Chemical Engineer 2
Employer: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory · Location: Richland, Washington · Posting: PNL-11931 · Type: Full-Time · Pay: $100,100-$150,200/yr
Duties
Overview At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget. Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus. The Energy and Environment Directorate delivers science and technology solutions for the nation’s biggest energy and environmental challenges. Our more than 1,700 staff support the Department of Energy (DOE), delivering on key DOE mission areas including: modernizing our nation’s power grid to maintain a reliable, affordable, secure, and resilient electricity delivery infrastructure; research, development, validation, and effective utilization of renewable energy and efficiency technologies that improve the affordability, reliability, resiliency, and security of the American energy system; and resolving complex issues in nuclear science, energy, and environmental management. The Energy Processes and Materials Division , part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, creates and delivers real world solutions that support the Department of Energy’s goals for national energy security. We deliver new technologies that connect fundamental science to applications in areas such as energy storage, advanced materials manufacturing, applied catalysis, advanced separations, biomass conversions, carbon capture and utilization , and hydrogen production and storage. We employ a systems perspective that includes discovery, technology development, and scale-up as well as economic, regulatory, and market acceptance issues necessary for successful technology commercialization. Due to the nature of this work, this position is onsite in Richland, WA. Responsibilities Designs, develops, and operates processes or unit operations to create a diverse range of products. Evaluates and manipulates the chemical properties of various substances used in the fabrication of new products. Designs, models evaluates, and implements chemical processes, instrumentation, and equipment to ensure effectiveness in engineering and design. Performs trials, tests, and/or experiments to support engineering, production, and/or R&D activities. Applies the principles of chemistry, nuclear science, biology, physics, material science, math, and engineering to solve problems that involve the production, use or conversion of chemicals, materials, and energy. Uses the principles of biology and the tools of engineering to mimic biological systems to create products or to modify and control biological systems so that they can replace, augment, sustain, or control chemical and mechanical processes. Conduct research and development in hydrothermal liquefaction and related hydrothermal processes, including hydrothermal carbonization, wet air oxidation, and supercritical water oxidation. Design, operate, modify, and troubleshoot continuous-flow, high-pressure, high-temperature systems processing slurries and solids-containing feedstocks. Investigate fouling, plugging, solids deposition, particle settling, and flow-instability mechanisms in feed systems, reactors, heat exchangers, and pressure-control components. Apply rheology, slurry transport, multiphase flow, heat transfer, and reaction engineering principles to understand process behavior and define reliable operating windows. Develop and evaluate fouling-mitigation strategies involving feed conditioning, pumping and mixing, equipment geometry, operating conditions, materials, and cleaning or flushing approaches. Design experiments and diagnostics to measure pressure drop, viscosity, particle behavior, solids transport, deposition rates, and other indicators of process performance. Characterize feedstocks, products, and deposited materials to connect physical and chemical properties with fouling and system operability. Develop engineering models and correlations that support process optimization, equipment design, and scale-up from laboratory to pilot systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on system design, process integration, techno-economic analysis, and pilot-scale demonstrations. Communicate results through sponsor deliverables, technical reports, conference presentations, peer-reviewed publications, and proposal development. Maintain a strong commitment to safe operation of high-pressure systems and complex laboratory equipment. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: BS/BA and 2 years of relevant experience -OR- MS/MA -OR- PhD Preferred Qualifications: PhD in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemistry, materials science, or a closely related field. Demonstrated hands-on experience designing, operating, or troubleshooting continuous-flow or recirculating process systems; experience limited primarily to batch reactors is not sufficient. Expertise in one or more of the following: rheology, slurry transport, multiphase flow, fouling, plugging, solids deposition, particle transport, or flow assurance. Experience with hydrothermal liquefaction, hydrothermal carbonization, wet air oxidation, supercritical water oxidation, or another high-pressure continuous-flow process. Experience processing high-solids, heterogeneous, viscous, or non-Newtonian feedstocks. Familiarity with pumps, slurry feeders, mixers, heat exchangers, pressure-control devices, instrumentation, and data-acquisition systems used in high-pressure flow equipment. Ability to connect feedstock properties, reaction chemistry, fluid mechanics, and equipment design to system operability and reliability. Experience characterizing rheology, particle size, solids content, phase behavior, deposits, or related physical properties. Experience developing mechanistic models, engineering correlations, or computational models for pressure drop, heat transfer, slurry flow, or deposition is desirable. Demonstrated ability to independently plan and execute experimental research while working effectively within a multidisciplinary team. Strong technical writing and communication skills, with a record of publications, presentations, sponsor deliverables, or proposal contributions. Experience working with pilot-scale equipment, federal sponsors, industry partners, or national laboratory collaborations is desirable. Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment Not Applicable Testing Designated Position This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP). About PNNL Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them! At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs. Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at [email protected] . Drug Free Workplace PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn. Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws. For foreign national candidates: If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential. Mandatory Requirements Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment. Rockstar Rewards Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company-funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401 (k) savings plan with company match*. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: BS/BA and 2 years of relevant experience -OR- MS/MA -OR- PhD Preferred Qualifications: PhD in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemistry, materials science, or a closely related field. Demonstrated hands-on experience designing, operating, or troubleshooting continuous-flow or recirculating process systems; experience limited primarily to batch reactors is not sufficient. Expertise in one or more of the following: rheology, slurry transport, multiphase flow, fouling, plugging, solids deposition, particle transport, or flow assurance. Experience with hydrothermal liquefaction, hydrothermal carbonization, wet air oxidation, supercritical water oxidation, or another high-pressure continuous-flow process. Experience processing high-solids, heterogeneous, viscous, or non-Newtonian feedstocks. Familiarity with pumps, slurry feeders, mixers, heat exchangers, pressure-control devices, instrumentation, and data-acquisition systems used in high-pressure flow equipment. Ability to connect feedstock properties, reaction chemistry, fluid mechanics, and equipment design to system operability and reliability. Experience characterizing rheology, particle size, solids content, phase behavior, deposits, or related physical properties. Experience developing mechanistic models, engineering correlations, or computational models for pressure drop, heat transfer, slurry flow, or deposition is desirable. Demonstrated ability to independently plan and execute experimental research while working effectively within a multidisciplinary team. Strong technical writing and communication skills, with a record of publications, presentations, sponsor deliverables, or proposal contributions. Experience working with pilot-scale equipment, federal sponsors, industry partners, or national laboratory collaborations is desirable.
Compensation
Minimum Salary USD $100,100.00/Yr. Maximum Salary USD $150,200.00/Yr.