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Catalyst Lab Research Technician

Company:

INEOS Olefins & Polymers USA

Interested in joining a winning team? A team whose employees share in the ownership of the business and are empowered to make a difference?

Grade 30-31 (commensurate with experience)

Organizational context and job purpose

Organizational Context:

INEOS is a global manufacturer of petrochemicals, speciality chemicals and oil products.  It comprises 18 businesses each with a major chemical company heritage.  Its production network spans 67 sites in 16 countries throughout the world.  The INEOS Olefins & Polymers USA business is a major participant in the North American chemical industry, with an annual manufacturing capacity of 9.6 billion pounds of petrochemicals.  Manufacturing sites include Chocolate Bayou Works (Alvin, TX), Battleground Manufacturing Complex (La Porte, TX), and Carson (Carson, CA), with a corporate office in League City, TX.

The 300-acre INEOS Battleground Manufacturing Complex (BMC) was originally built in 1956 and is located on the Houston ship channel east of Houston, Texas.  Currently, BMC produces both high-density polyethylene and polypropylene.  The polypropylene line has a capacity of approximately 320 million pounds per year, and the seven polyethylene lines have a combined capacity of approximately 3 billion pounds per year.  The BMC site has a state-of-the-art technical center which integrates research and development, technical services and quality assurance. 

Purpose of the job:

The Catalyst Lab Research Technician reports to the catalyst research team leader and is part of the site Technology Group.  The Research Lab Technician will be part of a team conducting both bench- and pilot-scale experiments related to advancement of new heterogeneous catalysts and process technologies for the manufacture of polypropylene.  The candidate will be responsible for executing experimental assignments including participating in the design and coordination of those programs.  In addition to preparing catalysts, responsibilities will include evaluation of catalyst performance in bench-scale equipment, gathering and reporting of analytical data, and maintaining/modifying bench-scale process and laboratory equipment.  The successful candidate must demonstrate flexibility in job assignments, good troubleshooting skills, and possess a strong desire and an ability to learn on the job.

Responsibilities and Accountabilities

  • Commits to a safety culture where accidents in the workplace are always deemed preventable.
  • Is a safety leader who understands compliance and best practices issues and actively promotes safe behaviors and practices within the R&T community, the site and the business unit.
  • Complies with safety policies, laws, regulations, standards, and best practices for safe operation of the lab, including the INEOS 20 Principles.
  • Organizes each workday to meet experimental-plan requirements.  Includes planning and coordination with other team members to maximize workflow.
  • Completes experimental procedures accurately and consistently.
  • Analyzes data for accuracy and consistency and can identify conclusions and trends based on knowledge and experience.
  • Practices good data-recording in the laboratory notebook for potential patent application of new processes or chemical inventions.
  • Maintains laboratory infrastructure including construction and modification of bench-scale pilot plants.
  • Maintains adequate inventories and orders laboratory supplies, as required.
  • Identifies and implements improvement opportunities. Proactively addresses problems.
  • Easily adapts to changing roles and priorities.
  • Conducts housekeeping and maintains an orderly work area.
  • Actively participates in safety reviews.
  • Communicates openly with team members and team leaders on all work-related issues.
  • Possesses a strong desire and ability to learn on the job. Strives to develop oneself.
  • Has strong interpersonal skills and can coordinate/supervise a work plan.

Skills & Knowledge Required

Education/Experience

  • BS in Chemistry or science related field is highly preferred.
  • 5 – 10 years industrial laboratory experience is desirable, preferably involving catalyst preparation and evaluation. 
  • Competency is required with basic instrumentation, PC usage, and analytical equipment and procedures.
  • Must be experienced with chemical handling procedures and MSDS.
  • Basic pipefitting, mechanical aptitude, and hardware skills desired.
  • Minimum of 5 years lab or operations experience in a chemical plant, refinery, or gas processing plant, or industrial research laboratory.
  • Computer Skills:  E-mail, SAP, Word, Excel and PowerPoint experience preferred.
  • Experience using Personal Protective Equipment required.
  • Experience following safety procedures, including OSHA standards a requirement.

Skills/Competencies

  • Performance Bias: Overcomes obstacles and adapts approach to achieve outstanding results - Skillful Application
  • Bias for action:  Does things before being asked or forced by events - Skillful Application
  • Business Awareness”  Demonstrates understanding of the needs of internal and external customers  and exceeds expectations - Skillful Application
  • Leading People:   Willingly takes the lead when challenges occur - Basic Application
  • Leading People:  Promotes open and effective communication - Basic Application
  • Partnership and Teamwork:   Actively promotes a positive team spirit - Skillful Application
  • Partnership and Teamwork:  Actively seeks know-how and best practices related to own area of contribution - Skillful Application
  • Partnership and Teamwork:   Actively engages and respects the diverse contributions of the team, partners and networks - Skillful Application
  • Wise Decisions:  Progresses issues even when only partial information is available - Skillful Application
  • Wise Decisions:  Anticipates future situations and plans ahead to meet them - Skillful Application
  • Innovation:  Demonstrates openness to new ideas - Basic Application

Candidates must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Our culture is one of honesty and integrity with an emphasis on safety, health and environmental performance.On our team, people are acknowledged for embracing new practices that help create real value for customers.