Catalyst Research Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

No Relocation Offered. Must reside in Houston

SUMMARY

Provide program management to support Merichem Catalyst business. This includes generating new ideas for growth opportunities and leveraging the talents of all of FTC and outside the company when needed. Conduct growth, developmental projects. Provide technical service, sales support, and other support to the catalyst business and catalyst production at MCP. 

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct growth projects according to Merichem Stage-Gate process. This includes planning, set-up, and hands-on execution of experimentation; conduct literature and intellectual property searches; obtain and interpret experimental results, communicate them in meetings, and timely document in forms of intra memo, technical memorandum, or stage gate reports
• Conduct technical service, sales support, and other short-term projects
• Support plant operation for catalyst production, including coordinating with Analytical Team to ensure timely completion of analysis of MCP QC and sales-focusing samples
• Submit Invention Disclosure and Idea Document when warranted. Support the obtainment of patents when needed
• Provide input and advice as needed to support other research projects and business initiatives
• Adopt industry best and scientific practices with high efficiency to design/conduct experiments, generate/interpret results, document communicate findings
• Independently design and execute experimental programs and interpret the results to use in solving technical problems
• Read, comprehend, maintain concentration and analyze complex data
• Work on multiple projects simultaneously
• Discrete with confidential information
• Work with customers, suppliers and contractors to ensure compliance with policies and procedures related to achieving EHS&S Excellence
• Continuously improve our commitment to excellence in Environmental, Health, Safety and Security performance
• Other duties as assigned by management  

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Master's degree in chemical engineering required
• Ph.D. degree in chemical engineering preferred

• Minimum 5 years in chemical engineering in a related industry with R&D experience in catalysis, formulation, and manufacturing scale-up required with a Master's degree
• Minimum 2 years in chemical engineering in a related industry with R&D experience in catalysis, formulation, and manufacturing scale-up required with a Ph.D.
• Experience with independently designing and executing experimental program
• Experience interpreting the results to solve technical problems
• Experience working with tech service/sales support is required
• Experience in sulfur removal from fuels, gas processing technologies, or general experience in the fuels industry preferred
• Experience in colloidal science and organometallic chemistry preferred
• Strong oral, written and interpersonal communications skills

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

• This position has no supervisory responsibility

EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

• Able to work an agreed upon standard schedule and additional hours as job duties demand 

TRAVEL 

• Occasional travel domestic & international
• Must have a current, valid driver's license
• Must be able to obtain a passport and TWIC card
• Able to be insurable under our company's liability insurance policy

WORK CONDITIONS

Physical demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work in an office environment & lab environment with chemicals that are often toxic, many are priority pollutants, some are carcinogenic or corrosive
• Site visits to refineries and chemical plants may include exposure to materials such as caustic, strong acids and hydrocarbons, potential for H2S exposure and requirements for additional testing (e.g. PPE, drug)
• Analysis of research samples requires careful handling of materials because of their unknown origin
• High temperatures and/or high pressures are sometimes present in experiments
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate
• Able to sit and use a computer for extended periods of time
• Routine physical exertion
• Standing and walking for moderate periods
• Able to climb stairs, up to 50 ft. ladders and other equipment
• Able to stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and maintain balance
• Able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, exert force and set up gas cylinders including 6-packs and other heavy equipment necessary for performing experiments
• Able to use senses to distinguish chemical odor by smell
• Able to physically wear the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required by FTC and/or during site visits to Merichem shop, refineries and chemical plants
• Able to use a respirator - (1) Must be able to pass the Respirator Protection Fit Test and (2) Must be able to wear a full-faced or half-faced respirator as required per task and / or in times of emergency
• Able to use arms and hands to reach, grasp, touch, handle, and feel objects
• Able to see clearly, judge distance, adjust and maintain focus and meet vision standards for the job role
• Able to speak and communicate proficiently.

OTHER DUTIES: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.