Chemical Process Engineer

NovoLINC Inc • Pittsburgh, PA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

NovoLINC is a deep-tech spin-off from Carnegie Mellon University and the ARPA-E COOLERCHIPS program, developing thermal interface materials for industries including semiconductors, electronics, AI data centers, automotive, and aerospace. The company describes its approach to growth as people-first, with opportunities for employees to contribute and develop their skills.

The Chemical Process Engineer is a hands-on individual contributor on NovoLINC’s technical and engineering team, working directly under the Director of Technology and Manufacture. The role supports the expansion of manufacturing processes and involves day-to-day development, operation, chemical handling, and maintenance of plating processes. The engineer works with electroplating lines, monitors metal concentrations through laboratory and plating tests, and handles and scales up bulk hazardous chemicals such as acids, bases, and solvents. The position is onsite at NovoLINC’s locations in Harmar Township and Sharpsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in chemistry, chemical engineering, or materials science.
• At least 2 years of experience in an industrial environment.
• Hands-on laboratory experience with solvents, acid solutions, and base solutions, and commitment to safe laboratory practices.
• Solid understanding of chemical redox reactions, solution-phase chemistry, and surface chemistry.
• Ability to work onsite 100% at the company’s physical locations in Harmar Township and Sharpsburgh, Pennsylvania.
• Proven verbal and written technical and non-technical communication skills, including written reporting.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with copper, nickel, or similar industrial electroplating processes or electrochemistry.
• Experience in surface science or organic chemistry.
• Experience scaling bench-level chemical processes for manufacturing.
• Experience using Design of Experiments (DOE) methodology for process development and optimization.
• Experience with continuous manufacturing processes, especially those involving electroplating.
• Programming experience in Python, R, MATLAB, or similar tools for data gathering or analysis.
• Solid understanding of statistical principles and experience assessing data using Minitab, JMP, or similar tools.
• Knowledge of process development methods such as Lean Six Sigma, root cause analysis, and DMAIC.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Director of Technology and Manufacture to run chemical processes at scales ranging from benchtop to production.
• Apply chemical process development knowledge to existing product-related processes and develop new methods and chemistry for scale-up.
• Use process improvement and lean methodology to meet and maintain customer quality and throughput standards.
• Work with external suppliers and partners to maintain a consistent supply of high-quality materials and chemistry.
• Specify, source, and install methods or equipment for bath maintenance and chemical testing.
• Develop and implement hands-on maintenance programs for chemical process tanks, including electroplating tanks, and establish quality-control and standard tests to maintain plating quality and proactively monitor bath health.
• Develop automated and semi-automated tests for parts and process chemistry tanks to improve efficiency and part quality, and maintain sampling, data storage, and feedback processes.
• Handle hazardous chemicals and processes safely, including using provided personal protective equipment.
• Process quality and testing data using statistical principles and provide timely, accurate reports to the Director of Technology and Manufacture.
• Maintain batch control for samples created for quality control.
• Ensure hazardous waste is stored safely and coordinate safe disposal with approved partners.
• Prepare written experimental reports for management.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Health care.
• Flexible paid time off (PTO).
• Opportunity to work with a highly motivated team driving innovation in the thermal management industry.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level