Research Engineer

The position of Research Engineer supports two primary functions: developing new processes to meet company objectives and deploying new technologies to enhance ongoing or future operations. The position also supports continuous improvement activities in Process Technology and Production areas. Frequent interaction with Process Chemistry, Production, Quality/Analytical, Maintenance, and Business Development organizations is expected.   

Job responsibilities include planning, executing, and Gelest, Inc., part of the Mitsubishi Chemical Group, is hiring a Research Engineer to support our continued growth in specialty materials. Join a collaborative team where your expertise will help advance technologies that impact industries around the globe.d assessing efforts focusing on technology transfer from Product Development to Production. Activities underlying these responsibilities include documenting work performed and progress against goals; establishing operating methods and procedures; facilitating transfer through safety reviews, training, commissioning, and start-up activities.   

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:  

• Solid commitment to EH&S principles. 

• Sound technical skills in chemistry or chemical engineering. 

• Mechanical aptitude, ability to design and assemble laboratory or pilot scale equipment. 

• Proficiency with standard analytical techniques. 

• Experience with chemical reactions and separations technologies and equipment. 

• Able to organize data for analysis and present cogent conclusions, both formally and informally. 

• Excellent habits to document work objectives and results. 

• Must be self-motivated and capable of working both individually and within a team environment. 

• Work safely with lab and pilot scale equipment, hazardous materials, including, but not limited to, reactive, flammable, toxic, pyrophoric, and cryogenic materials. 

• Work with staff to screen processes and effectively transfer technology, and vendors and contractors on design and fabrication during project execution. 

• Develop formulas, processes, methods, and technologies to meet project objectives. 

• Design, construct, commission, start-up, and trouble shoot demonstration processes. 

• Design and execute testing protocols to optimize process performance, in lab, pilot and production settings. 

• Design, manage, monitor, and interpret bench-scale experiments to facilitate scale up to pilot and production processes and provide training to Production staff where applicable. 

• Test and evaluate equipment, products, and procedures with the objective of identifying improvements for scale-up and routinely document results and give oral presentations on project status as required. 

• Coordinate trial batches in a production environment, including specification of raw materials, drafting procedures, monitoring the batches, and reporting the results while assisting in assessment and specification of equipment to meet process objectives. 

• Lead or assist troubleshooting activities for existing manufacturing processes and perform root cause analysis. 

• Evaluate equipment and processes to identify opportunities to optimize performance or to ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations. 

• Write procedures, Safe Work Practices, Design Hazard Reviews and Management of Change as needed. 

SPECIAL FEATURES: 

• May require multi-site traveling. 

• Some travel required to support off-site activities  

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KNOWLEDGE/ EXPERIENCE/SKILLS: 

Ability to perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:   

• Possess good problem solving and hands on troubleshooting skills. 

• Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills to interact between various plant personnel such as operators and plant management. 

• Able to work independently with minimal supervision.  

• Able to interpret SDS and packaging code information and follow procedures. 

• Familiar with packaging and handling moisture and air-sensitive solids, liquids and gases. 

• Works effectively with multiple functions within the organization. 

• Able to serve as a member of the safety committee or emergency response team if required. 

• Proficient with O365 or equivalent software. 

• Occasionally required to lift and / or move up to 40 pounds. 

• Must be able to distinguish colors accurately. 

• Pass respirator fit test as required by OSHA. 

• Must be able to hear/see and respond to all communications and alarms. 

• Wear personal protective equipment as needed. 

• Work in various settings, including Lab, Pilot, and Production environments. 

• Minimum requirements include a B.S. in chemical engineering or related discipline, and 2 to 5 years of hands-on experience with a heavy emphasis on process development and safety in a chemical industrial manufacturing environment is preferred.  Master’s degree in engineering helpful. 

• Familiar with the basic chemical process unit operations, for example batch and continuous reactors, heat exchangers, centrifuges, refrigeration & heating equipment, rotating machinery, electrically heated furnaces, dryers, crystallizers, and distillation columns. 

• Experience with polymers and polymerization processes is a plus. ​

Gelest, located in Morrisville, PA—conveniently accessible from Interstate 95, Route 1, and the PA/NJ Turnpikes—offers a rewarding career with competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Generous paid time off

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and optional supplemental plans for employees and their families

• 401(k) with a competitive company match

• Company-paid Life Insurance, AD&D, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability

• Eligibility for an annual performance bonus

• Company-provided uniforms, work boots, and PPE

The salary range for this position is $87-125k. Factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, job-related skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and business considerations may influence base pay offered. This salary will be subject to a geographic adjustment (according to a specific city and state), if an authorization is granted to work outside of the location listed in this posting.