providing new innovations and technologies that create value. Our approach is customized to exceed customer needs and deliver superior performance.

Job Info

• Job Identification 1492
• Job Category Paraprofessional (White Collar)
• Posting Date 09/02/2026, 08:05 PM
• Job Schedule Full time
• Locations 15865 International Plaza Drive, Houston, TX, 77032, US