Capital Project Development Engineer

Annual Wage Range: $105,472.00 - $145,024.00 Other Compensation: Eligibility for the Short-Term Incentive program and other applicable bonuses Benefits: U.S. Employee Benefits Summary (grace.com) Grace, a Standard Industries company, is a leading global supplier of catalysts, engineered materials and fine chemicals. We provide innovative products, technologies and services which our customers use to manufacture everyday products like renewable fuels, pharmaceuticals, toothpaste, cosmetics, food packaging, beer, edible oils and more. Our thousands of employees help shape a better future at our global headquarters in Columbia, MD and locations worldwide.Job DescriptionThe Capital Project Development Engineer (PDE) is responsible for leading the development of capital projects through Front-End Loading (FEL 0-2) in accordance with the Grace Project Methodology (GPM). The PDE serves as the single point of accountability for project development and is responsible for transforming business opportunities into well-defined, executable projects that satisfy technical, operational, financial, safety, and strategic objectives.The PDE leads cross-functional teams through project initiation, alternatives analysis, and conceptual design while ensuring project scope, business value, risk, cost, schedule, and execution strategy mature appropriately through each gate. The role requires strong leadership through influence, technical breadth, business acumen, and the ability to drive alignment across multiple functions and stakeholders.Responsibilities (1 of 2)Project LeadershipLead assigned capital projects through FEL 0, FEL 1, and FEL 2.Serve as the overall project leader responsible for coordinating all project development activities and deliverables.Assemble, align, and lead cross-functional project teams including Operations, Process Technology, Engineering, EHS, Finance, Supply Chain, Procurement, Quality, and Commercial representatives.Facilitate project decision-making and ensure alignment among stakeholders.Business Case DevelopmentPartner with business sponsors to clearly define project objectives, success criteria, and strategic alignment.Develop and maintain project charters, business cases, and financial justifications.Validate project benefits, assumptions, risks, and alternatives prior to major investment decisions.Ensure project objectives remain aligned with business priorities throughout project development.Alternatives Analysis and Scope DevelopmentLead structured alternatives analyses to identify the optimum technical and business solution.Challenge assumptions and evaluate opportunities for scope optimization, standardization, debottlenecking, asset utilization, and capital efficiency.Develop and maintain the Process Basis of Design and Project Design Scope.Drive technical and commercial decisions using objective data and risk-based evaluation.Responsibilities (2 of 2)Project Controls and Risk ManagementCoordinate development of FEL cost estimates, schedules, risk assessments, and execution plans.Ensure project risks, assumptions, issues, and dependencies are identified, documented, and actively managed.Establish action plans to address project gaps and risks prior to gate reviews.Monitor project development progress and ensure deliverables are completed to required quality standards.Gate Reviews and GovernancePrepare and present gate review packages and recommendations.Ensure all applicable GPM deliverables are completed and meet project quality requirements.Facilitate independent reviews, peer reviews, and readiness assessments.Support gate decisions and incorporate resulting actions into project plans.Transition to ExecutionDeliver a fully defined project package at Gate 2 suitable for transition into FEL 3 and execution.Ensure project scope, cost, schedule, risks, stakeholder alignment, and execution strategy are adequately developed before handoff.Support knowledge transfer to execution teams and maintain project continuity.Required QualificationsBachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or related engineering discipline.7+ years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environmentExperience in project engineering, process technology, or capital projectsWorking knowledge of front-end loading, project economics, estimating, scheduling, risk management, and project execution.Ability to travel up to 25%Preferred QualificationsMaster’s degree in business or related field10+ years of experience in chemical, petrochemical, catalyst, refining, specialty materials, or related process industries.Experience leading projects through multiple FEL phases.Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams and managing complex technical projects.Experience with business case development and capital authorization processes.Strong communication, facilitation, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.Ability to influence decisions across organizations without direct authority.To be considered for this position, candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future employer-sponsored work authorization. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or visa transfer.#LI-SK1BenefitsMedical, Dental, Vision InsuranceLife Insurance and DisabilityGrace Wellness ProgramFlexible WorkplaceRetirement Plans 401(k) Company MatchPaid Vacation and HolidaysParental LeaveTuition ReimbursementCompany Donation Match ProgramGrace is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. Please, no phone calls or emails. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Grace via email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of Grace. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Grace as a result of the referral or through other means.