Principal Research Engineer - Materials Discovery Research Institute

What you'll learn and achieve

• Leverage expertise in materials development, testing, and scale-up to design, build, and deploy prototype, pilot-scale, and demonstration systems that advance technologies toward real-world application.
• Lead complex technical programs, delivering safe, high-quality results that meet technical, schedule, and budget objectives.
• Define technical strategy, engineering standards, and capability investments while evaluating emerging technologies and innovative approaches to improve safety, efficiency, scalability, and organizational effectiveness.
• Build strategic relationships with external partners and technology providers to strengthen organizational capabilities and accelerate innovation.
• Mentor and develop technical staff while fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Drive data integrity and scientific rigor through effective use of LIMS, data repositories, and data-driven decision-making tools.
• Expand the institute's visibility and influence through presentations, publications, and participation in external professional organizations.
• Apply sound technical judgment, creativity, and systems thinking to solve complex interdisciplinary challenges.
• Comply with the Underwriters Laboratories Code of Conduct and all laboratory safety, physical security, and digital security requirements.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

What makes you a great fit

• Collaborative, inclusive, and positive work ethic.
• Ability to operate effectively at both strategic and operational levels, with strong attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills enabling productive collaboration with researchers, engineers, and cross-functional partners.
• Intellectual curiosity and commitment to advancing the materials discovery and research mission.
• Proven problem-solving skills, including root cause analysis and development of practical, scalable solutions.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Adaptability, responsiveness, and a sense of urgency, with a balanced focus on near-term results and long-term improvement.
• Willingness to travel occasionally (less than 10% annually) for training, conferences, and project-related activities.

Professional education and experience requirements

• Ph.D. in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science and engineering, or a related technical discipline plus 10 years post Ph.D. degree of relevant experience, or Master's degree in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science and engineering or a related technical discipline plus 12 years post master's degree of relevant experience, or, Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science and engineering, or a related technical discipline plus 15 years or more post bachelor's degree of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience defining strategy, evaluating emerging technologies, establishing best practices, and guiding capability development and capital investments for prototype, pilot-scale, demonstration, and testing systems.
• Extensive hands-on experience designing, constructing, commissioning, starting up, and operating prototype, pilot-scale, demonstration, and testing systems.
• Demonstrated experience applying process safety methodologies (e.g., HAZOP, What-If, FMEA, or similar) to identify hazards, implement risk mitigation measures, and incorporate inherent safety principles into equipment and process design.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary technical projects and mentor staff.