Process Research Manager

Description

SUMMARY

Lead the process technology research group to develop and commercialize novel technologies in the oil and gas sector, specifically refinery, gas treating, and reaction engineering and catalysis. This includes direct, hands-on technical experience/expertise including executing developmental projects according to the Merichem Stage-Gate Process. This position will manage all process research and pilot units, supervising other research engineers and technicians. Prioritize research efforts under the direction of the Director, Files Technical Center.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervise and mentor laboratory technicians, research chemists, and research engineers
• Develop work plans and experimental programs
• Lead development of new and innovative process technology that meets industry demands
• Lead execution of research projects
• Communicate with the Process Technology business unit to ascertain and meet customer needs
• Provide operational feedback and advice to technical service team to support customer operations
• Conduct literature and intellectual property searches
• Hands-on execution of pilot plant assembly and operation
• Interpretation of data and issuance of high quality scientific reports to project teams
• Maintain industry presence through attendance of conferences, seminars, reading literature, etc.
• Submit Invention Disclosure and Idea Documents as warranted. Support obtaining patents when needed
• Coach team to develop idea documents for new technologies
• Function independent of direct supervision to design and execute experimental programs for the purpose of solving technical problems
• 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 required
• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or a related field highly preferred
• Minimum 10 years of experience in oil refining and gas processing industrial research required
• Experience with process automation, Programmable Logic Controllers, VBA or other scientific programming language is highly preferred
• Supervisory experience of engineers and chemists preferred
• Additional experience in process engineering or operations support preferred
• Proven experience with design, construction, and operation of pilot scale plants required
• Thorough understanding of gas-liquid mass transfer and reaction and their modeling required
• Familiar with common chemical lab, analytical, and pilot plant equipment required

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

• This role is responsible for supervision and management of assigned employees

EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

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

TRAVEL

• Travel 10% or more domestic & international
• Must have a current, valid driver's license & passport
• 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 in 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, such as when preparing spreadsheets and analyzying data, report writing, etc.
• 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 able to wear a Full Face or half-face Respirator as required per task and in times of an 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.