Process R&D Manager

Orbia Fluor & Energy Materials; St. Gabriel (LA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Bonus Plans

11 Paid Company Holidays

401(k) with a 6% company match

Wellness Reimbursement

Job summary

Orbia Fluor and Energy Materials seeks a Process R&D Manager to own and advance programs across our portfolio. You will lead research, pilot-scale development, and technology transfer, partnering with technology centers and operations to deliver scalable, cost-effective processes.

The role requires a hands-on leader with LiPF6 or fluorochemical process experience, expertise in separations and powder handling, and a strong safety mindset. Preferred location: St. Gabriel, LA, with travel.

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Chemical Engineering with 10+ years of industry experience.
• Ability to own and execute defined R&D programs, especially early stage projects.
• Hands-on technology transfer, pilot/full-scale plant build/operations experience.
• Operational understanding of chemical unit operations and equipment.
• Experience in process safety design and risk management.
• Curiosity to learn and apply new technologies across teams.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and priorities.
• Executive presence and strong fundamentals in reactions, fluids, and heat transfer.
• LiPF6 or fluorochemical production experience; separations and powder handling expertise.
• Statistics and process modeling/simulation experience.

Responsibilities

• Own and deliver multiple R&D programs across portfolio.
• Lead technology licensing and transfer with engineering teams.
• Drive pilot plants, scale-up and plant troubleshooting.
• Define global R&D objectives and standards.
• Mentor lab staff in chemistry and engineering studies.
• Engage external R&D resources to complement internal capabilities.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration with technology centers and operations.
• Ensure safety-first culture and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Process R&D management

Project leadership

Technology licensing

Pilot plant operations

Solid-liquid separations

Powder handling

Process safety

Statistics / modeling

Executive presence

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

MS/PhD in Chemical Engineering + 10 yrs experience

Job description

You are purpose driven. Growth minded. Ready to stretch your potential. That’s the spirit of the community you will find at Orbia: where the purpose to advance life around the world drives our global team of over 23,000 every single day.

From creating solutions to deliver clean water, secure food supplies and reliable information to steering material advances that power the future of green and smart cities, transportation, and healthcare, we never settle for “good enough” when there’s an opportunity to make life better. Where purpose comes to life, it changes lives. This is what we live for.

BACKGROUND

Orbia Fluor and Energy Materials is a leading vertically integrated global fluorochemicals manufacturer. We are one of the world’s largest fluorspar and HF producers. We are investing in low carbon footprint refrigerant gases and medical propellants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We are also investing in battery materials to enable secure supply chain for energy storage, EV and other applications, starting with the first North American plant to produce key electrolyte salt LiPF6.

MAIN PURPOSE

The Process R&D Manager owns R&D efforts on key programs across our portfolio, supported by a small direct team and a broader team in our global technology centers. This is a key role requiring experience and judgement to manage and deliver multiple simultaneous projects in a matrixed organization. Projects span new process development and design, technology licensing, process piloting, options analysis and techno economic assessments, contract R&D, process improvements and plant troubleshooting. This person would provide thought leadership in process development and unit operations, and work closely with technology, project and operations teams. They would act as an advisor to senior management on key technical questions and choices. A solution oriented mindset, and ability to debate, constructively challenge, and influence effectively across teams are keys to success in this role.

This is a hands-on role. Prior experience in LiPF6 or other fluorochemical processes, as well as expertise in solid liquid separations and powder handling/testing is highly preferred.

Preferred location is St. Gabriel, LA. Depending on candidate qualifications and business needs, this position may also be based in Houston, TX or Boston, MA.

This role requires approximately 20% travel, including both domestic and international travel, to support project execution, collaboration with global teams, customer engagements, and site visits as needed.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Full ownership and accountability to develop cost effective processes to manufacture new products at scale, utilizing agile, fast to fail approaches.
• Develop deep understanding of underlying process technology, options, trade-overs and economics.
• Drive technology licensing and transfer. Support Orbia’s engineering team through engineering, procurement, construction, and project commissioning.
• Establish operational objectives and work plans for multiple areas, across technology centers.
• Define and/or improve global R&D methodologies and standards.
• Guide and mentor lab staff to design and execute chemistry and engineering studies. Lead pilating studies as needed.
• Find and develop external R&D resources and partners to complement internal capabilities.
• Lead and support key plant troubleshooting efforts.
• Lead design and development of pilot plants.
• Mentor and develop junior staff.
• Follow and actively encourage a safety-first culture. Adherence to all Orbia and local safety, health and environmental regulations.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, LANGUAGE, & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Required

• MS or PhD in Chemical Engineering + 10 yrs post graduate industry experience.
• Ability to take ownership and accountability for defining and executing R&D programs, especially early stage, less defined projects.
• Hands on technology transfer, pilot/full scale plant build and/or operations experience.
• Operational experience and understanding of a range of chemical unit operations and equipment.
• Experience in understanding of and designing for process safety.
• Curiosity and keenness to learn and embrace new technologies and approaches.
• Ability to effectively deal with multiple stakeholders and sometimes competing priorities.
• Executive presence.
• Strong chemical engineering fundamentals in reactions, fluid flow, heat transfer.
• LiPF6 or other fluorochemical production experience.
• Expertise in solid liquid separations and powder handling.
• Statistics, and process modeling/simulation experience.

Our Offer:

• Annual Bonus Plans
• 11 Paid Company Holidays
• 401(k) with a 6% company match
• Wellness Reimbursement

and much much more!

The compensation for this position is typically range from $140,000 - $170,000.

We welcome purpose-driven dreamers, doers, and builders, recognising that it takes difference to make a difference. If you’re ready to bring your skills, talents, and perspective to moving your career, the company, people, and the planet forward, we’d like to hear from you.

We believe that every voice matters; every community deserves respect; and every challenge is an opportunity and united by empathy, we are stronger for our different perspectives. We are dedicated to building a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace that supports the needs of all our employees regardless of their role, location, identity, and background.

The compensation for this position is included above. The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will be based on multiple factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge/skills, experience, geographical location, and internal equity.

The compensation package may also include short and long-term incentive compensation. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes healthcare coverage, a 401(k)-retirement savings plan, paid company holidays, paid vacation time, paid sick time, parental leave, short- and long-term disability leave, and an employee assistance program. At Orbia, we are committed to taking care of our employees and believe in providing comprehensive support so you can thrive at work and home.

Orbia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.