Senior Research & Development Chemical Engineer

For over 70 years, Delrin® has been the trusted choice for engineers who demand high-performance materials. Our acetal homopolymer empowers innovative product design with superior mechanical properties, unmatched machinability and design flexibility. We provide materials, knowledge and collaboration to achieve breakthroughs that build a better future.

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.

Delrin is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage qualified candidates of all backgrounds to apply for this exciting opportunity to join our team and contribute to our continued success.