Sr R&D Engineer
Role Overview
Grace is seeking a Senior Research & Development (R&D) Engineer to join our Refining Catalyst R&D team.
The Senior R&D Engineer will play a key role in developing next-generation Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) catalysts and additives, advancing innovative technologies from concept through commercialization through the Stage-Gate process.
This position combines technical innovation, market insight, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver differentiated solutions that address customer and industry needs.
The Senior R&D Engineer will work closely with Marketing, Process Technology, Manufacturing, Sales, and Technical Service teams to identify emerging opportunities, develop intellectual property, and support commercialization of new products.
The role also provides opportunities to gain direct exposure to FCC customers, catalyst strategy, and business development activities.
They will also collaborate with colleagues to use Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to accelerate innovation.
This role is based at Grace corporate headquarters in Columbia, MD. #LI-ZR1 Responsibilities Lead the development of new FCC catalyst and additive technologies from concept generation through commercialization.
Identify market needs and technology gaps by collaborating with Marketing, Sales, Technical Service, and commercial teams, and translate insights into new product opportunities.
Design, execute, and interpret catalyst testing programs to optimize formulations and guide product development decisions.
Support the generation and protection of intellectual property through invention disclosures, patent applications, and technical documentation.
Present project results, technical recommendations, and business impact to R&D leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
Partner with Process Technology, Manufacturing, and Marketing teams to scale up and commercialize new technologies while supporting Stage-Gate project execution.
Build understanding of overall FCC chemistry, customer needs, global refining market trends, and catalyst strategy, with opportunities to grow into an R&D Partner role supporting key market segments and global FCC accounts.
Promote a strong safety culture by consistently following laboratory and plant safety protocols, participating in safety meetings and training, and proactively identifying and addressing potential safety risks.
Full Job Posting
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related technical field 3+ years of post-Ph.D. experience in catalysis research Experience managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment while consistently meeting deadlines Experience using the fundamentals of chemistry and chemical engineering Excellent communications skills and ability to interface at all levels within R&D and cross-functionally Ability to travel up to 15% Preferred Qualifications Experience in petrochemical and catalyst cracking research Experience in catalyst performance testing Experience with intellectual property activities including patent applications and competitive intelligence Benefits Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance Life Insurance and Disability Grace Wellness Program Flexible Workplace with maximum overlap with the core hours Retirement Plans 401(k) Company Match Paid Vacation and Holidays Parental Leave Tuition Reimbursement Company Donation Match Program Grace is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. Please, no phone calls or emails. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Grace via email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of Grace. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Grace as a result of the referral or through other means.
Preferred Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related technical field 3+ years of post-Ph.D. experience in catalysis research Experience managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment while consistently meeting deadlines Experience using the fundamentals of chemistry and chemical engineering Excellent communications skills and ability to interface at all levels within R&D and cross-functionally Ability to travel up to 15% Preferred Qualifications Experience in petrochemical and catalyst cracking research Experience in catalyst performance testing Experience with intellectual property activities including patent applications and competitive intelligence Benefits Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance Life Insurance and Disability Grace Wellness Program Flexible Workplace with maximum overlap with the core hours Retirement Plans 401(k) Company Match Paid Vacation and Holidays Parental Leave Tuition Reimbursement Company Donation Match Program Grace is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. Please, no phone calls or emails. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Grace via email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of Grace. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Grace as a result of the referral or through other means.
About W. R. Grace & Co.
Private specialty-chemicals manufacturer supplying catalysts, engineered materials, process technologies, and fine chemicals to industrial customers.
Visit company websiteJobs and hiring trendsApply for this job in 1 click
Skip the repetitive application forms
Install the Base Career Chrome Extension and autofill job applications across major job boards with your profile.
Trusted by over 500,000 job seekers on Base Career
More from this employer
More jobs at W. R. Grace & Co.
Sr Environmental Specialist
Columbia, USA
MRP Planner
Baltimore, USA
Manager, Process Safety
Baltimore, USA
Ausbildungsplatz Chemikant 2027 (m/w/d) - Düren
, USA
Operator / Anlagenfahrer (m/w/d) in der chem. Industrie
, USA
Logistics Productivity Leader
Houston, USA
Manufacturing Maintenance Engineer
Baltimore, USA
Director, Global Procurement Operations
Columbia, USA