Research Engineer

Basic Function

LyondellBasell, one of the world’s largest plastics, chemical and refining companies, is seeking a Researcher for the Houston Technology Center (HTC) in Channelview, TX.  HTC is a state-of-the-art R&D facility that 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, improving catalyst and process technologies for our existing chemical manufacturing facilities and on developing new technologies allowing LYB to maintain and build on our competitive advantages.  HTC also provides technical support to our manufacturing and business organizations.

The position requires management of the accountabilities and share the knowledge, experience, and practice across the R&D, process development and manufacturing teams. The Researcher will lead efforts in the identification, development, scale-up and industrialization of new catalysts and processes to meet the critical feedstock needs of LyondellBasell while also supporting the continuous improvement and debottleneck of existing plant assets.

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 to identify and develop innovative new processes that support the company’s business objectives. This will include:

• New idea generation and project definition 
• Experimental design for bench scale laboratory equipment and pilot plants
• Maintain excellent knowledge of chemical engineering principles and chemical processes; specifically reactor design and separation 
• Design of pilot test units from lab to demonstration scale, and protocols to efficiently generate data for process development
• Provide leadership and direction to technicians/operators supporting his/her projects
• Support sustainability initiatives for process and technology improvements
• Document and communicate results and progress to technical teams, supervision, management, and business leadership
• 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.
• 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

• Postdoctoral with at least 1-2 years of relevant experience in chemicals, petrochemicals, fuels, or related R&D is required.   
• Preference will be given to candidates with a background in in hydro-processing, and membrane separation. 
• Experience with experimental design and in bench scale laboratory equipment and pilot plants reactor and/or process design and scale-up is desired
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing with technicians, fellow researchers, plant engineers, management, and executive levels is essential.  Must be comfortable making presentations to senior management to obtain support for projects.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple and/or changing priorities with minimal supervision.
• Ability to lead R&D projects to meet site and company goals.  Strong technical orientation, able to use and build on their technical education, training, and experience to perform well in an R&D work environment.
• Highly self-motivated individual with demonstrated ability to drive for results.

Competencies