Process Research Engineer / Technologist (Hybrid)

DuPont - Midland, MI

Full-time - Entry Level

Midland, MI

Chemical Manufacturing

About the position

The IFF Pharma Solutions business is a key player in the production and sale of high-performance cellulose derivatives, alginates, and related polymers, which are utilized in a wide range of applications across the Pharmaceuticals, Food, Industrial Specialties, and Personal Care markets. This segment of the company has demonstrated significant profitability and growth over the years, making it a vital part of IFF's overall strategy. As a Process Research Engineer I, you will be integral to the Technology and Process expertise within the Pharma Solutions business, which is a strategic focus area that provides a competitive edge in the market. In this role, you will collaborate with various functions including Research and Development (R&D), Innovation, Regulatory, Manufacturing and Technology, and Marketing to support and execute innovation and technology development initiatives. Your primary focus will be on the Methocel, Ethocel, and Polyox product lines, particularly in food and nutrition applications. You will be part of the Process R&D team, contributing to technical research that supports the team's overall objectives and workload. As the solids processing expert, you will apply your engineering and chemical research skills to develop new process capabilities that enhance cost efficiency, product quality, and throughput. You will define optimal process conditions for producing products, with a focus on food and beverage applications, while also considering pharmaceutical excipients, personal care products, and industrial additives. Your responsibilities will include the development and documentation of process technology information, leading multiple projects, designing experiments, and delivering high-quality data. You will also troubleshoot commercial manufacturing processes and scale up new process technologies by conducting trials at lab, pilot, and production scales. Additionally, you will apply and develop analytical techniques to evaluate processes, focusing on key performance attributes, product defects, and by-products.

Responsibilities

• Apply engineering and chemical research to generate new process capabilities with improved cost, quality, and/or throughput.
• Define optimal process conditions for producing products focused on food and beverages, pharmaceutical excipients, personal care products, and industrial additives.
• Develop and document process technology information.
• Lead multiple projects, design experiments, and deliver high-quality data.
• Troubleshoot commercial manufacturing processes.
• Scale up new process technology by conducting trials at lab, pilot, and production scale.
• Apply and develop analytical techniques to support the evaluation of processes including key performance attributes, product defects, and by-products.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or applied Associate's degree with professional experience in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or comparable experience (including military) preferred.
• Proven track record of research supporting product or process development and demonstrated good scientific skills at laboratory, pilot, and production scale including hands-on experience.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot tools and equipment.
• Capable of performing independently with little supervision to carry complex tasks forward, and design, execute, analyze and summarize laboratory and pilot scale trials.
• Strong data analysis and technical documentation skills are required.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to speak fluently in English.