Chief Technical leader - Refining Catalyst Development

KBR, Inc.•Houston, TX

3d•Onsite

About The Position

KBR Sustainable Technology Solutions (STS) provides holistic and value-added solutions across the entire asset life cycle. These include world-class licensed process technologies, differentiated advisory services, deep technical domain expertise, energy transition solutions, high-end design capabilities, and smart solutions to optimize planned and operating assets. KBR Technology specializes in developing and licensing energy-efficient and cost-effective process technologies that provide economic and technical advantages to global oil and gas and petrochemical companies. With thousands of successful projects worldwide, KBR combines its technology expertise with full engineering, procurement and construction services to help clients maximize the value of their assets. KBR Technology offers a breadth of technology licenses, catalysts, and process equipment for Ammonia and Fertilizer, Synthesis Gas / Syngas, Olefins, Coal Gasification, Refining, Hydrogen and Organic Chemicals. Serving our customers through diverse business segments, we offer challenging assignments on some of the world's largest and most complex projects where our clients have come to value us because We Deliver KBR is seeking a Chief Technical leader for Refining Catalyst Development responsible for all phases of catalyst commercialization including R&D, manufacturing and customer support. Work will include coordination of cross-functional groups within KBR as well as partner organizations and personnel. Position will be full-time located in Houston, Texas (No remote functioning acceptable). Functional job responsibilities will include but are not limited to: Provide global technical leadership for refining catalyst technologies across research, development, scale up, commercialization, and lifecycle support Act as Chief Technical Authority for revenue generating refining catalysts, including: FCC catalysts (including ZSM 5 based and enhanced performance formulations) Hydrocracking catalysts Hydrotreating and desulfurization catalysts Define and execute technology roadmaps, performance targets, and product evolution strategies aligned with business objectives Lead catalyst R&D programs, including formulation development, testing, pilot evaluation, and commercial qualification Support catalyst manufacturing strategy, ensuring robustness, quality, and consistency from lab to commercial production Serve as senior technical interface with customers, providing support for trials, performance optimization, troubleshooting, and technical reviews Lead and support commercialization of next generation (“blue ocean”) technologies Translate early-stage concepts into commercial products, including pilot programs, demonstrations, and first of a kind applications Support licensing, proposals, and business development, providing deep technical differentiation and credibility Collaborate cross functionally with R&D, manufacturing, licensing, sales, and project execution teams globally Coordinate with external partners, suppliers, and research organizations as required Provide technical input to IP strategy, including patents, trade secrets, and freedom to operate assessments Mentor and develop senior technical staff, strengthening long term technical capability within KBR Represent KBR as a technical expert in customer meetings, industry forums, and technical conferences Travel domestically and internationally to support customers, commercialization activities, and business growth initiatives

Requirements

Master’s degree in chemical engineering
Minimum of 20+ years CURRENT experience in Refining Process Catalyst research and manufacturing (or equivalent)
Ability to work in cross-functional and multi-cultural environments
Strong English verbal, writing and reading communication skills
Must have the ability to clearly convey technical concepts and principles in both verbal and written communications to clients, peers and KBR management
Must be willing and available to travel 25-50% domestic and international, as needed

Nice To Haves

25+ years of experience
Background in Refining and experience in Petrochemical processes
Multi language capabilities including Korean and Mandarin preferred
PhD in Chemical Engineering
Decarbonization – Energy Transition – Sustainability

Responsibilities

Provide global technical leadership for refining catalyst technologies across research, development, scale up, commercialization, and lifecycle support
Act as Chief Technical Authority for revenue generating refining catalysts, including: FCC catalysts (including ZSM 5 based and enhanced performance formulations), Hydrocracking catalysts, Hydrotreating and desulfurization catalysts
Define and execute technology roadmaps, performance targets, and product evolution strategies aligned with business objectives
Lead catalyst R&D programs, including formulation development, testing, pilot evaluation, and commercial qualification
Support catalyst manufacturing strategy, ensuring robustness, quality, and consistency from lab to commercial production
Serve as senior technical interface with customers, providing support for trials, performance optimization, troubleshooting, and technical reviews
Lead and support commercialization of next generation (“blue ocean”) technologies
Translate early-stage concepts into commercial products, including pilot programs, demonstrations, and first of a kind applications
Support licensing, proposals, and business development, providing deep technical differentiation and credibility
Collaborate cross functionally with R&D, manufacturing, licensing, sales, and project execution teams globally
Coordinate with external partners, suppliers, and research organizations as required
Provide technical input to IP strategy, including patents, trade secrets, and freedom to operate assessments
Mentor and develop senior technical staff, strengthening long term technical capability within KBR
Represent KBR as a technical expert in customer meetings, industry forums, and technical conferences
Travel domestically and internationally to support customers, commercialization activities, and business growth initiatives

Benefits

KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule.
We support career advancement through professional training and development.

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