Grace is seeking a Pilot Plant R&D Technician to join our FCC Catalyst Synthesis team at our corporate headquarters located in Columbia, MD. You will report to the Senior R&D Engineer, also located in Columbia, MD. The primary function of this position is to support catalyst synthesis research and scale-up activities in the Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) catalyst product line. Your work in this group will directly contribute to the discovery and development of best-in-class FCC catalysts and additives. Your research may also be related to advanced recycling of plastic waste.

The typical daily activities of the employee will include making pilot scale (~80%) and laboratory scale (~20%) preparations of FCC zeolite, catalyst, and additives, submitting samples for various analyses and evaluations and maintaining commonly used personal and shared equipment and lab space while operating under Grace's standards for environmental and employee safety.

• Perform pilot scale (~80%) and laboratory scale (~20%) preparation of FCC zeolites, catalysts and/or additives. Submit samples for required analyses and evaluations.
• Operate and share maintenance duty of pilot plant equipment with other group members. Equipment includes spray dryer, mixers, mills, gas emission scrubber, washing tanks and ovens.
• Perform the necessary housekeeping to maintain a clean and safe work area and ensure areas of responsibility are properly stocked with necessary goods.
• Collect and record data to include using Word, PowerPoint, various online SharePoint sites and Excel spreadsheets for data recording, data processing and data/project reporting.
• Follow all Environmental Health & Safety requirements and do all required safety training. Work safely with chemicals/materials and wear the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment for the job.

• Must be able and willing to frequently lift and move heavy objects and containers up to 40 lbs.

• AA degree in a technical field, or BS/BA degree in technical field, or High School diploma with 2-4 years relevant laboratory, manufacturing, or skilled trade experience.
• Must be able to work in the pilot plant, approx. 75% of the time and operate large equipment; the remaining 25% will be in a lab setting.
• Strong mechanical aptitude or strong interest to learn about medium to large size equipment.
• Ability to make detailed observations during experiments and report to supervisor with effective communication skills.
• Experience following safety protocols and standards while handling hazardous materials.

• Experience working in a pilot or manufacturing plant setting.
• Experience using and maintaining research notebook, data analysis, wet chemistry/bench work.
• Prior experience making FCC catalysts.
• Prior experience on analytical instruments such as XRD, gas sorption, etc.

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Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
Life Insurance and Disability
Grace Wellness Program
Flexible Workplace
Retirement Plans
401(k) Company Match - Dollar to dollar up to the first 6%
Paid Vacation and Holidays
Parental Leave
Tuition Reimbursement
Company Donation Match Program