Research & Development Specialist

Chevron

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Performs laboratory experiments and tests utilizing instructions and/or standard methodology; interprets results and conducts analyses in support of product and process research and development. Chevron is accepting online applications for the position Research & Development Specialist through 1/12/2026 at 11:59 p.m. (PST). This research engineer position is in the H2 & Reactor Science Team within the Build For Tomorrow/Molecular Conversion/Innovation Department of Technology, Projects and Execution (TPE), and provides technology and services across the enterprise. This position is located at Chevron’s Richmond Technology Center. The research engineer will conduct R&D to develop innovative technologies, provide technical service and consultation to business units, and produce Intellectual Property critical to Chevron business focusing on reactor design and process development from concepts to commercialization. Responsibility for this position may include but not limited to: Design and execute comprehensive R&D program to develop innovative technologies critical to Chevron’s current and future businesses starting from concepts to pilot testing and to commercial deployment and operation, including but not limit to technology developments for low carbon energy transition Provide technical service and consultation to Chevron’s business units including Downstream refineries and technology Licensing business focusing on reactor internals design for hydrotreating and hydrocracking processes Conduct computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations and cold flow tests to support process scale-up as well as Chevron upstream, downstream, chemical, and new energy business Proactively engage customers to assess new technology needs and gaps; create appropriate programs to fill those needs in a timely and cost-effective fashion. Design, operate and troubleshoot bench/pilot scale experimental units which may operate at elevated temperature & pressure (>500F and >1000 psig) and involve potentially toxic chemicals and a broad variety of petroleum derived materials Interpret and present experimental results and research progress in written and/or orally Work in a multi-disciplinary team and interact with other scientists and engineers as well as customers from upstream/downstream operation business units and external government and industry collaborators. Rigorously upholding laboratory safety and compliance policies

Requirements

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering.
Strong background on reaction engineering for reactor internal designs with focus on multiphase fluid dynamics, chemical reaction kinetics, heat and mass transfer
Ability to conduct comprehensive CFD simulations
Hands-on experimental and laboratory experience including bench/pilot scale unit operation and cold flow testing
Ability to handle multiple complex projects simultaneously with solid problem-solving skills
Strong commitment to Operational Excellence in lab, office, and field operation environment
Strong teamwork and collaboration skills
Strong communication skills (oral and written)

Nice To Haves

Experience and in-depth knowledge in hydrotreating and hydrocracking processes and catalysis
Experience in fluidized bed reactor design and operation
Process simulation and modeling experience using software package such as PROII, HYSYS, etc.
Ability & prior experience to work with collaborators in the company, universities, national labs, etc.
Pilot testing, process scale-up, technology deployment field experience
Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with colleagues outside their immediate work group

Responsibilities

Design and execute comprehensive R&D program to develop innovative technologies critical to Chevron’s current and future businesses starting from concepts to pilot testing and to commercial deployment and operation, including but not limit to technology developments for low carbon energy transition
Provide technical service and consultation to Chevron’s business units including Downstream refineries and technology Licensing business focusing on reactor internals design for hydrotreating and hydrocracking processes
Conduct computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations and cold flow tests to support process scale-up as well as Chevron upstream, downstream, chemical, and new energy business
Proactively engage customers to assess new technology needs and gaps; create appropriate programs to fill those needs in a timely and cost-effective fashion.
Design, operate and troubleshoot bench/pilot scale experimental units which may operate at elevated temperature & pressure (>500F and >1000 psig) and involve potentially toxic chemicals and a broad variety of petroleum derived materials
Interpret and present experimental results and research progress in written and/or orally
Work in a multi-disciplinary team and interact with other scientists and engineers as well as customers from upstream/downstream operation business units and external government and industry collaborators.
Rigorously upholding laboratory safety and compliance policies

Benefits

Chevron offers competitive compensation and benefits programs which includes, but is not limited to, variable pay, health care coverage, retirement plan, protection coverage, time off and leave programs, training and development opportunities and a range of allowances connected to specific work situations.

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