Chemical Process Engineer

About the role

The Chemical Process Engineer will support a multi-disciplinary team in the design, development, and implementation of new and improved chemical processes for cleaning, coating, and treating laser optics for the National Ignition Facility (NIF) and other laser projects in the NIF & Photon Science Directorate.

Responsibilities

• Analyze moderately complex to complex data from optics production operations with the goal of improving the process and process yields.
• Develop numerical models to analyze various kinetic and or transport phenomena associated with the various optic production and cleaning processes.
• Direct technicians to design, build or modify specialized process equipment.
• Define and prepare operating procedures, train technicians, and maintain operational status of these production processes and laboratory safety standards.
• Prepare written analyses and verbal briefings that capture and communicate research results as well as periodic progress reports.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.
• BS in Chemical Engineering, or related field or the equivalent combination of education and previous relevant experience.
• Broad knowledge of transport phenomena and chemical kinetics in chemical process systems.
• Broad experience in pilot-plant-scale operations and process development.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to communicate effectively with technical support personnel on requirements, design, safety, construction or modification of process or pilot-scale equipment or systems.
• Experience operating PC and/or Macintosh computers to collect, analyze, and document scientific results.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to work in a collaborative research environment and interact with a diverse set of scientists, engineers, technicians and other technical and administrative staff.

Additional Qualifications

• At the SES.3 level: PhD in Chemical Engineering or related field or the equivalent combination of education and previous relevant experience.
• Significant experience applying chemical engineering principles to achieve process development and process improvement goals.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment and present and explain technical information and provide advice to management.

Pay

Pay Range: $146,340 - $185,544 Annually for the SES.2 level
$175,530 - $222,564 Annually for the SES.3 level