Research Engineer

Chevron Phillips Chemical Company; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP in Kingwood, Houston area, seeks a Research Engineer to contribute to innovative chemical process development and optimization within our Research & Technology division. You will support pilot and commercial-scale projects and collaborate with a diverse team to drive safety, sustainability, and efficiency.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree in engineering or sciences, 3+ years of lab or process experience, and a proactive, collaborative mindset.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, science or related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in laboratory, pilot or commercial scale chemical process.
• High energy, self-starter who can work with minimal supervision.
• Able to develop positive and collaborative working relationships.
• Able to evaluate and prioritize work to ensure alignment with goals.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental and health regulations.
• Provide process engineering support for Management of Change requirements.
• Support small-scale technical projects and cost estimates for modifications.
• Develop process simulations and heat/mass balance models.
• Reconcile experimental data with theory and operation.
• Assist with scale-up and technology transfer to pilot/commercial units.
• Prepare written reports summarizing experimental studies.

Skills

3+ years experience

collaborative mindset

prioritization

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or science

Tools

Visual Basic

C++

Matlab

Python

DeltaV

Honeywell

Emmerson

Allen Bradley PLC

Modbus

LabVIEW

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert: Create Alert

You may not realize it, but you’ve likely used a product today made possible by the plastics and chemicals manufactured by Chevron Phillips Chemical. From medical supplies and electronics to food packaging and cosmetics, we create the building blocks for more than 70,000 consumer and industrial products.

Even as a global company with 5,000 employees, we maintain a “small company feel.” Our commitment to foster a culture of belonging ensures that regardless of your background or experience, your voice is valued and heard, empowering you to make a meaningful impact and grow both personally and professionally. Ask any Chevron Phillips Chemical employee what they like best about their job, and universally, the answer is “the people I work with!” We value work-life balance, and love to see our employees thrive both professionally and personally. There has never been a better time to work for Chevron Phillips Chemical. If you’re ready to grow with us and become part of our vision of being the premier Chemical Company, apply today!

Introduction

Join Chevron Phillips Chem, LP, as a Research Engineer located in Kingwood, where you will play a critical role within our Research & Technology division. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to innovative chemical process development and optimization, collaborating with a diverse and dynamic team committed to driving excellence and sustainability in the chemical industry. As a key contributor to our CPT&S strategic business unit, you will be empowered to apply your expertise to real-world challenges, supporting both pilot and commercial-scale projects that impact our company's success and the broader industry landscape.

Our ideal team member will thrive in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating high energy, self-motivation, and a strong commitment to continuous improvement. You will engage with cross-functional colleagues and stakeholders, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages knowledge exchange and innovation. This role supports professional growth and development through challenging assignments and exposure to cutting-edge technologies and methodologies related to catalyst systems and chemical processes.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental and health regulations and procedures.
• Adhere to local Operational Excellence procedures. Develop a strong track record of safe work activities and provide job specific environmental, health and safety training to others as needed.
• Provide process engineering support to successfully meet the Management of Change requirements.
• Proactively contribute to planning and execution for small scale technical projects and programs and expands skill base in planning and project management. Perform engineering and economic assessments on R&D projects.
• Manage small design or construction project, prepare cost estimates for process modifications.
• Be familiar with technical/patent literature in area of expertise and develop and implement innovative technical ideas.
• Show understanding of catalyst fundamentals and laboratory/pilot plant operation.
• Execute process design studies/design of experiments as part of structured R&D program. Reconcile experimental data with theory and actual laboratory or pilot plant operation.
• Develop process simulations, including heat and material balance models, for process demonstration, optimization and economic improvement opportunities.
• Use process monitoring tools to identify potential operating problems and recommend solutions.
• Consult on/assists with technical problems at laboratory, pilot and commercial scale.
• Participate in scale up of processes including technology transfer to pilot and/or commercial units.
• Prepare written reports and oral presentations summarizing experimental studies and/or R&D programs.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science or related field
• Minimum 3 years of experience
• Experience in laboratory, pilot or commercial scale chemical process
• High energy, self-starter who can work with minimal supervision.
• Able to develop positive and collaborative working relationships.
• Able to evaluate and prioritize work to ensure alignment with the group and research goals.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the operation or evaluation of catalyst systems including hydrotreating, hydrocracking, hydrogenation, desulphurization, oligomerization, polymerization or other reactive system.
• Proficient in at least one programming language or Process Control Software/DCS (e.g. Visual Basic, C++, Matlab, Python, Delta V, Honeywell, Emmerson, Allen Bradley PLC, ModBus, Labview, etc.)
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot reactor systems, process instrumentation, and/or process control systems.

Chevron Phillips Chemical offers competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package and at most locations, alternate work schedules.

Travel Requirements: Up to 10%

Eligibility for Relocation: Yes

Closing Date: 09/09/2026

Nearest Major Market: Houston
Job Segment: Research Engineer, Chemical Research, Construction, Electronics Engineer, Project Manager, Engineering, Technology

Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status or marital status. If you have a disability that impacts your ability to complete the application process, you can request assistance or accommodation using the Workplace Accommodation Request form above.