Sr. Technical leader - Refining Catalyst Development

Sr. Technical Leader – Refining Catalyst Development

K  Sustainable Technology Solutions (STS) delivers holistic, value‑added solutions across the entire asset life cycle. K  Technology specializes in developing and licensing energy‑efficient and cost‑effective process technologies for the oil, gas, and petrochemical sectors. For the Refining Catalyst Development role, the focus is on all phases of catalyst commercialization including research, development, manufacturing, and customer support.

• Provide global technical leadership for refining catalyst technologies across research, development, scale‑up, commercialization, and lifecycle support
• Act as Chief Technical Authority for revenue‑generating refining catalysts, including:
  • FCC catalysts (ZSM‑5 based and enhanced performance formulations)
  • Hydrocracking catalysts
  • Hydrotreating and desulfurization catalysts
• Define and execute technology roadmaps, performance targets, and product evolution strategies aligned with business objectives
• Lead catalyst R&D programs, including formulation development, testing, pilot evaluation, and commercial qualification
• Support catalyst manufacturing strategy, ensuring robustness, quality, and consistency from lab to commercial production
• Serve as senior technical interface with customers, providing support for trials, performance optimization, troubleshooting, and technical reviews
• Lead and support commercialization of next generation (“blue ocean”) technologies
• Translate early‑stage concepts into commercial products, including pilot programs, demonstrations, and first‑of‑a‑kind applications
• Support licensing, proposals, and business development, providing deep technical differentiation and credibility
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with R&D, manufacturing, licensing, sales, and project execution teams globally
• Coordinate with external partners, suppliers, and research organizations as required
• Provide technical input to IP strategy, including patents, trade secrets, and freedom‑to‑operate assessments
• Mentor and develop senior technical staff, strengthening long‑term technical capability within K
• Represent K  as a technical expert in customer meetings, industry forums, and technical conferences
• Travel domestically and internationally to support customers, commercialization activities, and business growth initiatives

• Master’s degree in chemical engineering
• 10+ years of current experience in refining process catalyst research and manufacturing (or equivalent)
• Ability to work in cross‑functional and multicultural environments
• Strong English verbal, writing and reading communication skills
• Clear conveyance of technical concepts and principles to clients, peers and K  management
• Willingness and availability to travel 25–50% domestic and international, as needed

• 15+ years of experience
• Background in refining and experience in petrochemical processes
• Multi‑language capabilities, including Korean and Mandarin preferred
• PhD in chemical engineering

K  offers a competitive benefits package that may include a 401(k) plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or a flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.

K  is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.