R&D Chemical Engineer

We’re seeking an experienced R&D Chemical Engineer to bring our innovative technology out of the lab and into commercial operations. You will be responsible for experimental process design and implementation and will work closely with the R&D team and the Director of Engineering. The successful candidate has 5+ years of industry experience, has conducted pilot scale experiments, and understands how to improve process efficiency, reduce cost, and improve sustainability.

This is a full-time on-site position in Menlo Park, CA, with a competitive salary and stock options. Priority will be given to local applicants with approved status for US employment.

Start Date (tentative): September 21st, 2020

NOTE: This is NOT a biology-related position.

What You’ll Do

• Design and operate large-scale laboratory systems - e.g. work with solids/liquids in 20 L vessels and specialty instrumentation for polymer synthesis, purification, formulation, extrusion, etc.

• Obtain and analyze data to iterate on experiments and processes

• Develop plan and obtain critical engineering data for process scale-up 

• Lead the development of new technology or processes, understanding critical parameters to be addressed for commercialization

• Provide expertise on key engineering theories - i.e. thermodynamics, kinetics, reaction engineering, and separations

• Ensure workplace safety during laboratory and scale-up experiments

• Develop best practices, schedules, and innovative solutions to improve production rates and output quality

• Coordinate equipment procurement and external analysis as necessary

Your time at work will be split into ~80% lab/experimental work | ~20% process design, data analysis, planning, etc. 

About You

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering and 5 years of industry experience with hands-on experimental process work (or equivalently, PhD in chemical engineering and 2 years of industry/national-lab experience)

• Expertise in generating and analyzing experimental data at large laboratory scale or pilot scale

• Experience designing and operating large-scale laboratory systems

• Experience operating pressure reactors

• Able to develop scalable, practical process solutions for plant implementation

• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, especially for technical information

• An adaptable and collaborative team player both in and out of the lab

Nice to Have

• Ability to lead health, safety, and environmental reviews associated with laboratory, pilot, and commercial scale processes

• A track record of successful scale-up experimentation or projects