Research Chemical Engineer

The Technology and Commercialization Division (TAC) at RTI International is seeking a talented Research Chemical Engineer to become an integral part of a dynamic team developing novel and innovative processes for carbon capture applications.

The successful candidate will become part of an experienced team to support the development and advancement of several existing carbon capture and utilization technologies. The technology areas currently include lab- and bench- scale CO2 capture, lab- and bench-scale CO2 conversion, solvent process optimization, sorbent process design, and membrane design for gas separations.

The successful candidate will be involved in and expected to contribute to development of innovative solutions to carbon capture and gas separations. Our R&D efforts typically span different scales of technology development ranging from concept through to bench and prototype-scale development, and in some cases pre-commercial demonstration, and therefore, the successful candidate must be confident in contributing at various scales.

The ideal candidate would have 3-5 years' experience in the development and process design and modeling of CO2 capture processes and be capable of contributing to the management, commissioning, operation and analysis of lab and pilot scale process units. Experience in project management of CCU projects is preferred. Experience with economic evaluation of processes is preferred.

In addition, the ideal candidate would be familiar with and be able to contribute to topic areas outside of CO2 capture, such as development of catalytic processes for synthesis of fuels and chemicals, and other gas separations and processing.

The ideal candidate must be able to effectively communicate complicated concepts and data in a clear and concise manner both orally and written. In addition, the individual must be able to formulate and execute research and test plans. A commitment to excellence and safety is essential.

• Collect, analyze, and summarize technical data and background information.
• Apply and interpret standard scientific or chemical engineering theories, concepts, and techniques in chemical engineering processes; understand chemical reactions, byproducts and associated emissions.
• Develop material and energy balances, steady state and dynamic process models to provide process design for innovative carbon capture facilities.
• Create, execute, and improve process simulations for pilot-scale, demonstration, and commercial projects, systems, and new products.
• Apply chemical engineering analysis skills to research various types of industrial chemical processes, associated emissions control system design/operation/costs, and environmental regulatory requirements.
• Participate in FEED project activities such as development of PFDs, P&IDs, datasheets, and basic engineering design packages.
• Assist in development of FEED packages for CO2 capture processes.
• Perform technoeconomic analysis (TEA), and lifecycle analysis (LCA) evaluations for novel processes.
• Contribute to scientific stature activities by participating in internal RTI presentations / seminars, and presenting at conferences.
• Be a member of a multidisciplinary team, including chemists, chemical engineers, and mechanical engineers to develop carbon capture solutions.

• Bachelor's Degree and 5 years of experience, Master's degree and 3 years of experience or PhD and 0 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated background in chemical engineering fundamentals including heat and mass transfer, reaction engineering, unit operations.
• Demonstrated experience using process modeling software such as Aspen Plus, Aspen Hysys or Promax.
• Strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills and be able to perform high quality, independent work in a timely manner with minimum supervision.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, well-developed interpersonal skills and team orientation.

For San Francisco, CA USA Job Postings Only: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Further information is available here.

RTI accepts applications to our job openings from candidates with criminal histories or conviction records in accordance with all applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

The anticipated pay range for this role is listed below. Our pay ranges represent national averages and may vary by location as a geographic differential may be applied to some locations within the United States. RTI considers multiple factors when making an offer including, for example: established salary range, internal budget, business needs, and education and years of work experience possessed by the applicant. Further, salary is merely one element to our offer.

At RTI, we demonstrate our commitment to rewarding individual and team achievement through a total rewards package. This package includes (among other things) a competitive base salary, a generous paid time off policy, merit based annual increases, bonus opportunities and a robust recognition program. Other benefits include a competitive range of insurance plans (including health, dental, life, and short-term and long-term disability), access to a retirement savings program such as a 401(k) plan, paid parental leave for all parents, financial assistance with adoption expenses or infertility treatments, financial reimbursement for education and developmental opportunities, an employee assistance program, and numerous other offerings to support a healthy work-life balance.