Research Engineer

Chevron Phillips Chemical Company; Humble (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Chevron Phillips Chemical Company seeks a Research Engineer in Kingwood, TX, to contribute to innovative chemical process development and optimization across pilot and commercial scales. You will work with a diverse team to apply catalyst knowledge and advanced methodologies in R&D programs.

The role emphasizes safe operation, collaboration, and delivering economic improvements through process design, simulation, and technology transfer.

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 align with group and goals.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental and health regulations and procedures.
• Adhere to local Operational Excellence procedures and train others as needed.
• Provide process engineering support to meet Management of Change requirements.
• Contribute to small-scale projects and perform engineering/economic assessments on R&D projects.
• Manage small design or construction projects and prepare cost estimates for modifications.
• Review technical literature and develop innovative technical ideas.
• Understand catalyst fundamentals and lab/pilot plant operations.
• Execute process design studies and reconcile data with theory and operations.
• Develop process simulations and heat/material balance models for optimization.
• Use process monitoring tools to identify operating problems and propose solutions.
• Consult on technical problems at lab, pilot and commercial scales.
• Participate in scale-up and technology transfer to pilot/commercial units.
• Prepare written reports and oral presentations of studies.

Skills

Self-starter

Collaborative

Prioritization

Chemical process experience

Safety-conscious

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science or related field

Tools

Visual Basic

C++

MATLAB

Python

DeltaV

Emerson

Honeywell

Allen Bradley PLC

ModBus

LabVIEW

Job description

Current CPChem Employee?

Title: Research Engineer

Req. Id: 53242

Kingwood, TX, US, 77339

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,

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.

Chevron Phillips Chemical Company is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, pregnancy, veteran status or marital status.

Travel Requirements: Up to 10%

Eligibility for Relocation: Yes

Closing Date: 09/09/2026

Nearest Major Market: Houston

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