Airswift is seeking a Research Engineer to join one of our major Petrochemical clients in Calgary, AB, on a 12-month with the possibility of being extended.
The successful candidate will work on conceptual process development, scaling up of our catalyst, product, and process technology advances, and delivering desired products and improvements predominantly for the Advanced SCLAIRTECHTM (AST) platform. This dual reactor process allows the Company to maximize the capability of their catalyst innovations and produce value-added products for the customers.
The research programs are targeted to ensure that a competitive AST platform, and other Polyethylene (PE) assets, are enhanced for the future that deliver high performing and high-value products at a competitive cost, by:
- Innovating processes that enable the commercialization of new catalysts, products, and process developments.
- Developing models and process operating conditions that will allow the cost-effective scale-up and manufacture of value-added products.
Responsibilities
- Lead or support projects that pertain to the exploration, development, and implementation of process improvements, new or existing products, and catalyst solutions.
- Collaborate with product scientists, catalyst chemists, manufacturing staff, and other disciplines.
- Prepare and present Technical Reports throughout projects.
- Perform peer reviews for others on the team.
- Apply chemical engineering fundamentals to assist in the conceptual design of new processes.
- Develop advanced process models and steady state/dynamic process simulations by applying thermodynamics, mass transfer, and heat transfer principles.
- Prepare for and lead pilot and commercial scale plant trials, process complex data, and use applied statistics and mathematical models in planning and executing experimental plans and troubleshooting.
- Conduct technical and economic evaluations on alternative solutions.
- Prepare assessments on new technologies which may span the range of Technology Readiness Level.
- Work with business analysts and estimators to generate business case evaluations.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Engineering degree with 5-7 years of related experience, Master of Science with 3-5 years or related experience, or entry-level Ph.D.
- Registration with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA), or equivalent regulatory body.
- Strong background in Chemical Engineering fundamentals, experience with research programs, and ability to learn quickly in a dynamic environment.
- Gas phase experience would be an asset.
- Experience in working in high-uncertainty projects and driving positive research outcomes is an asset.
- Experience with supporting pilot or commercial plant troubleshooting and experience with polyethylene polymerization technologies (LLDPE, HDPE, LDPE, etc.) and innovations are considered an asset.
- Proficient in reaction kinetics and process thermodynamics for polymeric materials, with a strong understanding of transport phenomena (fluid flow, heat & mass transfer).
- Experience in static and dynamic process modelling utilizing commercial software packages is an asset (experience with HYSYS, Aspen Plus, gPROMS, or other simulation software is preferred).
- Proficient in developing and implementing advanced data analytics, applied statistics, and automation tools, with proficiency in programming languages such as Python.
- Must work well in a team setting with cross-functional interactions spanning R&D, Technical Service, and Marketing and Manufacturing.
- Strong project and time management capabilities, and aptitude for problem solving/troubleshooting.
- Demonstrate a commitment to Responsible Care®.