Process Development Scientist

Airswift; Mapleton (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Airswift is seeking a Process Development Scientist to lead hands‑on oleochemical synthesis, optimize processes, and support new product introductions at the Mapleton Plant. You will analyze R&D and production data, guide troubleshooting, and ensure safe operations in a busy industrial laboratory environment.

The role requires strong communication, cross‑regional collaboration, and project management skills, with experience handling pressurised equipment and 100mL–4L reaction scales.

Qualifications

• MS, BS, or equivalent qualification in Chemistry or a related field.
• At least five years of experience for candidates with an MS or BS in Chemistry or a related field.
• Industrial synthesis and/or process optimisation experience.
• Experience analysing R&D and production data and trends to identify problems and provide technical guidance.
• Experience supporting new product introduction and chemistry‑based production troubleshooting in a plant or industrial laboratory setting.
• Hands‑on oleochemical synthesis on reaction scales from 100mL to 4L.
• Ability to work with pressurised equipment.
• Interpretation of analytical results provided by a QC laboratory.
• Strong attention to safety and safe work practices in an industrial chemical laboratory, including work with hazardous substances.
• Administrative capability including project management, reporting, safety activities, training participation, meetings, and written updates.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to work within cross‑regional and cross‑cultural teams.
• Leadership‑based collaboration, including data interpretation, coaching, and technical support to other team members.
• Proficiency in Microsoft365 for data analysis, documentation, reporting, and presentation.
• Strong and proactive verbal communication skills.

Skills

Oleochemical synthesis

Pressurised equipment

Data interpretation

Safety practices

Project management

Reporting/writing

Cross-functional collaboration

Microsoft365

Communication skills

Education

MS in Chemistry

BS in Chemistry

Job description

Job Title

Process Development Scientist

Location

Mapleton Plant

Summary

This opportunity offers involvement in product and process development within an industrial chemical laboratory environment, supporting care solutions product lines and new product introduction activity. The role includes hands‑on oleochemical synthesis, process optimisation, plant support, and investigation of chemistry‑based production issues. This position would suit candidates with strong industrial synthesis expertise, analytical interpretation capability, and experience working safely with hazardous substances and pressurised equipment.

Required Education

• MS, BS, or equivalent qualification in Chemistry or a related field

Required Experience

• At least five years of experience for candidates with an MS or BS in Chemistry or a related field
• Industrial synthesis and/or process optimisation experience
• Experience analysing R&D and production data and trends to identify problems and provide technical guidance
• Experience supporting new product introduction and chemistry‑based production troubleshooting in a plant or industrial laboratory setting

Required Skills

• Hands‑on oleochemical synthesis on reaction scales from 100mL to 4L
• Ability to work with pressurised equipment
• Interpretation of analytical results provided by a QC laboratory
• Strong attention to safety and safe work practices in an industrial chemical laboratory, including work with hazardous substances
• Administrative capability including project management, reporting, safety activities, training participation, meetings, and written updates
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to work within cross‑regional and cross‑cultural teams
• Leadership‑based collaboration, including data interpretation, coaching, and technical support to other team members
• Proficiency in Microsoft365 for data analysis, documentation, reporting, and presentation
• Strong and proactive verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry or a related field with at least two years of experience
• Experience related to fatty acid, hydrogenation, and/or amine chemistry
• Experience with high‑pressure equipment
• Experience with wet chemistry analytics, IR, and NMR

About Airswift

Airswift is an international workforce solutions provider within the energy, process and infrastructure industries. Airswift serves as a strategic partner to clients, offering a turnkey workforce solution to capture and deliver the top talent needed to complete successful projects by aligning with unique project needs. With over 1000 employees and 9,000 contractors operating in over 60 countries, Airswift's geographical reach and pool of talent available is unmatched in the industry.