Director of Chemistry

About Clean Joule Inc.

Clean Joule, Inc., is an innovative biomanufacturer of superior performance propellants for aviation, aerospace, and defense applications. Our proprietary manufacturing process enables us to convert local biomass feed stocks to full performance propellants for both current and next‑generation propulsion as well as carbon‑negative bio‑rubber that can be used in various consumer and commercial products. We are a passionate and driven group of engineers, scientists, and visionaries focused on advancing alternative domestic energy solutions, with the purpose of accelerating the global energy transition.

Clean Joule, Inc. is a venture‑funded SAF development company based out of Salt Lake City, Utah.

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Director of Chemistry to take an active role within our R&D department. The successful candidate will have experience with organometallic catalytic transformations, catalyst synthesis and development, and applicable analytical techniques. This individual will be responsible for the development of synthetic routes to our different bio‑material targets. The ideal candidate will lead one of our chemical R&D teams.

This position requires strong scientific acumen, ability to perform hands‑on chemical reactions, leadership skills, and the ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.

• Lead and manage scientific research projects from concept through execution.
• Design, plan, and perform laboratory experiments independently or with a team.
• Develop catalysts and synthetic schemes for our chemical targets.
• Develop sample properties test programs.
• Analyze, interpret, and present complex scientific data.
• Manage test results and distribute them to appropriate departments.
• Develop and optimize experimental protocols and procedures.
• Prepare technical reports as directed.
• Lead and instruct junior members of the R&D team.
• Work closely with team members, providing effective solutions to support operations and business development efforts.
• Adhere to regulatory requirements, laboratory budgets, and production schedules.
• Establish and improve laboratory procedures and processes by addressing concerns/issues and risks.
• Ensure the lab is clean and organized on a daily basis so that it is always safe and presents well during customer and agency visits/audits.
• Lead the chemistry R&D team by example.
• Interact daily with project team members developing and executing project objectives.
• Participate in factory acceptance and site acceptance tests.
• Participate in commissioning and startup activities, including loop checking and calibration of instruments and analyzers.
• Stay current with scientific literature and technological advances in the field.
• Perform other job duties as assigned.

• Doctoral Degree in Chemistry with at least ten years’ experience beyond doctoral training in an industrial setting.
• Extensive experience in synthetic organic chemistry.
• Extensive experience in air- and water-sensitive reactions including organometallics.
• Prior work in fuels, propellants, and/or energetic precursors.
• Ability to design, set up, perform, and analyze complex synthetic pathways with no external guidance or training.
• Prior experience scaling derived synthetic routes from glassware to steel reactors at minimum batch size of 100 L.
• Proven track record of scientific accomplishment (e.g., publications, patents, successful project delivery).
• Background in biorefinery, petroleum, or chemical industries is highly encouraged.
• Strong knowledge of chemical principles and analytical instrument operation and maintenance.
• Experience in project management and mentoring junior staff is a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
• Proficiency in common computer tools and web-based applications.
• Experience in teams where personal accountability, attention to detail, collaboration, and results were required.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Frequent lifting and moving of items up to 50 pounds, bending, reaching above shoulder level, climbing stairs, pulling, prolonged standing or sitting…