Lead R&D Engineer/Scientist

About the role

This is a Lead R&D Engineer/Scientist role focused on leading process development and improvement to support new product commercialization and productivity improvement projects for Solstice. The position will be based in Buffalo, NY, USA.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate familiarity with various types of unit operations including reactions, distillations, filtrations, and handling of highly hazardous materials.
• Apply strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills with typical chemical process equipment (pumps, agitators, instrumentation, utilities, etc.).
• Perform and lead a full range of process development work requiring expertise in both Chemistry and Chemical Engineering.
• Coordinate different R&D functions, including design and construction of process development scale equipment, technical staff supervision, analytical requirements, physical property measurements, collection and reporting of experimental results, piloting, and demonstration.
• Develop liquid and/or vapor phase manufacturing technologies with or without catalysts.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing and Engineering teams on cost reduction initiatives and technology improvements for existing fluorocarbon manufacturing processes.
• Develop manufacturing technologies and build patent portfolios to protect them.
• Strictly adhere to established safety policies and procedures.
• Wear all types of PPE and respiratory equipment as appropriate.

Requirements

Must have:

• BS degree in Chemical Engineering.
• 10+ years of experience in R&D, process engineering, or process development.

We value:

• MS/Ph.D. degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering.
• A proven track record of success in academic and/or industrial research work.
• Experience in designing, constructing, and commissioning integrated bench-scale reaction units or pilot plants.
• Experience with instrumentation, data acquisition, and control system software.
• Additional experience in fluorocarbon manufacturing.
• In-depth knowledge of physical chemistry, thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, reaction engineering, and catalysis.
• Fundamental knowledge of organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, transport phenomena, and unit operations.
• Leadership skills, project management, and project leadership experience.
• Team orientation with excellent interpersonal skills—ability to lead, motivate, and mentor others.
• Self-starter with the ability to analyze and solve complex problems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Benefits

• Employer-subsidized Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance.
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability coverage.
• 401(k) match.
• Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Educational Assistance.
• Parental Leave and Paid Time Off (for vacation, personal business, sick time, and parental leave).
• 12 Paid Holidays.

Pay

The annual base salary range for this position is $145,000–$185,000. This position is also incentive plan eligible. Salary offers consider factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education and training, key skills, as well as market and business considerations.

About Us

Solstice Advanced Materials is a leading global specialty materials company advancing science for smarter outcomes. We offer high-performance solutions enabling critical industries and applications, including refrigerants, semiconductor manufacturing, data center cooling, nuclear power, protective fibers, healthcare packaging, and more.

Solstice is recognized for developing next-generation materials through renowned brands such as Solstice®, Genetron®, Aclar®, Spectra®, Fluka™, and Hydranal™. Partnering with over 3,000 customers across more than 120 countries and territories, Solstice is supported by a robust portfolio of over 5,700 patents and approximately 4,000 employees worldwide driving innovation in materials science.