Principal Chemist

About the role

As the Principal Chemist, reporting to the Sr. Director – R&D, you will lead innovation efforts to deliver best-in-class solutions to customers. You will evaluate potential innovation platforms and prioritize development based on business strategy as well as financial, technical, and probability criteria to drive business growth.

Product Innovation and Technical Leadership

• Develop innovative chemical technologies and solutions for oil and gas production, transportation and industrial lubricants, fuels, rubber and adhesives, and plastics
• Serve as a technical expert and trusted advisor to the R&D synthesis team
• Advance sustainable products designed to minimize environmental impact
• Connect technical capabilities with emerging customer needs and market opportunities
• Collaborate with customers and cross-functional teams to develop and advance new ideas
• Stay current on technology trends aligned with SI Group’s market strategies
• Create intellectual property through new products, processes, and methods that strengthen the differentiated portfolio
• Lead the selection, implementation, and support of innovative technologies, including artificial intelligence, data science, and predictive analytics

R&D Project Management and Safety

• Build and execute project plans with clear tasks, timelines, milestones, and resources
• Lead projects based on internal and external customer requirements
• Anticipate challenges, remove barriers, and identify opportunities to improve execution
• Track project progress, costs, timelines, and risks; communicate updates and recommended solutions to stakeholders
• Maintain accurate project records and a repository of technology and product development reports
• Promote a clean, safe, and healthy workplace by following safety practices, using protective equipment properly, and reporting potential hazards

Customer and Cross-Functional Support

• Generate product performance data that supports compelling customer value propositions
• Provide technical guidance to customers and Technical Service teams during product evaluation, implementation, and use
• Partner with Pilot, Manufacturing, and Process Technology teams to transfer new products successfully and troubleshoot current products
• Support Regulatory, Marketing, Business Development, and Product Management with technical data and product materials
• Capture and share lessons learned to strengthen future development and support
• Represent SI Group through customer presentations, lunch-and-learn sessions, and industry conferences

Qualifications

• PhD and a minimum of 10 years of relevant industry experience (Postdoc counts as experience); or
• MSc and a minimum of 15 years of relevant industry experience; or
• BSc and 15 or more years of relevant industry experience

Pay

The salary range for this position is $150,000–$180,000. The specific rate offered will be determined by a variety of factors including location, experience, and education.