Senior R&D Engineer — Flexible Workplace (Catalysis)

W. R. Grace; Columbia (MD); On-site; USD 139,000 - 191,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

Life Insurance and Disability

Grace Wellness Program

Flexible Workplace with core hours

Retirement Plans

401(k) Company Match

Paid Vacation and Holidays

Parental Leave

Tuition Reimbursement

Company Donation Match Program

Job summary

Grace is seeking a Senior R&D Engineer to join the Refining Catalyst R&D team at our Columbia, MD headquarters. You will lead development of new FCC catalyst and additive technologies from concept through commercialization, collaborating with Marketing, Process Technology, Manufacturing, Sales and Technical Service.

The role includes designing testing programs, IP development, and presenting results to R&D leadership, with opportunities to leverage AI/ML and engage with global FCC accounts while

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry required.
• 3+ years of post-Ph.D. experience in catalysis research.
• Ability to travel up to 15%.
• Excellent communication and ability to interface at all levels within R&D and cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of new FCC catalyst and additive technologies from concept generation through commercialization.
• Identify market needs and technology gaps by collaborating with Marketing, Sales, Technical Service, and commercial teams, and translate insights into new product opportunities.
• Design, execute, and interpret catalyst testing programs to optimize formulations and guide product development decisions.
• Support the generation and protection of intellectual property through invention disclosures, patent applications, and technical documentation.
• Present project results, technical recommendations, and business impact to R&D leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Partner with Process Technology, Manufacturing, and Marketing teams to scale up and commercialize new technologies while supporting Stage-Gate project execution.
• Build understanding of overall FCC chemistry, customer needs, global refining market trends, and catalyst strategy, with opportunities to grow into an R&D Partner role supporting key market segments and global FCC accounts.
• Promote a strong safety culture by consistently following laboratory and plant safety protocols, participating in safety meetings and training, and proactively identifying and addressing potential safety risks.

Skills

Catalysis research

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Communication skills

Travel flexibility

Education

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry

Tools

Patent databases

Job description

Grace is seeking a Senior R&D Engineer to join the Refining Catalyst R&D team at our Columbia, MD headquarters. You will lead development of new FCC catalyst and additive technologies from concept through commercialization, collaborating with Marketing, Process Technology, Manufacturing, Sales and Technical Service.

The role includes designing testing programs, IP development, and presenting results to R&D leadership, with opportunities to leverage AI/ML and engage with global FCC accounts while