Senior Research Engineer at Gelest

Gelest Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

401(k) with company match

Company-paid Life Insurance

Job summary

Gelest Inc. is seeking a Senior Research Engineer in Morrisville, PA. This role involves developing processes and deploying new technologies to enhance operations while supporting continuous improvement activities and safety protocols.

The ideal candidate will have a B.S. in chemical engineering, 5 to 12 years of experience, and strong problem-solving skills. This position offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and 401(k) options.

Qualifications

• 5 to 12 years of hands-on experience in process development and safety.
• Experience with polymers and polymerization processes is a plus.
• Familiarity with packaging and handling moisture and air-sensitive materials.

Responsibilities

• Develop new processes to meet company objectives.
• Plan and execute technology transfer from Product Development to Production.
• Coordinate with vendors and contractors during project execution.

Skills

Problem-solving skills

Hands-on troubleshooting

Excellent communication

Ability to work independently

Familiarity with chemical process operations

Education

B.S. in chemical engineering or related discipline

Master’s degree in engineering

Tools

O365 or equivalent software

Job description

Overview

Gelest, Inc., part of the Mitsubishi Chemical Group, is hiring a Senior Research Engineer to support our continued growth in specialty materials. Join a collaborative team where your expertise will help advance technologies that impact industries around the globe. The position supports two primary functions: developing new processes to meet company objectives and deploying new technologies to enhance ongoing or future operations. The role also supports continuous improvement activities in Process Technology and Production areas, with frequent interaction with Process Chemistry, Production, Quality/Analytical, Maintenance, and Business Development organizations.

Principal Accountabilities

• Plan, execute, and assess efforts focusing on technology transfer from Product Development to Production.
• Document work performed and progress against goals; establish operating methods and procedures.
• Facilitate transfer through safety reviews, training, commissioning, and startup activities.
• Mentor junior level Research Engineers.
• Demonstrate solid commitment to EH&S principles, sound technical skills in chemistry or chemical engineering, and mechanical aptitude for designing and assembling laboratory or pilot‑scale equipment.
• Proficiency with standard analytical techniques and experience with chemical reactions and separations technologies and equipment.
• Organize data for analysis and present cogent conclusions, both formally and informally.
• Maintain excellent habits for documenting work objectives and results.
• Work safely with lab and pilot‑scale equipment and hazardous materials, including reactive, flammable, toxic, pyrophoric, and cryogenic substances.
• Coordinate with vendors and contractors on design and fabrication during project execution.
• Develop formulas, processes, methods, and technologies to meet project objectives.
• Design, construct, commission, startup, and troubleshoot demonstration processes.
• Design and execute testing protocols to optimize process performance in laboratory, pilot, and production settings.
• Design, manage, monitor, and interpret bench‑scale experiments to facilitate scale‑up to pilot and production processes and provide training to Production staff where applicable.
• Test and evaluate equipment, products, and procedures to identify improvements for scale‑up, routinely document results, and give oral presentations on project status as required.
• Coordinate trial batches in a production environment, including specification of raw materials, drafting procedures, monitoring batches, and reporting results while assisting in assessment and specification of equipment to meet process objectives.
• Lead or assist troubleshooting activities for existing manufacturing processes and perform root‑cause analysis.
• Evaluate equipment and processes to identify opportunities to optimize performance or ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
• Write procedures, Safe Work Practices, Design Hazard Reviews, and Management of Change as needed.

Knowledge, Experience, and Skills

• Good problem‑solving and hands‑on troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to interact with operators and plant management.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Interpret SDS and packaging code information and follow procedures.
• Familiarity with packaging and handling moisture and air‑sensitive solids, liquids, and gases.
• Effectiveness in working with multiple functions within the organization.
• Serve as a member of the safety committee or emergency response team if required.
• Proficiency with O365 or equivalent software.
• Occasional lifting or moving up to 40 pounds.
• Distinguish colors accurately; pass respirator fit test as required by OSHA.
• Respond to all communications and alarms with hearing/seeing.
• Wear personal protective equipment as needed.
• Work in Laboratory, Pilot, and Production environments.
• Minimum requirement: B.S. in chemical engineering or related discipline, 5 to 12 years of hands‑on experience in process development and safety in a chemical industrial manufacturing environment. Master’s degree in engineering helpful.
• Familiarity with basic chemical process unit operations such as batch and continuous reactors, heat exchangers, centrifuges, refrigeration, heating equipment, rotating machinery, electrically heated furnaces, dryers, crystallizers, and distillation columns.
• Experience with polymers and polymerization processes is a plus.

Special Features

• May require multi‑site traveling; some travel required to support off‑site activities.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off.
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and optional supplemental plans for employees and their families.
• 401(k) with a competitive company match.
• Company‑paid Life Insurance, AD&D, Short‑Term Disability, and Long‑Term Disability.
• Eligibility for an annual performance bonus.
• Company‑provided uniforms, work boots, and PPE.

Location

Gelest, located in Morrisville, PA—conveniently accessible from Interstate 95, Route 1, and the PA/NJ Turnpikes.

Salary

The salary range for this position is $90,000 ~ $130,000. Factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, job‑related skills, internal peer equity, and market and business considerations may influence base pay offered. This salary will be subject to a geographic adjustment according to a specific city and state, if authorization is granted to work outside of the location listed in this posting.