Process Research Senior Engineer

DuPont - Midland, MI

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote - 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 past several years, making it a vital part of IFF's overall strategy. As a Process Research Engineer, you will be integral to the innovation and technology development efforts within the Pharma Solutions business, working collaboratively across various functions including R&D, Process R&D, Innovation, Regulatory, Manufacturing, Technology, and Marketing. In this role, you will report to the Process R&D team and leverage your engineering expertise to enhance both new and existing solid handling and modification technologies. Your responsibilities will encompass a wide range of tasks, from process design to the evaluation and implementation of advanced drying, milling, and granulation technologies. You will be expected to become the go-to expert in solids processing, providing valuable insights and support to stakeholders throughout the organization. Your work will involve not only the design and optimization of equipment and processes but also the execution of experimental programs aimed at improving efficiency and reducing costs. You will be responsible for scaling up novel products and process improvements, conducting trials at various scales, and benchmarking current processes against industry best practices. This position offers a unique opportunity to drive innovation and contribute to the strategic goals of IFF's Pharma Solutions business.

Responsibilities

• Become an expert in solids handling, granulation, drying, and milling technologies to support various stakeholders.
• Provide conceptual and detailed technology and equipment designs for granulation, milling, drying, and new particle formation technologies.
• Investigate, troubleshoot, and optimize granulation, milling, and drying equipment to incorporate technology advances that decrease cost, increase capacity, and reduce energy use.
• Guide experimental programs to ensure results are useful for process optimization and equipment design.
• Develop solid mixing techniques, drying, and milling process simulation models and tools to evaluate process improvement opportunities.
• Set up and execute experimental activities in solids handling, granulation, drying, and milling.
• Scale up novel product or process improvements by designing and conducting trials for lab scale, pilot scale, and production scale.
• Benchmark operated solids handling, drying, and milling processes against internal and external best-in-class technologies and drive improvements.
• Explore, evaluate, propose, and champion new process technologies and equipment suppliers.

Requirements

• PhD or M.Sc in Chemical Engineering or equivalent chemical process R&D experience (3 - 5 years).
• Proven track record of creating innovative solutions and delivering new process technology to achieve business-valued targets.
• Ability to perform independently and interact effectively within global teams.
• Demonstrated knowledge and effective application of process engineering technology at larger scales, modeling tools, and data analysis combined with good technical documentation.
• Strong knowledge in particle science and technology with a focus on solid handling, granulation, drying, and milling of solids.
• Process modeling and simulation expertise is a plus.
• Strong data analysis and technical documentation skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Fluency in English.