Senior Research & Development Chemical Engineer

Delrin USA, LLC; Parkersburg (WV); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Growth opportunities

Entrepreneurial environment

Job summary

Delrin USA, LLC in Parkersburg, WV seeks a Senior Research & Development Chemical Engineer to lead laboratory research, direct process improvements, and test new reactions at lab and pilot scales. The role emphasizes data-driven optimization and collaboration with plant engineers and operations.

The ideal candidate has a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering (or MS with strong relevant experience) and a track record in reactions, separations, and analytical techniques such as titration and

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemical Engineering preferred; MS with significant experience considered.
• 6+ years of engineering experience in industrial chemicals or polymerization.
• 4+ years of process R&D experience in academic or industrial setting.
• Technical expertise in chemical engineering focusing on reactions and separations.
• Experience with titration and chromatography.
• Experience collaborating with and directing a laboratory technician.
• Experience assembling lab-scale equipment to test unit operations.
• Experience using plant data and process modeling to solve problems.
• Ability to develop financial justifications for capital investments.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts to leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead chemical engineering research to support a proprietary chemical manufacturing process.
• Independently identify and create process improvement ideas by studying raw material and energy efficiency trends, analyzing process data, and collaboration with plant engineers.
• Develop chemical process improvement ideas by testing new reactions and separations at lab and pilot scale and via plant data analysis.
• Collaborate with a technician to execute laboratory experiments.
• Work with operations to support manufacturing with technical guidance.
• Aim to become a subject matter expert in key Delrin process technology.
• Interact with global operations, technology, and business leadership.

Skills

Chemical engineering

Lab R&D

Process data analysis

Analytical techniques

Titration

Chromatography

Lab equipment setup

Process modeling

Financial justification

Technical communication

Education

PhD in Chemical Engineering

MS in Chemical Engineering with experience

Tools

Analytical instrumentation

Lab automation tools

Job description

Job Description:

Delrin® is actively seeking a high-energy candidate to join our Process Research and Development Group in Parkersburg, WV as a Senior Research & Development Chemical Engineer / Principal Investigator. This role requires the application of chemical engineering fundamentals as well as the design and direction of laboratory experimentation to identify and develop chemical process improvement concepts. The ideal candidate will have a strong practical background in chemical engineering and laboratory R&D, with prior experience in an academic or industrial setting. The ideal candidate will also possess a self-starter mentality and be able to solve problems independently, creatively, and efficiently.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead chemical engineering research to support a proprietary chemical manufacturing process
• Independently identify and create process improvement ideas by studying raw material and energy efficiency trends, analyzing process data, and through collaboration with plant engineers
• Develop chemical process improvement ideas by demonstrating new reaction and separation concepts at the lab to small pilot scale and through plant data analysis
• Collaborate with a technician to execute laboratory experiments
• Work collaboratively with operations to support manufacturing with technical expertise and guidance
• Possess the ambition to become a subject matter expert in key areas of Delrin process technology
• Interact routinely with global operations, technology, and business leadership

Ideal Profile:

Educational Background: Doctoral (Ph.D.) degree in Chemical Engineering is preferred; Master’s (MS) degree applicants with significant relevant experience may be considered

• 6+ years of engineering experience in an industrial chemicals or polymerization setting
• 4+ years of process research and development experience in an academic or industrial setting
• Technical expertise in chemical engineering with a focus on reactions and separations
• Experience with analytical techniques including but not limited to titration and chromatography
• Experience collaborating with and giving technical directions to a laboratory technician
• Experience assembling lab-scale scientific equipment to experimentally test chemical engineering unit operations
• Experience using plant data and process modeling analyses to identify and solve chemical manufacturing problems
• Ability to develop financial business justifications for projects requiring capital investments
• Ability to communicate technical concepts to scientific and business leadership teams
• Organized, able to multi-task, and energized by open-ended assignments with opportunity for growth and learning

We offer:

• A challenging position in an entrepreneurial, independent company with large growth goals.
• An opportunity to be part of the team developing a new business model to lead the company into the future, with a strong emphasis on growing the brand.
• A competitive compensation package, including generous benefits.

Our culture is grounded on the foundations of Stewardship, People, Growth, and Excellence, guiding us as we engineer a better future, together.

• Stewardship - We embrace stewardship, upholding the safety and wellbeing of our people, our customers and our communities.
• People - We empower our people, fostering a culture of respect, empowerment and continuous development.
• Growth - We focus on growth, embracing innovation and adaptability to expand possibilities for our customers and our business.
• Excellence - We drive excellence, achieving superior results through agile execution and advanced solutions.