Research Support Technologist

Oil Authority; Ames, Northern (IA, KY); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Chemical engineering- and science-focused Research Support Technologist role at Chevron in Ames, IA. You will perform bench-scale experiments, operate and troubleshoot lab systems, and support the development of manufacturing processes within a safe, compliant environment.

The position requires strong documentation skills, ability to manage multiple tasks, and collaboration with Research Support Engineers and P&PD teams. A 3–4 year relevant background is preferred.

Qualifications

• BS in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Agricultural Biosystems Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, or similar STEM discipline.
• Minimum 3-4 years of relevant work experience.
• Safe work history and strong safe work ethic (safety sensitive position).
• Ability to follow processes and procedures implicitly.
• Ability to lift 5-gallon containers (≈45 pounds).
• Comfortable standing and working long periods in a lab.
• Mechanical aptitude and experience with common hand tools.

Responsibilities

• Operates bench scale equipment and performs laboratory activities such as blending, filtrations, reactions, distillations, and analytical testing.
• Supports Ames Technology Center equipment development and maintenance.
• Assists in design, selection, development and commissioning of new laboratory equipment.
• Adheres to lab safety and OE programs, coordinating with HSE and P&PD.
• Maintains accurate communication on project progress and results.
• Drafts and updates technical documentation such as SOPs.
• Helps maintain a safe, organized, and clean lab environment.

Education

BS in STEM

Tools

Torque wrench

Drill

Job description

Total Number of Openings

1Performs laboratory experiments and tests utilizing instructions and/or standard methodology; interprets results and conducts analyses in support of product and process research and development.

Chevron is accepting online applications for the position Research Support Technologist through September 28th at 11:59 p.m. (Central Time).

Responsibilities for this position may include but are not limited to:

• Operates bench scale equipment and performs various laboratory activities such as blending, filtrations, reactions, distillations, and performs some analytical testing
• Contributes to the assembly, operations, and maintenance of experimental systems in the Ames Technology Center (ATC)
• Supports Research Support Engineers in the design, selection, development and commissioning of new laboratory equipment and capabilities
• Adheres to lab process safety and Operational Excellence (OE) programs including work authorization system and coordination with Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE) personnel and P&PD co-workers
• Maintains a high degree of independence, responsibility, reliability, and accountability in conducting experiments. Works effectively under pressure of multiple deadlines.
• Handles hazardous materials such as flammable liquids, high pressure compressed gases, acids, and bases. PPE provided/required.
• Taking day-to-day work direction from Research Support Engineers
• Timely and accurate communication on progress of projects and experiments
• Conducts laboratory experiments, as directed, to support the development, improvement, troubleshooting, and scale-up of manufacturing processes.
• Configures laboratory systems and equipment to facilitate experimentation
• Assists in troubleshooting, maintaining and improving laboratory equipment and processes
• Assists in drafting and updating technical documentation such as SOPs
• Helps maintain a safe, organized and clean working environment in the laboratory

Required qualifications

• B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Agricultural Biosystems Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, or similar STEM discipline
• Minimum 3-4 years of relevant work experience
• Safe work history and strong safe work ethic (this is a safety sensitive position)
• Candidate must have the ability to follow processes and procedures implicitly
• Ability to lift 5-gallon containers (approximately 45 pounds)
• Candidate must be comfortable standing and working for long periods of time in a laboratory environment
• Candidate must have mechanical aptitude and experience using common hand tools such as a torque wrench and drill
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders and co-workers (oral and written)
• Working knowledge of Excel, Word, Outlook and Powerpoint
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced work environment

Preferred qualifications

• Direct experience with biofuels and/or renewable feedstocks such as fats & oils
• Familiar with process engineering fundamentals (example – understanding process flow diagrams and Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams)
• Experience with lab scale process instrumentation and equipment (example - pressure transmitters, thermocouples, small pumps, mixers, heat trace, process control, assembly of compression tube fittings)
• Experience with assembly of glassware apparatus for vacuum operations
• Experience with operating standing drill press and horizontal/vertical band saw

Relocation Options:

Relocation will not be considered.

International Considerations:

Expatriate assignments will not be considered.

Chevron regrets that it is unable to sponsor employment Visas or consider individuals on time-limited Visa status for this position.

U.S. Regulatory notice:

Chevron is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin or ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, medical condition, reproductive health decision-making, military or veteran status, political preference, marital status, citizenship, genetic information or other characteristics protected by applicable law.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation, please email us at [e-mail].

Chevron participates in E-Verify in certain locations as required by law.