Chemical Process Development Engineer

About the Company

Aspen is a technology leader in sustainability and electrification solutions. The Company's aerogel technology enables its customers and partners to achieve their objectives around the global megatrends of resource efficiency, e-mobility, and clean energy. Aspen's PyroThin® products address thermal runaway challenges within the electric vehicle ("EV") market, while its Cryogel® and Pyrogel® products are valued by the world's largest energy infrastructure companies. Aspen partners with world-class industry leaders to leverage its Aerogel Technology Platform® into additional high-value markets and is headquartered in Northborough, Mass.

Company Values

At Aspen, our values reflect who we are and how we work with each other, customers, suppliers, and communities. They guide our decisions and inspire us to make a meaningful impact.

• We Do the Right Thing
• We are Problem Solvers
• We are Allies
• We Drive Forward

Responsibilities

• Support technically transformational process changes in manufacturing and partner with R&D to identify, develop, and execute next-generation manufacturing of aerogel composites.
• Partner with R&D and Plant Engineering to identify, develop, and execute new product and process improvements in safety, production capacity, yield, and cost reduction.
• Interpret product design requirements to determine feasibility, process steps, and cost to manufacture.
• Support the introduction of new products and processes via trial manufacturing.
• Lead and/or execute experimental work to support scale-up activities and develop a robust commercial-scale aerogel manufacturing process from small-scale laboratory data.
• Build upon lab and trial learnings to establish and implement full-scale standards, documentation, and procedures, including updating work instructions, standard operating procedures, and process flow diagrams (PFD).
• Analyze process and quality data to improve and troubleshoot the aerogel manufacturing process; determine root cause of failure modes to develop corrective actions.
• Develop project goals and priorities with the technical manager in collaboration with Manufacturing, Plant Engineering, Quality, and EHS&S.
• Support project teams through developmental phases of engineering projects related to process equipment, including conceptual design of both process and equipment.
• Assist in design requirements managed through the management of change process, including design, equipment procurement, construction, installation, start-up, commissioning, validation, and qualification.
• Document User Requirement Specifications and qualification plans for new processes and/or equipment related to aerogel manufacturing and supporting processes (e.g., reclamation equipment/processes).
• Adopt and follow Aspen’s core values of Safety, Quality, Integrity, Teamwork, Customer, and Innovation on both a personal and professional level.

Requirements

• 2-5 years’ experience in chemical process fundamentals and/or process design and development.
• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Knowledge of chemical process development, preferably with a focus on silica synthesis and modification, or broad knowledge of material engineering.
• Knowledge of pilot and manufacturing operations, including transitioning new products/processes from lab to pilot and full commercial manufacturing.
• Hands-on experience with analytical method development.
• Experience with research and analytic techniques, including applying statistical analysis to optimize process development activities.
• Ability and willingness to lead and perform hands-on work.
• Innate intellectual curiosity and predisposition to leverage analytic reasoning, creativity, and judgment.
• Well-developed influencing skills—ability to inspire confidence and drive consensus.
• Ability to handle complex matters across multiple initiatives.
• Intellectual agility to deal effectively with strategic issues and operational details.
• Ability to effectively influence and motivate external and internal stakeholders.

Work Environment

The role involves the following physical demands:

• Frequently required to stand, sit, and utilize hand and finger dexterity.
• Occasionally required to walk, climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel, or crawl.
• Frequently works near moving mechanical parts, around fumes, airborne particles, or toxic chemicals.
• Occasionally exposed to extreme heat or cold (non-weather).
• Moderate noise level in the work environment.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move more than 10 pounds.

Benefits

Aspen offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Holidays, Sick Time, and PTO
• 401k Employer Match
• Life and Disability Insurance

Pay

Expected compensation: Between $100,000 and $110,000 USD per year, based on experience. Yearly bonus eligibility.