Research Engineer, III

Basic Function

LyondellBasell is seeking a Research Engineer/Chemist for the Houston Technology Center (HTC) in Channelview, TX.  HTC serves as the global R&D center for LyondellBasell's Intermediates and Derivatives (I&D) and Olefins Businesses. HTC R&D focuses on innovative opportunities that drive sustainable process and technology improvements.  This includes improving catalyst and process technologies for LYB’s existing plant or developing new technologies that allow LYB to maintain and grow our competitive advantages.  HTC also provides technical support to our manufacturing and business organizations.

The Research Engineer/Chemist will lead efforts in the identification, development, scale-up and industrialization of new catalysts and processes for a variety of chemical technologies. Drivers include cost reduction or efficiency improvements for existing technologies or developing new products and process technologies that support long-term business objectives.

This is an exciting career opportunity to work in a state-of-the-art research facility along-side our technical team of experts.  HTC is located at the Channelview Complex, one of the largest petrochemical facilities in the Gulf Coast with approximately 2,000 employees, covering 4,000 acres, just 19 miles from our corporate Headquarters in downtown Houston. This is a direct-hire position with competitive base salary, bonus, 401K matching, generous benefits package, pension plan and employee discounts.

Roles & Responsibilities

Lead projects and project teams to identify and develop innovative new processes that support the company’s business objectives.

This will include:

• Project definition and experimental design for bench scale laboratory and/or pilot plant programs
• Ensure that objectives and experimental plans are well-prepared and communicated for effective project execution
• Design of test units from lab to demonstration scale, and protocols to efficiently generate data
• Provide leadership and direction to technicians/operators
• Interpretation, documentation and presentation of experimental results.
• Work with the Engineering and Manufacturing organizations to plan and execute industrialization plans including plant trials, where needed
• Maintain a strong emphasis on safety.  This includes responsibility for conducting thorough safety analysis of experimental programs.
• Support sustainability initiatives for process and technology improvements
• Identify and evaluate new or emerging technologies, research areas and growth opportunities to drive business growth, cost reductions, and improvements to company safety and environmental performance
• Develop expertise in the company’s core technologies. This includes developing a good understanding of competitors’ processes to drive technology leadership internally.
• Work effectively with R&D researchers, staff, technicians, and management for competent performance of job functions
• Work with Manufacturing, Global Engineering and the Businesses for alignment of project activities and efficient execution and implementation of R&D projects. May lead multi-functional project teams to support local or worldwide business objectives. 

Min. Qualifications

• PhD in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry with 0-5 years of relevant experience in chemicals, petrochemicals or related R&D is required
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing with technicians, fellow researchers, plant engineers, management, and executive levels is essential
• Ability to effectively manage multiple and/or changing priorities with minimal supervision.
• Strong technical orientation, able to use and build on their technical education, training, and experience to perform well in an R&D work environment
• Needs to be highly creative in proposing new projects, optimizing process concepts and finding ways to meet project objectives
• Excellent problem-solving skills required
• Highly self-motivated individual with demonstrated ability to drive for results
   

Competencies