Chemical Process Development Engineer

What we do-

Aspen is a technology leader in sustainability and electrification solutions. The Company's aerogel technology enables its customers and partners to achieve their own objectives around the global megatrends of resource efficiency, e-mobility, and clean energy. Aspen's PyroThin® products enable solutions to thermal runaway challenges within the electric vehicle ("EV") market. The Company's Cryogel® and Pyrogel® products are valued by the world's largest energy infrastructure companies. Aspen's strategy is to partner with world-class industry leaders to leverage its Aerogel Technology Platform® into additional high-value markets. Aspen is headquartered in Northborough, Mass.

What we value-

At Aspen, our values reflect who we are and how we work both with each other and our customers, suppliers, and communities. They shape our interactions, guide our decisions, and inspire us to bring our best. Whether collaborating internally or externally, our values drive us to make a meaningful impact within Aspen and in all our relationships.

Aspen’s CORE Values

We Do the Right Thing

We are Problem Solvers

We are Allies

We Drive Forward

What you will do-

The Chemical Process Development Engineer will report to the Technical Manager of Process Development and play a key role in advancing aerogel manufacturing technologies. This position is responsible for supporting strategic and technical process design, development, and optimization to aid both R&D and manufacturing operations.

The Engineer will support the development of next-generation aerogel production methods and process technologies, while also contributing to the scale-up and optimization of existing and new products. This role demands expertise in chemical engineering fundamentals, process modeling, and cross-functional collaboration to drive improvements in efficiency, safety, and product quality.

 

How will you do it-

• Support technically transformational process changes in manufacturing and partnering with R&D to identify, develop, and execute next generation manufacturing of aerogel composites.
• Partner with R&D and Plant Engineering to identify, develop and execute new product and process improvements in the areas of safety, production capacity, yield and cost reduction.
• Partner with R&D to interpret product design requirements to determine feasibility, process steps required, and cost to manufacture.
• Support the successful introduction of new products and processes via the trial manufacturing process. Lead and/or execute the experimental work required to support scale up activities and develop a robust commercial scale aerogel manufacturing process from small-scale laboratory data.
• Build upon lab and trial generated learnings to establish and implement full scale standards, documentation, and procedures for all new and existing products to ensure manufacturing capabilities; includes updating and/or generating work instructions, standard operating procedures, and process flow diagrams (PFD).
• Analyze process and quality data to improve and/or troubleshoot the aerogel manufacturing process; determine root cause of failure modes to develop corrective actions.
• Develop project goals and priorities with the technical manager in collaboration with Manufacturing, Plant Engineering, Quality, and EHS&S.
• Support project teams through developmental phases of engineering projects related to process equipment including conceptual design of both process and equipment. Assist in design requirements managed through the management of change process; includes design, equipment procurement, construction, installation, start up, commissioning, validation, and qualification of facilities and/or equipment.
• Document User Requirement Specifications and qualification plans for new processes and/or equipment related to the manufacturing of aerogel and/or supporting processes, i.e. reclamation equipment/processes
• Adopt and follow Aspen’s core values of Safety, Quality, Integrity, Teamwork, Customer and Innovation on both a personal and professional level.
  • Adopt and follow Aspen’s core values of problem solving, driving forward, doing the right thing, and being an ally on both a personal and professional level.

 

Why you are right for the job-

• 2-5 years’ experience required in chemical process fundamentals and/or process design and development.
• Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering.
• Knowledge of chemical process development, preferably with a focus on silica synthesis and modification. Alternatively, a board knowledge of material engineering.
• Knowledge of pilot and manufacturing operations, and the process of transitioning new products/processes from lab to pilot and full commercial manufacturing.
• Hands on experience with analytical method development.
• Experience with research and analytic techniques. Ability to apply statistical analysis and/or practical experience to make sound conclusions and use to optimize process development activities.
• Ability and willingness to lead and do work.

• Innate intellectual curiosity.
• Predisposed to leverage analytic reason, creativity, and judgment.
• Well-developed influencing skills – ability to inspire confidence and drive consensus.
• Ability to handle complex matters across multiple initiatives.
• Intellectual agility to deal effectively with strategic issues and operational details.
• Ability to effectively influence and motivate external and internal stakeholders.

 

What to expect-

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Frequently required to stand
• Occasionally required to walk
• Frequently required to sit
• Frequently required to utilize hand and finger dexterity
• Occasionally required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel or crawl
• Frequently works near moving mechanical parts
• Frequently works around fumes, airborne particles, or toxic chemicals
• Occasionally exposed to extreme heat or cold (non-weather)
• While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate
• The Engineer must occasionally lift and/or move more than 10 pounds.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job.  It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements.  Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

PERKS OF JOINING OUR TEAM!

Aspen is committed to offering a comprehensive benefits package, a positive and productive work environment, encouraged work/life and family balance, and opportunities for growth and development, in a culture that is focused on inclusion, sustainability, and working together to solve the world’s toughest challenges. 

Aspen is proud to offer a competitive benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Tuition Reimbursement, Paid Holidays, Sick Time, and PTO.  In addition, we also offer 401k Employer Match, Life and Disability Insurance, and other benefits.

Expected Compensation: Between $100,000 and $110,000 USD/year based on experience. Yearly Bonus eligibility.

 Aspen Aerogels, Inc. is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to abuttitta@aerogel.com or call and leave a voice message at (508) 466-3111 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information and we will return your message.

For Our Rhode Island Applicants:
Aspen Aerogels, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. The East Providence, RI facility of Aspen Aerogels is subject to Title 28, Chapter 29-6.2 of Rhode Island General Laws, which governs Worker’s Compensation.