Research & Development Chemical Engineer

Role details

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 Research & Development Chemical Engineer. In this role, you will develop process improvement concepts by applying chemical engineering fundamentals as well as by designing and directing laboratory experimentation. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional partners in technology, operations, and procurement to transform early-stage concepts into feasible projects to improve plant productivity, capacity, quality, and safety.

This is a high-impact technical role suited for an engineer who thrives on problem solving and driving innovation from concept to plant implementation.

The ideal candidate will have an academic background in chemical engineering, significant process engineering and/or R&D experience in a chemical manufacturing facility, and a strong desire to work on process improvement projects in an R&D setting. The ideal candidate will also possess a self-starter mentality and be able to solve problems independently, creatively, and efficiently.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct chemical engineering research to support a proprietary chemical manufacturing process
• Identify and create chemical 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 laboratory technician to execute laboratory experiments
• Work collaboratively with operations to support the manufacturing asset by providing technical expertise and guidance
• Execute sustainability work including product carbon footprint calculations and GHG emissions analysis using established software tools and methodology
• Interact routinely with global operations, technology, and business leadership

Ideal Profile

Educational Background: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in chemical engineering

• 5+ years of experience in process engineering or manufacturing R&D in an industrial chemicals or polymerization setting
• Technical expertise in chemical engineering with a focus on reactions, separations, or related unit operations
• Demonstrated track record of driving chemical manufacturing improvement projects from conceptualization through implementation
• At least limited experience working in a chemical laboratory including familiarity with analytical and wet chemistry techniques
• Interest in developing/expanding laboratory R&D skill set to experimentally test chemical manufacturing improvement concepts
• Experience using plant data and process modeling approaches to identify and solve chemical manufacturing problems
• Strong analytical skills, including statistical methods and process modeling tools
• Working knowledge of laboratory and process safety considerations
• Ability to develop financial business justifications for projects requiring capital investment
• Ability to communicate technical concepts to scientific and business leadership teams
• Excellent communication, technical documentation, and project-management skills
• 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.