Sr. Customer & Application Development Engineer - Subsea Thermal Insulation Systems

ExxonMobil • Baytown, TX

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

Join ExxonMobil in growing the ProxximaTM polyolefin thermoset system business. These resin formulations are based on cyclic C5 monomers and other proprietary monomers and additives, with catalyst formulations rooted in Nobel Prize-winning technology. This combination produces polymers capable of outperforming current thermoset composite solutions in applications like wind turbine blades, electric vehicle parts, building construction, and anticorrosion coatings.

The role involves developing and commercializing innovative Proxxima™ polyolefin thermoset products for Oil & Gas applications, with a primary focus on subsea thermal insulation systems for flowlines, field joints, and subsea equipment. This aims to replace conventional technologies such as Multi-Layer Polypropylene (MLPP) and silicone-based insulation systems.

Key responsibilities include driving the development of next-generation materials with enhanced thermal insulation properties, lower thermal conductivity, and improved application efficiency. This requires leveraging knowledge of offshore pipeline installation methods (J-Lay, Reel-Lay, S-Lay) to define material requirements, evaluate performance, and support the validation and optimization of Proxxima resin technologies.

The position also demands applying a strong understanding of flow assurance and subsea operating conditions to identify customer needs, develop fit-for-purpose solutions, and expand Proxxima applications within the Oil & Gas sector. Exploring new application opportunities like re-fracturing (Refrac), Plug and Abandonment (P&A), and other emerging energy infrastructure technologies is also part of the role, alongside collaborating with cross-functional teams for product qualification, commercialization, and business growth.

Developing customer-focused solutions and providing on-site technical support during installation, assisting customers with process optimization, troubleshooting, and implementation, and recommending equipment upgrades are crucial. A core aspect of this role is developing structure-property relationships between additives and ultimate performance.

The primary work location is the Baytown Technology and Engineering Complex in Baytown, TX, with collaboration with commercial colleagues at the ExxonMobil Campus in Spring, TX, and travel throughout North America and internationally for customer trials.

Requirements

• B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Petroleum Engineering or related degree
• Strong understanding of flow assurance, thermal management, and insulation material requirements in the Oil & Gas industry
• Experienced in assessing insulation needs for pipelines and process equipment to mitigate flow-related risks, optimize operational performance, and maintain asset integrity
• Demonstrated expertise in statistics, analytical techniques and problem solving.
• Proficient in use of computers and possess excellent administrative and organizational skills
• Strong interpersonal, analytical and communication skills.
• Must be hands on with inclination to be lab based.
• Good team player and self-motivated

Nice To Haves

• Fundamental understanding of polymer product-structure property relationship, particularly as they related to thermoset systems
• Fundamental understanding of different key additives such as rubber, plasticizers etc. on properties of thermoset systems.
• Fundamental understanding in polymerization reaction kinetics, particularly those related to ring opening metathesis polymerization or general chain growth polymerization.
• Knowledge of major thermoset markets, applications, and common thermoset processing and conversion technologies such as injection molding, VARTM, hand lay-up, filament winding, pultrusion, and spray coatings
• Knowledge of Intellectual property assessment/procurement

Responsibilities

• Develop new thermoset resin systems based on cyclic C5, other co-monomers, rubbers, diluents, and other additives and components.
• Optimize existing thermoset catalyst systems utilizing novel additives to improve quality or modulate network formation.
• Develop fundamental understanding of structure / performance relationships and utilize DoEs and statistics to do so efficiently.
• Develop raw material and finished product specifications.
• Develop new test methods suitable for such specifications.
• Provide technical insights gleaned from the market to help guide new product and application developments.
• Collaborate with technical, commercial, and manufacturing colleagues to ensure rapid development & commercialization of new products & solutions. Lead these programs, when appropriate.
• Provide market insights to inform and update business strategy.
• Develop robust solutions for fabricating articles made from ProxximaTM systems.
• Provide on-site technical support for customers producing non-reinforced molded goods through open mold processes.
• Assist customers in processing optimization and, where needed, provide guidance on equipment upgrades.
• Develop novel technology to strengthen the portfolio of intellectual property.
• Author technical reports and technical publications to share learnings internally.
• Author promotional brochures, presentations, and technical data sheets highlighting performance benefits.
• Train and mentor less experienced colleagues.

Benefits

• Pension Plan: Enrollment is automatic and at no cost to you. The basic benefit is a monthly annuity to be paid to you in retirement for the rest of your life.
• Savings Plan: You can contribute between 6% and 20% of your pay and are encouraged to enroll right away. If you contribute at least 6% to your savings plan, the Company will contribute a 7% match.
• Workplace Flexibility: We have several programs such as “Flex your Day”, providing ad-hoc flexibility around when and where you work, as well as longer-term programs such as leaves of absence and part-time work.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Culture of Health: Programs and resources to support your wellbeing.
• Employee Health Advisory Program: Provides confidential professional counseling for you and your family, including tools and resources promoting mental health and resiliency at no additional cost to you.
• Disability Plan: Income replacement for when you cannot work due to illness or injury occurring on or off the job. Enrollment is automatic and at no cost to you.

What This Job Offers

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