Sr R&D Engineer

Grace, a Standard Industries company, is a leading global supplier of catalysts, engineered materials and fine chemicals. We provide innovative products, technologies and services which our customers use to manufacture everyday products like renewable fuels, pharmaceuticals, toothpaste, cosmetics, food packaging, beer, edible oils and more. Our thousands of employees help shape a better future at our global headquarters in Columbia, MD and locations worldwide.

Grace is seeking a Senior Research & Development (R&D) Engineer to join our Refining Catalyst R&D team. The Senior R&D Engineer will play a key role in developing next-generation Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) catalysts and additives, advancing innovative technologies from concept through commercialization through the Stage-Gate process. This position combines technical innovation, market insight, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver differentiated solutions that address customer and industry needs.

The Senior R&D Engineer will work closely with Marketing, Process Technology, Manufacturing, Sales, and Technical Service teams to identify emerging opportunities, develop intellectual property, and support commercialization of new products. The role also provides opportunities to gain direct exposure to FCC customers, catalyst strategy, and business development activities.

They will also collaborate with colleagues to use Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to accelerate innovation.

This role is based at Grace corporate headquarters in Columbia, MD.

• Lead the development of new FCC catalyst and additive technologies from concept generation through commercialization.
• Identify market needs and technology gaps by collaborating with Marketing, Sales, Technical Service, and commercial teams, and translate insights into new product opportunities.
• Design, execute, and interpret catalyst testing programs to optimize formulations and guide product development decisions.
• Support the generation and protection of intellectual property through invention disclosures, patent applications, and technical documentation.
• Present project results, technical recommendations, and business impact to R&D leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Partner with Process Technology, Manufacturing, and Marketing teams to scale up and commercialize new technologies while supporting Stage-Gate project execution.
• Build understanding of overall FCC chemistry, customer needs, global refining market trends, and catalyst strategy, with opportunities to grow into an R&D Partner role supporting key market segments and global FCC accounts.
• Promote a strong safety culture by consistently following laboratory and plant safety protocols, participating in safety meetings and training, and proactively identifying and addressing potential safety risks.

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related technical field
• 3+ years of post-Ph.D. experience in catalysis research
• Experience managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment while consistently meeting deadlines
• Experience using the fundamentals of chemistry and chemical engineering
• Excellent communications skills and ability to interface at all levels within R&D and cross-functionally
• Ability to travel up to 15%

• Experience in petrochemical and catalyst cracking research
• Experience in catalyst performance testing
• Experience with intellectual property activities including patent applications and competitive intelligence
• Life Insurance and Disability
• Grace Wellness Program
• Flexible Workplace with maximum overlap with the core hours
• Retirement Plans
• 401(k) Company Match
• Paid Vacation and Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Company Donation Match Program