Principal Chemical Engineer - Fired Heater Specialist
About The Position
The Principal Chemical Engineer will provide technical leadership across the full lifecycle of fired heater systems supporting UOP’s process technology portfolio. The role combines thermal and process expertise with mechanical integration awareness to drive innovation, resolve complex problems, and enable successful project execution. The position serves as a subject matter expert in fired heater design, operation, and troubleshooting, working across R&D, project execution, and field support. It also helps advance UOP’s fired heater capabilities, standards, and technology differentiation. The role is based in Rosemont, Illinois, or Houston, Texas, on a hybrid work schedule. New hires must work onsite Monday through Friday for their first 90 days. Travel of up to 10% worldwide is required, typically for short periods of a few days to two weeks. Relocation support may be provided. The position reports to the Senior Chemical Engineering Manager.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, or related discipline).
- 10 or more years of experience in engineering and/or operations in the process industries.
- Must meet the stated U.S. Person requirement: be a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, have protected status in the U.S. under asylum or refugee status, or have the ability to obtain export authorization.
- Ability to travel up to 10% worldwide, typically for short-duration trips of a few days to two weeks.
Nice To Haves
- Five or more years of focused experience in fired heater design.
- Deep expertise in fired heater design methodologies, including thermal, fluid flow, and heat transfer analysis.
- Expert knowledge of industry codes and standards such as API 560, API 530, API 535, and related practices.
- Active participation or leadership in an API Code Committee.
- Experience integrating process, thermal, and mechanical design considerations for complex equipment systems.
- Expertise in troubleshooting and performance optimization of operating units.
- Experience working on global, cross-functional teams and managing multiple priorities.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a track record of innovative solutions.
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to influence stakeholders and mentor others.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the technical authority for fired heater systems across UOP’s portfolio.
- Lead thermal design and performance evaluation of fired heaters, using tools such as FRNC and other modeling platforms.
- Drive equipment specification, design reviews, and optimization for new units, revamps, and debottlenecking projects.
- Troubleshoot complex operational and design issues and provide solutions to internal teams and customers.
- Lead innovation and development efforts to improve fired heater performance, reliability, emissions, and efficiency.
- Develop and enhance engineering standards, tools, and best practices for fired heater design and application.
- Interface with customers, vendors, and global engineering teams to support successful project delivery.
- Provide technical mentoring, coaching, and training to develop organizational expertise.
- Support new technology commercialization and strategic initiatives related to fired heater systems.
Benefits
- Employer-subsidized medical insurance
- Employer-subsidized dental insurance
- Employer-subsidized vision insurance
- Employer-subsidized life insurance
- Short-term disability
- Long-term disability
- 401(k) match
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Health Savings Accounts
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Educational Assistance
- Parental Leave
- Paid Time Off for vacation, personal business, sick time, and parental leave
- 12 paid holidays
- Relocation support may be provided
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
