CATALYST & POLYMERIZATION STAFF SPECIALIST

Formosa Plastics•Point Comfort, TX

About The Position

Formosa Plastics Corporation, U.S.A. is hiring a Catalyst & Polymerization Staff Specialist to develop new or improved end-use applications for polyolefin resins on different converting machines and provide technical assistance to customers and internal business groups to support resin sales and customer satisfaction. The role also supports a safe and healthful working environment that meets environmental, health, safety, and company requirements. The specialist leads the development, evaluation, optimization, and commercialization of catalysts. The position analyzes catalyst data, develops predictive models linking laboratory and pilot performance to commercial units, identifies opportunities to improve catalyst performance and manufacturing economics, and establishes performance specifications with relevant internal teams. The role maintains catalyst testing capabilities by evaluating and procuring equipment and instrumentation, supporting equipment installation and commissioning, developing laboratory procedures, and training staff. It also provides technical leadership during production-scale catalyst trials, including trial planning, troubleshooting, performance monitoring, data analysis, and post-trial evaluation. The specialist supports process safety, quality, and compliance activities, and promotes cleanliness and order through the Total House Keeping Maintenance program.

Requirements

At least 10 years of catalyst reactor testing experience with both Ziegler Natta and metallocene technologies; alternatively, the education section specifies 8 years of direct job-related experience with an associate’s degree or 6 years with a bachelor’s degree.
Excellent understanding of laboratory processes, reactor design, process control, and catalyst handling.
Personal computer skills and applicable software knowledge.
Good interpersonal and communication skills and good business writing ability.
Strong organizational skills.
Extensive knowledge of B-1 processes.
Strong background installing and operating various laboratory-scale reactors.
In-depth knowledge of air-free handling of catalysts, co-catalysts, and raw materials.
Strong knowledge of catalyst end-use performance and reactor control system programming.
Good knowledge of product development project structure and test-data compilation.
Good knowledge of plant contacts and maintenance group processes and capabilities.
Experience directly supporting production-scale unit trials using new catalysts.
Working knowledge of FPC contracting, purchasing, and accounting processes.
Excellent knowledge of workplace safety policies and training coordination.
Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, including mechanical troubleshooting experience.
High school diploma or equivalent, or an associate’s or bachelor’s degree as described in the experience criteria.
Complete required company policies and procedures training after hire; current employees must meet technical and safety training requirements in the Master Training Plan.
Participate in the specified subject training and pass required certifications.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree with at least 6 years of direct job-related experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead development, evaluation, optimization, and commercialization of new and improved catalysts.
Generate, analyze, and interpret catalyst kinetic, physical, chemical, and performance data, including activity, selectivity, stability, life, and operating envelopes.
Develop predictive models and correlations to translate laboratory and pilot-scale catalyst performance into expected commercial-unit performance.
Identify opportunities to improve catalyst performance and life, reduce catalyst consumption, improve process efficiency, and lower manufacturing costs.
Establish catalyst performance specifications and acceptance criteria in collaboration with R&D, Process Engineering, Operations, Quality, Procurement, and Commercial teams.
Identify, evaluate, specify, and procure catalyst testing equipment, analytical instrumentation, reactors, and supporting laboratory systems.
Develop equipment specifications, participate in vendor evaluations, and provide technical input during equipment selection and purchasing.
Coordinate equipment installation, commissioning, qualification, and start-up.
Develop, maintain, and improve laboratory procedures, test methods, operating instructions, and equipment-specific protocols.
Ensure catalyst testing equipment is maintained, calibrated, and operated within established specifications.
Create and administer training programs and train laboratory personnel and technical staff in catalyst testing systems, equipment, analytical methods, and procedures.
Provide technical support to production units during production-scale trials of new, modified, or optimized catalysts.
Develop production trial plans covering objectives, operating conditions, sampling, performance criteria, safety, and contingencies.
Coordinate laboratory, pilot, and production-scale testing for catalyst scale-up.
Troubleshoot catalyst-related production trial issues with Operations and Process Engineering and recommend operating adjustments.
Monitor catalyst performance during trials, including product quality, throughput, energy efficiency, and catalyst consumption.
Analyze production trial data, compare results with laboratory and pilot predictions, and assess scale-up models.
Provide real-time technical guidance and recommend whether trial conditions should continue, change, or stop.
Lead post-trial evaluations and document results, lessons learned, conclusions, and recommendations.
Support transition of successful catalyst technologies into routine commercial production.
Participate in MOC, PHA, PSSR, risk assessments, and other applicable process safety activities.
Address hazards associated with chemicals, high temperatures and pressures, hydrogen, toxic or reactive materials, and laboratory or production reactor systems.
Promote cleanliness and order through the Total House Keeping Maintenance program, including the Nothing Touch Ground and No Visual Pollution programs, and maintain the plant in like-new condition.
Work closely with internal customers and tailor testing needs to their applications.