Chemical Engineer (Catalysis & Emissions Systems)

Location: Columbus, IN

Schedule: Monday–Friday | 1st Shift | Onsite

Duration: 12-Month Contract (Potential for Extension or Direct Hire)

Pay Rate: $55.79/hour + PTO & Optional Benefits

About the Opportunity

Our client is seeking a highly motivated Chemical Engineer to join an advanced research and development team focused on next-generation emissions control technologies. This position offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge chemical reaction systems and contribute to the development of cleaner, more efficient engine technologies.

The ideal candidate will bring expertise in catalysis, reaction engineering, and chemical systems analysis to support innovative research programs, product development efforts, and technical problem-solving initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Engineering & Project Support

• Lead technical problem-solving efforts for moderately complex components, systems, and products.
• Execute established engineering processes and methodologies with minimal supervision.
• Support the development and continuous improvement of engineering tools, processes, and systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve project objectives and deliverables.
• Analyze technical data, interpret results, and provide engineering recommendations.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation to communicate findings and project outcomes.
• Provide technical guidance to technicians, interns, and support personnel as needed.

Chemical Performance Testing

• Design and execute experiments to evaluate chemical reaction processes, system performance, durability, and reaction selectivity.
• Analyze experimental results to support hardware development, controls strategies, and modeling activities.
• Evaluate the effects of chemical and physical operating conditions on system performance and reliability.

Chemical Systems Characterization

Design and perform testing to evaluate physicochemical properties, including:

• Morphology
• Acid-base properties
• Redox behavior
• Diffusion characteristics
• Impedance properties
• Solubility
• Chemical poisoning mechanisms

Utilize characterization data to support diagnostics, performance evaluation, and system health monitoring.

Accelerated Aging & Durability Testing

• Develop laboratory equipment and test methods to simulate real-world aging mechanisms.
• Conduct testing related to:
• Thermal cycling
• Chemical poisoning
• Physical masking and degradation
• Evaluate long-term durability impacts on chemically active components and systems.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related scientific discipline.
• Strong understanding of:
• Chemical kinetics
• Heterogeneous catalysis
• Reaction engineering principles
• Knowledge of engine emissions control technologies, particularly Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Research experience in academic, industrial, or government laboratory environments.
• Hands-on experience operating laboratory-scale catalytic reactor systems, including:
• Monolithic flow reactors
• Packed-bed flow reactors
• Experience designing, building, and operating experimental reactor systems.
• Familiarity with catalyst characterization techniques such as:
• Electron Microscopy
• BET Surface Area Analysis
• Temperature Programmed Desorption (TPD)
• Temperature Programmed Reduction (TPR)
• Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) Analysis
• X-Ray Diffraction (XRD)
• Demonstrated experience with technical reporting, scientific documentation, and data-driven decision-making.

Core Competencies

• Chemical Kinetics
• Heterogeneous Catalysis
• Reaction Engineering
• Experimental Design
• Data Analysis & Interpretation
• Systems Thinking
• Technical Documentation
• Problem Solving
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Effective Communication
• Continuous Learning & Development

Why Apply?

This is an exciting opportunity to work alongside leading scientists and engineers developing advanced emissions control technologies that support cleaner, more sustainable transportation solutions. You'll gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge research programs while expanding your expertise in catalysis, reaction engineering, and chemical systems development.

Benefits Include:

• Competitive hourly pay
• PTO
• Optional medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Potential for contract extension or direct hire
• Opportunity to work on innovative, industry-leading technology

EOE (including Disability/Veterans)

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