Research & Technology CO2 Conversion Project Manager

TotalEnergies; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

TotalEnergies is seeking a highly experienced Research & Technology CO₂ Conversion Project Manager within the R&D, Intellectual Property, and Innovation domain. The role supports CO₂ utilization and heterogeneous catalysis initiatives with global scope, coordinating with internal groups and external partners to deliver mid-term projects over one to three years.

The candidate will guide multidisciplinary studies, manage budgets, and ensure high-quality results while strengthening the company’s

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in a relevant field.
• Nine years of relevant experience (PhD included).
• Strong collaboration and communication skills across multi-disciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Propose and define CO2 conversion projects in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate and follow up on projects involving internal and external partners.
• Manage timelines and budgets, and report progress to leadership.
• Serve as the focal point for assigned projects and facilitate cross-functional alignment.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

CO2 conversion

Catalysis

Education

Doctoral degree

Job description

Contexte et environnement

As part of the Research and Development, Intellectual Property, and Innovation domain, the Research & Technology CO₂ Conversion Project Manager supports the Company’s activities in CO₂ utilization and heterogeneous catalysis. The role operates in a competitive and highly confidential environment and has a global geographic scope. The Project Manager supports medium-term initiatives, typically spanning one to three years, that contribute to branch-wide and Company-wide transformation.

Contexte et environnement

As part of the Research and Development, Intellectual Property, and Innovation domain, the Research & Technology CO₂ Conversion Project Manager supports the Company’s activities in CO₂ utilization and heterogeneous catalysis. The role operates in a competitive and highly confidential environment and has a global geographic scope. The Project Manager supports medium-term initiatives, typically spanning one to three years, that contribute to branch-wide and Company-wide transformation.

The position involves regular collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. Internal stakeholders include R&D Program Managers and Vice Presidents, Project Managers, the Head of Analytical and Numerical Services, Technical Lines Process, and OneTech leadership. External collaboration includes engagement with industrial partners, academics, start-ups, and other private-sector organizations.

The role does not include direct managerial responsibility. However, the Project Manager coordinates the activities of approximately five functional, matrixed, or external contributors. The ability to influence stakeholders, facilitate collaboration, and build support through rational arguments and technical expertise is essential.

Activités

In this role, the Research & Technology CO₂ Conversion Project Manager contributes to:

• The research and development of novel CO₂ conversion technologies, including consideration of their potential integration into Company assets.
• The continued development of the Company’s expertise in catalysis and CO₂ utilization.
• The successful delivery of multidisciplinary projects and high-quality results.
• The Company’s scientific and technical reputation.
• The training of new team members and the encouragement of creativity.

R&D Study and Project Coordination

• Propose and define projects in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders and partners.
• Participate in contractual negotiations and establish project deadlines and payment schedules.
• Coordinate and follow up on projects involving internal and external stakeholders.
• Serve as the Company’s focal point for assigned projects.
• Manage projects according to agreed timelines and budgets.
• Account for HSE and operational constraints throughout studies and projects.
• Account for the five sustainability levers throughout studies and projects.
• Interpret and validate generated results.
• Report and communicate project information to internal and external stakeholders.
• Propose new investments.
• Provide recommendations at least annually, including during budget periods, to inform potential go/no-go decisions.

Technology Scouting, Monitoring, and Evaluation

• Review specialized journals, publications, and patents.
• Connect with the innovation ecosystem, including start-ups, private-sector organizations, and academic institutions.
• Evaluate technologies while considering their potential application to TotalEnergies assets.
• Add relevant information to the CO₂ Techno Hub centralized database.
• Provide at least annual updates regarding technologies or start-ups under monitoring.
• Participate in conferences and seminars.
• Contribute to the exchange of ideas and transfer of knowledge within a multidisciplinary environment.

Incubation Projects

• Propose innovative project descriptions in the field of CO₂ conversion.
• Participate in the annual call for incubation projects.
• Further define the research program with internal and external stakeholders when a submission is successful.
• Coordinate approved projects.

Laboratory and Scientific Activities

• Coordinate internal laboratory work involving the synthesis, characterization, and testing of novel and commercial catalyst formulations.
• Develop new techniques for analysis, testing, and processes.
• Interact with laboratory operational teams.
• Maintain an internal network with other teams through the exchange of relevant information.
• Contribute to the Company’s external scientific image through conferences and publications.
• Contribute to the training of new team members and encourage creativity.

Profil du candidat

Education And Experience

• Doctoral degree or equivalent qualification level.
• At least nine years of relevant experience (PhD Included).

Technical Knowledge And Skills

• Deep understanding of the concepts and principles of CO₂ conversion, including heterogeneous catalysis and mineralization.
• Deep understanding of chemistry.
• Ability to apply technical knowledge in a laboratory environment.
• Process modeling competency is optional.
• Ability to interact effectively with a laboratory operational team.
• Ability to understand the Company’s technological ambitions and translate those ambitions into a roadmap within the assigned area.

Project and Team Coordination

• Ability to coordinate a team without direct hierarchical authority.
• Transverse management skills.
• Ability to coordinate projects involving internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work within a multidisciplinary environment.
• Ability to manage agreed project timelines and budgets.
• Ability to serve as the Company focal point for assigned projects.

Behavioral Competencies

• Strong communication and diplomatic skills.
• Ability to steer, convince, and influence internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to use rational arguments and technical expertise to influence others.
• Creativity and autonomy.
• Strong organizational skills.
• A rigorous approach to work.
• Ability to step back from detailed information and synthesize findings.