Research Associate

Air Liquide USA LLC; Newark (DE); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Air Liquide USA LLC in Newark, DE, is seeking a Research Associate to lead and execute R&D projects by combining core engineering principles with digital tools. The role blends technical leadership and project management from scope to delivery, requiring clear communication of complex data to diverse stakeholders.

The successful candidate will have a Master's in Chemical Engineering, 3+ years of experience, and proficiency with process simulation (Aspen Tools).

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering required; PhD preferred.
• 3+ years of professional experience in an industrial environment.
• Strong proficiency with process simulation tools and design/optimization knowledge.
• Ability to solve complex problems in collaboration with business units.
• Demonstrated safety mindset and operational discipline.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; leadership potential.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support technical projects through the full R&D lifecycle.
• Analyze and improve existing operational processes for efficiency, safety and reliability.
• Communicate complex technical insights to stakeholders via documentation and presentations.
• Collaborate with global R&D teams to share knowledge and accelerate innovation.
• Maintain a self-driven, flexible mindset to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Education

Master's in Chemical Engineering

PhD in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Tools

Job description

R10103130 Research Associate (Open)

Location:

Newark, DE (ICD) - R&D - Industrial performance

The Innovation and Development Division (IDD) drives the innovation strategy for the Hubs and Operations, and contributes to the Group's transformation. It is responsible for imagining, developing and incubating new solutions until they are brought to market, particularly when it comes to offers with a high technological content (including digital and IT). IDD gathers more than 3,000 employees from 70 nationalities at 60 sites.

How will you CONTRIBUTE and GROW?

Air Liquide R&D centers, hosting a wide range of competencies, support the Group in achieving the highest level of excellence in the technologies it provides to its customers. The Innovation Campus Delaware (ICD) based in Newark, DE provides innovation and technical support to Air Liquide's businesses and markets in the Americas and worldwide.

The Industrial Performance Group enhances the reliability, efficiency, availability, and safety of industrial technologies and supply chains. Leveraging Data Science/AI, Operations Research, physical modeling, and process engineering, the team delivers digital solutions that drive growth, optimize maintenance, reduce carbon footprint, and generate a multi-million-dollar annual impact.

At Air Liquide s, we RESPECT, HONOR and VALUE diversity.

Air Liquide is Hiring for a Research Associate in Newark, DE!We are looking for you!

• Comprehensive Family Benefits: Air Liquide offers a full benefits package designed to support your whole life, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, and Disability Insurance.
• Support for Parents: We offer up to 14-week paid child birth benefits to support growing families.
• Future Security: 401(k) Retirement Plan with company match, Tuition Assistance, Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick time.
• Early Access: Your benefits start after just 30 days of employment

The Research Associate leads and executes R&D projects by combining core engineering principles with digital tools to deliver impactful technical solutions. In this role, the candidate acts as both technical lead and project manager, driving the full project lifecycle from scope definition to solution delivery. The position demands strong technical problem-solving skills and the ability to effectively communicate complex data to both technical and non-technical stakeholders through documentation and presentations.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading Technical Project: Lead and support technical projects through the full R&D lifecycle. Leverage core process engineering principles alongside AI tools and emerging digital workflows to solve complex challenges and drive continuous process optimization
• Process Development: Analyze and enhance existing operational processes to improve efficiency, safety, and reliability through rigorous study and close collaboration with operations teams.
• Technical Communication: Demonstrate strong communication skills by effectively engaging cross-functional stakeholders, aligning priorities, and translating complex technical insights into clear, actionable deliverables.
• Global Collaboration: Work collaboratively with global R&D teams and subject matter experts to leverage expertise, share knowledge, and accelerate innovation.
• Agility: Maintain a self-driven, flexible mindset to manage multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to changing R&D priorities.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Master's in Chemical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
• Experience: 3+ years of professional experience in Air Liquide or a comparable industrial environment.
• Technical Skills: Strong proficiency in process simulation tools (preferably Aspen Tools) with understanding of process design & optimization, process control and safety.
• Problem Solving: Self-motivated individual with the ability to define and solve complex problems in collaboration with business units.
• Core Behaviors: Consistent demonstration of strong safety mindset and operational discipline.
• Soft Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication, strong interpersonal skills, and a passion for leadership and team development.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Chemical Engineering
• Prior experience in project management, or industrial gas operations.
• Demonstrated expertise in combining AI/ML and first-principle simulation modeling.

WORKING CONDITIONS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be exposed to flammable and high pressure gases. May require occasional travel for up to several days at a time.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

While performing the laboratory duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to: stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; speak and hear.

Our Differences make our Performance

At Air Liquide, we are committed to build a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces the diversity of our employees, our customers, patients, community stakeholders and cultures across the world.

We welcome and consider applications from all qualified applicants, regardless of their background. We strongly believe a diverse organization opens up opportunities for people to express their talent, both individually and collectively and it helps foster our ability to innovate by living our fundamentals, acting for our success and creating an engaging environment in a changing world.