Job Opportunities

Job Opportunities2020-01-22T21:14:49+00:00

January 22, 2020

Celadyne Technologies

Senior Engineer, nanocomposite proton exchange membranes

Celadyne Technologies, based out of Argonne National Laboratory as part of the Chain Reaction Innovation program, is recruiting two full-time senior engineers in membrane research and development.

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December 12, 2019

Donaldson Company

Sr. Engineer, Membrane Technology

If you are a creative innovator who is looking to influence an industry leader through research and development, this role will excite you. You will develop new membranes or expand the uses of existing membranes to be used across our portfolio of filtration products.

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December 10, 2019

University of Toronto

Assistant Professor - Sustainable Water Processing for the Resource Industry

The Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry invites applications for a tenure stream appointment in advanced approaches and technologies for water treatment (recovery-purification-recycle) and management for the natural resource sector. We have a specific interest in applications relating to the mining, metals, environmental, or oil and gas industries. The appointment will be at the rank of Assistant Professor with an expected start date of July 1, 2020, or shortly thereafter.

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December 10, 2019

University of Texas at Austin

Postdoctoral researchers in membrane research and development

The Milliron group at the University of Texas at Austin, based in the McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, is recruiting one or more full-time postdoctoral researchers in membrane research and development. Based on the discovery of unusual high temperature protonic conductivity in nanocomposite ceramic-polymer films, the team is aiming to develop proton exchange membranes suitable for high performance electrochemical devices such as fuel cells and electrolyzers.

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December 2, 2019

Air Liquide

Membrane Engineer

The Membrane Engineer will aid in the achievement of Innovation & Technology Group mission objectives through the application of materials science and polymer rheology: new membrane development, polymer spinning and coating operations at development and pilot-scale to transfer to full-scale production, and in identifying and solving issues in plant operation related to hollow fiber membrane manufacturing.

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December 2, 2019

Air Liquide

Process Engineer

The selected candidate will become the technical mechanical engineer supporting multiple process areas: Filament Winding, Forming, Epoxy Systems, Taping, Hot Wire Cut, Potting/Capping, Machining, and Assembly.

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September 26, 2019

University of Kentucky

Assistant Professor in Chemical Engineering

The Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering at the University of Kentucky invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in chemical engineering at the Assistant Professor level with an anticipated start date of Fall 2020.

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University of Kentucky

Assistant Professor in Chemical Engineering

As part of a new growth initiative in the College of Engineering at the University of Kentucky, the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in chemical engineering at the Assistant Professor level with an anticipated start date of Fall 2020. Applicants should hold a Ph.D. degree in chemical engineering or a related field with a distinguished record of research accomplishments and the capability to develop an active and nationally recognized research program. The successful candidate must demonstrate a strong commitment to undergraduate and graduate education and be qualified to teach courses in chemical engineering.

The University of Kentucky is home to a vibrant and growing research community, with a strong infrastructure to support faculty development. The successful candidate will have expertise in research areas that complement existing department strengths and that are targeted for future collaboration and growth. Specifically, priority will be given to applicants with a record of research accomplishments in membrane sciences, with emphasis in bioseparations and biotechnology.

To apply, please visit the UK Jobs site here: http://ukjobs.uky.edu/postings/248366 Please submit a letter of interest, complete curriculum vitae, a statement of research goals (upload under Specific Request 1), and a statement of teaching philosophy and experience (upload under Specific Request 2). Please also include the names and contact information for at least three references when prompted in the application. This information may be utilized to solicit recommendation letters from your references within the employment system.

Applications will be reviewed beginning November 1st, 2019 and continue until the position is filled.

For more information, contact Prof. Isabel Escobar (isabel.escobar@uky.edu). Information on the Department can be found at: https://www.engr.uky.edu/

The University of Kentucky is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from veterans, individuals with disabilities, women, African Americans, and all minorities

Date posted: September 26, 2019

Air Liquide

Process Engineer

Job Purpose

The selected candidate will become the technical mechanical engineer supporting multiple process areas: Filament Winding, Forming, Epoxy Systems, Taping, Hot Wire Cut, Potting/Capping, Machining, and Assembly. The Process Engineer’s primary responsibilities will be to provide day-to-day troubleshooting and support to keep production moving forward; to identify and implement process improvement and optimization initiatives; to commission and start-up any capacity expansion and continuous improvement projects; to maintain all documentation associated with the process steps (work instructions, P&IDs, technical memos); and to serve as the technical representative on project teams for any projects associated with the process equipment.

The ideal candidate will develop technical expertise in the areas of membrane filament winding, epoxy systems, taping, machining and assembly, ultimately providing guidance to others within the company for best practices and optimization.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Serve as a safety role model; promote a high level of safety awareness; adhere to and support the continuous improvement of all safety practices / procedures.
  • Monitor work areas for unsafe conditions.  Maintain good housekeeping standards.
  • Participate in routine safety reviews (HazOps, PHAs, PSSRs, etc.) and promptly address any findings.
  • Complete any assigned safety trainings.  Proactively identify and address unsafe conditions in assigned work areas.  Participate in the Behavioral Safety Program.
  • Monitor, control, troubleshoot and evaluate the processes of the Forming, Winding, Machining, Potting and Assembly areas.
  • Investigate process problems:  gather information, consult with appropriate resources, and ultimately propose and implement improvements.  Document troubleshooting efforts for future reference.
  • Maintain up-to-date work instructions, recipes, process documentation and process drawings.
  • Optimize and debottleneck processes.  Propose cost saving measures.
  • Optimize and debottleneck processes. Propose cost saving measures. Implement scrap reduction initiatives.
  • Assist with equipment upgrades and replacements. Investigate new equipment technologies.
  • Understand the requirements of aerospace customers; recognize what process changes could potentially impact form/fit/function of final product. Work with Aerospace Program Manager to provide data to customers, to support aerospace product and process improvements.
  • Work closely with Innovation & Technology (I&T) team to seamlessly and safely introduce development activities into the production area.
  • Participate as active member of project teams, whether for new equipment implementation, I&T activities, or process improvement projects.
  • Assist with training and education of operators for all process changes and projects, safety related issues, operational procedures, and equipment use.
  • Assist with efforts to transition product development activities to full scale commercial operation.
  • Serve as liaison between Operations, I&T, R&D, Maintenance, Sales, Purchasing, and other groups to resolve production and processing issues.
  • Recommend preventative and predictive maintenance strategies and practices.
  • Understand and communicate unit capacities to support the production planning process.
  • Track KPIs (key process indicators) associated with equipment performance. Analyze these metrics to ensure that all processes are performing as expected - yields are being met and throughput is maximized. Use these metrics for early detection of production issues.
  • Interact and work effectively with all groups throughout the organization: Innovation & Technology (I&T), Operations, Maintenance, Project Management, Quality, R&D, Sales, etc.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

  • B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or comparable program
  • Minimum of 5 years manufacturing / process support experience
  • Proficient with databases, spreadsheets, and other computer software programs
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Ability to work effectively in teams and individually

Preferred Qualifications

  • Six Sigma
  • Understanding of and experience with 5S / LEAN principles
  • Hands-on mechanical skills
  • Proficient with AutoCAD or SolidWorks
  • Filament winding and epoxy system knowledge is a plis
  • Familiarity with ASME code requirements
  • Familiarity with machine code

Additional Information

Physical requirements

  • Ability to walk / stand for long periods of time, on occasion
  • Some physical work activity above ground level or in tight areas, on occasion

Candidate must have valid unrestricted employment authorization in the U.S. and must not require visa sponsorship now or in the future. This position is not open for non-immigrant visa sponsorship. This position is identified by Air Liquide as "safety-sensitive" and as such is subject to random drug testing in accordance with the current Drug and Alcohol Policy.

University of Texas at Austin

Postdoctoral researchers in membrane research and development

The Milliron group at the University of Texas at Austin, based in the McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, is recruiting one or more full-time postdoctoral researchers in
membrane research and development. Based on the discovery of unusual high temperature protonic conductivity in nanocomposite ceramic-polymer films, the team is aiming to develop
proton exchange membranes suitable for high performance electrochemical devices such as fuel cells and electrolyzers. The postdoc(s) will collaborate with the R&D team at a recently
established start-up company and with other members of the Milliron research group to develop optimal membrane materials meeting all requirements for these applications.

Responsibilities of the postdoctoral researcher(s) will include membrane fabrication and testing, development of optimized membrane compositions, synthesis and characterization of
metal oxide nanocrystals for membranes, organization and communication of results, and coordination with other team members. Participation in development of commercialization
strategy, through the NSF I-Corps program, is also possible. Anticipated outcomes include journal publications, opportunities for conference presentations, and patent applications for
any new inventions. The position will be excellent preparation for a career with start-up or established companies or for a faculty appointment in a related engineering field.

Qualifications:

    Required:

  • PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related discipline
  • Experience with membrane fabrication and characterization for any application ranging from electrochemical devices to gas separations or water filtration
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative team
  • Strong motivation for materials and technology innovation
    Preferred:

  • Experience with polymer selection or design for membrane performance
  • Experience with electrochemical membrane fabrication and testing to potentially include ion conductivity, mechanical properties, and gas permeability
  • Experience with materials synthesis including, e.g., polymers for membranes or inorganic nanomaterials

Interested applicants should contact: Prof. Delia Milliron, milliron@che.utexas.edu. Please include a cover letter and CV listing three references.

Date posted: December 12, 2019

University of Toronto

Assistant Professor - Sustainable Water Processing for the Resource Industry

The Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry invites applications for a tenure stream appointment in advanced approaches and technologies for water treatment (recovery-purification-recycle) and management for the natural resource sector. We have a specific interest in applications relating to the mining, metals, environmental, or oil and gas industries. The appointment will be at the rank of Assistant Professor with an expected start date of July 1, 2020, or shortly thereafter.

Applicants are expected to have a PhD in chemical, civil, environmental, metallurgical, materials or mechanical engineering, applied chemistry or related field at the time of appointment or soon after. Postdoctoral or industrial experience is an asset. The successful candidate will have demonstrated excellence in research and teaching, as well as innovation in research and teaching. Candidates with experience or a demonstrated strong interest in water and sustainability issues in the resource industry would be an asset.

Candidates must have research experience in at least two of the areas below. Any practical experience would be an asset.

  • Remediation and recovery of metals from extractive industry process water
  • Novel membrane processes for treatment or purification of industrial water and/or effluent streams including desalination by reverse, forward, pressure retarded osmosis and variants
  • Biological processes for process-affected water purification
  • Integration of advanced materials chemistry or nanomaterials in process water purification or treatment
  • Electrocatalytic, electrochemical, solar, or light mediated processes for process water treatment including electrodialysis
  • Aqueous chemistry of process-affected water
  • Advanced analytical tools and sensors for process-affected waters
  • Life cycle assessment of process water related systems
  • Water in the circular economy
  • Smart use of water and reducing the water ‘footprint’
  • Machine learning and artificial intelligence applications related to process water recovery, purification or treatment

Areas of application for candidates’ research may include, but are not limited to, acid mine drainage, environmental discharges to surface or underground waters, water usage in extractive
metallurgy, industrial water reuse and recycling, urban resource recovery, mining and oil sands process affected water, or tailings management.

All qualified applicants are invited to apply online by clicking on the link below. Please include the following materials: a cover letter; a curriculum vitae; a statement of research vision with a five to ten year horizon (three to five pages); up to three sample publications; as well as, a teaching dossier including a statement of teaching philosophy and interests, and if available sample course syllabi, teaching evaluations, or evidence of superior performance in other teaching-related activities as listed above. If you have any questions about this position, please contact chair.chemeng@utoronto.ca. All application materials must be submitted online. Please combine attachments into one file in PDF or Word formats. Submission guidelines can be found at http://uoft.me/how-to-apply. Applicants should also arrange for three letters of reference (signed and on letterhead) to be sent directly by the referees to facultysearch.chemeng@utoronto.ca by February 18, 2020.

More information on the Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry’s academic plan is available at: https://chem-eng.utoronto.ca/wpcontent/uploads/2018/04/2015ChemE_SS_pg9-10_insert-.pdf. For more information on the Department, please visit www.chem-eng.utoronto.ca.

The University of Toronto is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons / persons of colour, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a brief Diversity Survey. This survey is voluntary. Any information directly related to you is confidential and cannot be accessed by
search committees or human resources staff. Results will be aggregated for institutional planning purposes. For more information, please see http://uoft.me/UP.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Date posted: December 12, 2019

Celadyne Technologies

Senior Engineer, nanocomposite proton exchange membranes

Celadyne Technologies, based out of Argonne National Laboratory as part of the Chain Reaction Innovation program, is recruiting two full-time senior engineers in membrane research and development. Based on the discovery of unusual high temperature protonic conductivity in nanocomposite ceramic-polymer films, the team is developing proton exchange membranes for high performance electrochemical devices such as fuel cells and electrolyzers. The team collaborates with researchers of the Milliron and Freeman research groups at the University of Texas at Austin.

Technical responsibilities include membrane fabrication and testing, polymer functionalization, development of optimized membrane compositions, synthesis and characterization of metal oxide nanocrystals for membranes, organization and communication of results, and coordination with other team members. Efforts are expected to contribute to the development of prototypes and manufacturing processes, with patent applications filed for any new inventions.

This will be an immersive startup experience: you will be a part of the core team of the company. Join us if you’re passionate about hard tech and energy, enjoy solving difficult problems, and want to help build a company from the ground up. A competitive compensation including stock options and full benefits will be offered.

Required qualifications:
- PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related discipline
- Experience with membrane fabrication and characterization for any application ranging from electrochemical devices to gas separations or water filtration
- Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative team
- Strong motivation for materials and technology innovation
- At least two years of relevant R&D experience

Preferred qualifications:
- Experience with polymer selection or design for membrane performance
- Experience with electrochemical membrane fabrication and testing to potentially include ion conductivity, mechanical properties, and gas permeability
- Experience with materials synthesis, e.g., polymers for membranes or inorganic nanomaterials
- Four or more years industrial R&D experience in a relevant technology space

Interested applicants should contact: Dr. Gary Ong, garyong@celadynetech.com.

Please include a cover letter and CV listing three references.

Celadyne provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Date posted: January 22, 2020

Donaldson Company

Sr. Engineer, Membrane Technology

You care about the world. So do we. Work together with a talented group of people committed to making innovative products and services that improve our world.

Are you an Engineer who enjoys working in a strong, team-based culture to develop innovative new products as an industry leader? If you have talent, initiative and a desire to join a thriving and stable global company with a wealth of career opportunities, you can go places with Donaldson Company, a leading provider of filtration solutions.

Our Advanced Research and Development group within our Corporate Technology department is expanding and looking for a Senior Engineer, Membrane Technology. If you are a creative innovator who is looking to influence an industry leader through research and development, this role will excite you. You will develop new membranes or expand the uses of existing membranes to be used across our portfolio of filtration products. AS a contributing member of our collaborative teams, you will lead our membrane development through a disciplined process. The position is located in Bloomington, MN, but will involve travel to manufacturing plant locations in the United States as well as global interaction with Donaldson teams in Europe and Asia.

    Job Description:

  • Leads programs to assess and develop technical capability for organic polymer based membranes in terms of knowledge, processes and methods
  • Uses sound statistical methods to designs experiments, analyze test results and write technical project reports.
  • Provides direction on critical problem areas, alternative solutions and potential consequences in the research and development process.
  • Researches potential benefit of emerging technologies, keeping informed of new methods, techniques, materials and other technical advances.
  • Design, cost, schedule, and run prototype and pre-production trials using internal and external resources.
  • Shares project update in the form of technical reports and/or presentations to senior management and technical collaboration groups.
  • Shares understanding of fundamental physics principles, state of the art technologies and manufacturing techniques with program teams.
  • Collaborates on IP analysis, writing, and filing.
    Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering and a minimum of 5 years related professional engineering work experience is required. Masters or PhD degree is preferred, especially with a material or polymer focus.
  • Knowledge of mechanical, chemical and manufacturing design required.
  • Demonstrated hands-on mechanical aptitude in the areas of material development, prototype builds and laboratory work.
  • Strong knowledge of basic principles in polymer science and filtration required.
  • Experience in membrane development is preferred.
  • Strong leadership skills, very organized and detail oriented.
  • Must have good work attitude, and the ability to work in a team.
  • Ability to communicate effectively to small and large groups including senior management.
  • Position may require 15% travel; must be able to travel domestically with possible international travel.

At Donaldson, we are working with businesses from all over the globe. Our work improves lives, enhances equipment performance and protects our environment.  Are you ready to make a difference?

To apply, click here.

Date posted: December 12, 2019

Air Liquide

Membrane Engineer

World leader in gases, technologies and services for Industry and Health, Air Liquide is present in 80 countries with approximately 66,000 employees and serves more than 3,6 million customers and patients. Oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen have been at the core of the company’s activities since its creation in 1902. Air Liquide’s ambition is to be the leader in its industry, delivering long-term performance and acting responsibly.

Job Responsibilities

The Innovation & Technology (I&T) Group mission at ALaS Newport is to facilitate innovation through new membrane product & manufacturing process development. This is achieved through strong competencies in polymer design, manufacture, characterization and testing principally aimed at gas separation membrane and cartridge development.  A critical part of the mission is facilitating pilot hollow fiber spin trials and in-operation-service trials to advance our technology and product capabilities. The I&T Group also serves the manufacturing organization to troubleshoot plant operations and customer applications that employ ALaS membranes.

To that end the Membrane Engineer  will aid in the achievement of I&T Group mission objectives through the application of materials science and polymer rheology: new membrane development, polymer spinning and coating operations at development and pilot-scale to transfer to full-scale production, and in identifying and solving issues in plant operation related to hollow fiber membrane manufacturing. At times the individual will be called to weigh in on issues related to the operations of these membranes at customer sites.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Work independently and with ALaS technical personnel to make and test polymer dope, cast and test polymer films, run trial hollow fiber spinning and coating operations.
  • Identify / formulate and facilitate the implementation of new polymers/ material systems/ processing techniques to broaden commercial competitiveness of ALaS membrane products;
  • Support New Product Development Efforts, Interface with the Manufacturing Technology and Production Organization to translate product development to commercial products;
  • Interface with the AL R&D Organization to transition late-stage membrane/device development to pilot or manufacturing stages at the ALaS Newport facility;
  • Lend key technical expertise to troubleshoot plant operational problems when necessary;
  • Participate in Troubleshooting exercises to address a range of issues from raw material quality and product operational issues.
  • Some understanding in Polymer Rheology, knowledge in polymer characterization and testing methods is necessary
  • Support of materials projects for second-source of materials development, materials replacements, special procurement tasks, etc.
  • Lead / manage materials related projects with external companies, government organizations, and universities.
  • Serve as a safety role model; promote a high level of safety awareness; adhere to and support the continuous improvement of all safety practices / procedures.

Required Qualifications

  • Chemical Engineering or Polymer Engineering background highly desired. Mechanical Engineering with strong experience in polymer processing is acceptable.
  • A minimum of 3+ year work experience in polymer materials handling or processing.
  • BS level with 10+ years experience or Master’s level with 5+ years experience or PhD level with 3+ years experience

Required Competencies

  • Ability to work independently and in small teams, in a way that enhances team dynamics.
  • Ability to lead and manage small to medium projects.
  • Individual should expect to work in lab with modest and part-time support from lab technician.
  • Hands-on work in lab to test polymer samples and prepare polymer dope for tests, cast films, spin and coat fiber, test dopes, films and fibers for viability with in-house tests, etc.
  • Capable of clear and cogent written and verbal communication through reports / status updates / presentations, etc.  Able to interface with customers, suppliers, and senior management to positively convey information.
  • Capable of maintaining ongoing and developing new relationships with key technical partners in AL R&D, external contractors, technology partners, etc.

Preferred Competencies 

  • Hands-on capability to cast and test polymer films for gas permeation, testing and characterization, etc.
  • Hands-on capability to operate development polymer dope mixing, spin and coating units.
  • An understanding of all Hollow Fiber Production Steps employed in a Manufacturing Plant.
  • Operate Analytical tools e.g. DSC, FTIR, etc.
  • Stay abreast with technical reports and published literature; alert technical team of new developments, willingness to test out new concepts to improve performance, yield, etc.

To apply, visit the Air Liquide website.