Scientist - Synthesis, Industrial Applications

Pilot Chemical Company; Sharonville (OH); On-site; USD 110,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Pilot Chemical Company is seeking a Scientist – Synthesis for industrial applications to develop new products and processes and to transfer lab methods to manufacturing for scale-up. The role emphasizes independent project work, collaboration across teams, and strong documentation of findings.

The position involves hands-on lab synthesis, evaluation of reaction pathways, and serving as a technical contact for customers while upholding safety and Responsible Care standards.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry/Chemical Engineering or an MS in Chemistry/Chemical Engineering with 3+ years of relevant industrial synthesis experience in lubricants, metalworking, oil, gas or related industrial applications or a BS in Chemistry/Chemical Engineering with 5+ years of relevant industrial synthesis experience in lubricants, metalworking, oil, gas or related industrial applications.
• Experience performing organic chemical synthesis including designing chemical synthesis pathways, recognizing and identifying reaction by-product and developing structure-performance relationships.
• Strong interpersonal skills. Able to work with people of varying technical backgrounds.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Excellent organizational and communication (written and verbal) skills needed to document, interpret and communicate technical results to colleagues, sponsors and customers.

Responsibilities

• Develop new products and synthetic processes.
• Transfer laboratory procedures to Manufacturing for scale up, drive the transfer process and monitor progress providing technical support as needed.
• Communicate the status of their projects both in written reports and in live meetings with people from other areas of Pilot and with external customers.
• Provide technical support for internal and external customers including product development, manufacturing troubleshooting, training, technology evaluation, and method development.
• Responsible for working autonomously by planning, scheduling, and completing assigned project work and other required activities.
• Represent Technology as a subject matter expert with internal and external customers.
• Actively participate in Pilot Chemical safety programs, ensure compliance with safety and security procedures, and maintain good lab and office housekeeping.
• Comply with the Responsible Care Management System® requirements.

Skills

Industrial synthesis experience

Synthesis design

Interpersonal communication

Independent work

Documentation and reporting

Education

PhD in Chemistry/Chemical Engineering

MS in Chemistry/Chemical Engineering with 3+ years of experience

BS in Chemistry/Chemical Engineering with 5+ years of experience

Job description

SCIENTIST – SYNTHESIS: INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS

Role Summary

The Scientist-Synthesis role is a lab-based position involving hands on synthesis, analyses and problem solving to support new and existing products for industrial applications, such as lubricants, metalworking, oil and gas. This position is responsible for innovating new products; developing new sulfonation and alkylation processes; executing laboratory scale synthesis; working with Manufacturing on industrial production scale up and acting as a technical contact for our businesses and customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop new products and synthetic processes.
• Transfer laboratory procedures to Manufacturing for scale up, drive the transfer process and monitor progress providing technical support as needed.
• Communicate the status of their projects both in written reports and in live meetings with people from other areas of Pilot and with external customers.
• Provide technical support for internal and external customers including product development, manufacturing troubleshooting, training, technology evaluation, and method development.
• Responsible for working autonomously by planning, scheduling, and completing assigned project work and other required activities.
• Represent Technology as a subject matter expert with internal and external customers.
• Actively participate in Pilot Chemical safety programs, ensure compliance with safety and security procedures, and maintain good lab and office housekeeping.
• Comply with the Responsible Care Management System® requirements.

Required Competencies

• PhD in Chemistry/Chemical Engineering or an M.S. in Chemistry/Chemical Engineering with 3+ years of relevant industrial synthesis experience in lubricants, metalworking, oil, gas or related industrial applications or a BS in Chemistry/Chemical Engineering with 5+ years of relevant industrial synthesis experience in lubricants, metalworking, oil, gas or related industrial applications.
• Experience performing organic chemical synthesis including designing chemical synthesis pathways, recognizing and identifying reaction by-product and developing structure-performance relationships.
• Strong interpersonal skills. Able to work with people of varying technical backgrounds.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Excellent organizational and communication (written and verbal) skills needed to document, interpret and communicate technical results to colleagues, sponsors and customers.

Recommended Competencies

• Experience performing Friedel-Crafts or electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions especially the sulfonation and alkylation of aromatic molecules, olefins, etc.
• Experience with surfactants and/or biocides.
• Knowledge of chemical engineering or industrial chemical processes.
• Experience with lubricant additive chemistry especially over based detergents or metal working additives.
• Experience with oil & gas recovery applications.

Join our growing team!