R&D Engineering Specialist

DOW

Collegeville, PA

Estimated pay: Est. $29–$38/hr (market estimate, not employer-stated)

Shift: Full time

At Dow, we believe in putting people first and we’re passionate about delivering integrity, respect and safety to our customers, our employees and the planet.

Our people are at the heart of our solutions. They reflect the communities we live in and the world where we do business. Their diversity is our strength. We’re a community of relentless problem solvers that offers the daily opportunity to contribute with your perspective, transform industries and shape the future. Our purpose is simple - to deliver a sustainable future for the world through science and collaboration. If you’re looking for a challenge and meaningful role, you’re in the right place.

**About You**

**Dow** has an exciting opportunity for a **R&D Engineering Specialist** located in **Collegeville, PA**.

The Research and Development (R&D) Engineering Specialist in the Coating Materials Process R&D pilot facility is responsible for the technical performance of the pilot facility and the associated technology development. The pilot facility supports the development and scale-up of new processes for emulsion or solution polymer products. You will be responsible for the facility’s mechanical, electrical, and process control assets and their reliable operation. This includes hands-on troubleshooting and maintenance of equipment, process control systems, and peripherals. You will support daily pilot plant operations per need, including hands-on emulsion polymerization experimentation. You will also lead capability and technology development efforts, evaluating and implementing capabilities according to business needs. Heavily featured are the understanding and application of chemistry and engineering aspects in polymer technology, leadership of capability maintenance and improvement, and cross-functional teamwork.

This position is located at Dow Northeast Technology Center in Collegeville, PA, and is part of the Dow Coating Materials Process R&D organization.

**Primary responsibilities**

• Develop and apply knowledge in emulsion polymerization chemistry, processing, and engineering fundamentals aligned to the function of the pilot facility
• Support and ensure uninterrupted function of all pilot facility assets – equipment, instrumentation, and digital assets
• Support daily pilot plant operations, maintenance, and troubleshooting, including hands-on emulsion polymerization experimentation and data analysis
• Develop and apply expertise in Emerson DeltaV process control system function including troubleshooting and programming
• Maintain and advance digital capabilities of the facility, including client website interface, data logging/databasing/reporting, and others
• Oversee and maintain Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), operating procedures, and other relevant facility information and records
• Identify, scope, and lead capability advancements within the pilot facility from ideation through implementation
• Manage inventory and procurement of lab materials, supplies, and chemicals
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to the team. Conduct technical personnel training and maintain high-quality training documentation
• Identify, lead, and ensure resolution and documentation of engineering, process control, operational, EH&S, or logistical items
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders and internal clients across functions and disciplines
• Develop familiarity and accurately apply analytical techniques as related to polymer characterization
• Understand the “nuts and bolts” as well as the conceptual, effectively bridge between pilot asset function and engineering aspects
• Deliver effective documentation and presentations on project work
• Model and lead by example to foster team member morale. Build culture that values diversity and promotes respect, inclusion, cooperation, and responsibility. Effectively resolve conflict without compromising relationships

**Required Qualifications**

• A minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Chemistry, or science related field is required
• A minimum requirement for this U.S. based position is the ability to work legally in the United States. No visa sponsorship/support is available for this position, including for any type of U.S. permanent residency (green card) process

**Your knowledge, skills, and abilities include**

• Excellent technical, organizational, and troubleshooting skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to scope and execute projects and reduce uncertainty toward actionable outcomes
• Ability to balance competing priorities and bias for action
• Experience with equipment troubleshooting and maintenance is preferred
• Experience with process automation tools like Emerson DeltaV and other digital assets is preferred

**Your skills**

• **Process Engineering:** Applies engineering principles to design, operate, troubleshoot, and improve chemical processes and pilot-scale equipment, including process scale-up and techno