R&D Chemical Engineer

As a key member of the R&D Technology Team, the R&D Chemical Engineer will play a central role in the development and optimization of chemical processes, with an emphasis on distillation and separation technologies. The role will focus on laboratory and pilot-scale experimentation, process modeling, and the translation of R&D results into scalable manufacturing processes. This position supports the companys strategy to improve yield, efficiency, and technology capability.

• Design and validate distillation-based processes to enhance product quality and plant throughput.
• Develop scalable unit operation models and experimental plans supporting yield and capacity improvements.
• Drive experimental and analytical work to support techno-economic analysis and project prioritization.
• Serve as an early-career technical expert in distillation and separation to support R&D and Process Engineering initiatives.
• Contribute to a culture of safety, collaboration, and continuous technical growth within the R&D team.

• Plan, execute, and interpret laboratory and pilot distillation and separation experiments.
• Guide the work of laboratory and pilot technicians working within the technology team.
• Apply chemical engineering principles including vapor-liquid equilibria, mass transfer, and thermodynamics to process development work.
• Conduct process modeling using Aspen Plus, HYSYS, or similar tools to simulate and optimize distillation units.
• Collaborate across departments to transfer lab findings to plant-scale applications.
• Assist in developing design of experiments (DOE) plans and perform statistical analysis of results.
• Maintain thorough technical documentation and communicate findings through reports and presentations.
• Contribute to patent filings, technical reviews, and IP strategy as needed.
• Support environmental, safety, and health (ESH) compliance in all development activities.

• B.S. or M.S. in Chemical Engineering.
• 35 years of experience in a chemical manufacturing or R&D environment.
• Direct experience with distillation systems in laboratory, pilot, or commercial settings.
• Exposure to chemical process scale-up and technology transfer is highly valued.
• Experience with fluidized-bed reactors would be a plus.

• Strong understanding of distillation principles and separation technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to design and execute structured experiments and analyze technical data.
• Proficient in applying basic chemical engineering fundamentals such as heat transfer, vapor-liquid equilibria, mass transfer, solids separation, chemical reactions, thermodynamics, and fluid hydraulics.
• Working knowledge of Aspen Plus, HYSYS, or other process simulation tools.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Proven ability to work both independently and in multidisciplinary teams.

• Experience with techno-economic modeling or cost-benefit analysis.
• Familiarity with Design of Experiments (DOE) and statistical tools (e.g., JMP, Minitab).
• Exposure to other separation operations (e.g., crystallization, extraction).
• Knowledge of applicable regulatory standards (e.g., OSHA, EPA).
• Early involvement in intellectual property or technical publications.
• Lead and coordinate small to mid-scale R&D projects, ensuring alignment with technical and business objectives.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional initiatives.

At Ascend Performance Materials, we value transparency and fairness in our hiring process. We do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters, search firms, or staffing agencies. Any resumes received from such entities will be considered the property of Ascend Performance Materials, and we will not be obligated to pay any fees for such submissions. Our Talent Acquisition Team actively engages with preferred recruitment partners who have established agreements with us. We encourage all interested candidates to apply directly through our official channels to be considered for any open positions.

Skills Summary:

About Us:

Ascend Performance Materials is the premium provider of high quality chemicals, fibers and plastics. With world scale integrated manufacturing facilities we are able to develop new products from our core technologies, and provide flexibility to respond to the expanding needs of customers. Ascend has global sales and distribution facilities across the globe and six manufacturing facilities globally. As a privately-held company, our people do big things and make big decisions, often much earlier in their careers than at larger companies. Ascend Performance Materials offers team members the opportunity to contribute in big, meaningful waysall within a stable and growing business.

Why work at Ascend?

Our vision is to be the recognized leader in the nylon 6,6 value chain, creating new possibilities with PA66 for everyone, everywhere, every day. We achieve that through living our Ascend values.

We care . We operate safely with high integrity for our employees, our customers and our communities. Our people are our greatest assets, and our Total Rewards Program extends beyond traditional benefits to include access to on-site medical clinics at our U.S. facilities, a global wellness rewards program and Performance Matters, an employee-driven recognition plan. Our Commitment to Zero demonstrates our belief that is it possible to operate with zero personal injuries, zero process safety incidents and zero environmental releases. And the Ascend Cares Foundation, led by Ascend employees, supports Ascend families in times of need, provides inspiring opportunities for community engagement and facilitates community leadership.

Customer-focused . We exist for our customers; they drive our actions. Their success is our success. Our plastics and chemicals are building blocks that help make everyday essentials safer and more sustainable, and we constantly strive to develop new and innovative products to meet the future needs of our customers. And that customer focus doesnt only apply to the marketplace it also applies to how we treat our colleagues and our fellow community members.

Better every day . We invest in our people and our processes to improve every day. A2E, our continuous improvement program, guides the way we do business. And this way of problem solving applies not only to our manufacturing practices but also to our commitment to developing our people. Youll see it during your career at Ascend in our leadership development, skills training and mentoring programs

Agile . We think broadly and lead proactively in a constantly evolving organization and industry. Agility doesnt mean simply working quickly it means critical thinking, creative problem solving and novel approaches to everyday challenges.

One Ascend . All together, with a common set of goals and an eye toward the future. We dont accept silos. We look for ways to share across departments, sites and geography. This means you wont be boxed into a single role at Ascend you could get the chance to work with teams across the globe to improve the way we serve our people, our customers and our communities.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, citizenship, genetic information or other protected status under federal, state or local laws.