Sr. Technical leader - Refining Catalyst Development

Responsibilities

• Provide global technical leadership for refining catalyst technologies across research, development, scale-up, and commercialization.
• Act as Chief Technical Authority for revenue-generating catalysts, including FCC, hydrocracking, and hydrotreating/desulfurization products.
• Define and execute technology roadmaps and product evolution strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Lead catalyst R&D programs, including formulation development, testing, and pilot evaluation.
• Support catalyst manufacturing strategy to ensure quality and consistency from lab to commercial production.
• Serve as a senior technical interface for customers, providing support for trials, troubleshooting, and performance optimization.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, manufacturing, licensing, sales, and project execution teams.
• Mentor and develop senior technical staff to strengthen long-term technical capability.
• Represent KBR as a technical expert in customer meetings, industry forums, and technical conferences.

Requirements

• Master's degree in chemical engineering.
• 10+ years of current experience in Refining Process Catalyst research and manufacturing.
• Strong English verbal, writing, and reading communication skills.
• Ability to clearly convey complex technical concepts to clients, peers, and management.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional and multi-cultural environments.
• Willingness and availability to travel 25-50% domestically and internationally.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Chemical Engineering.
• 15+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Background in Refining and experience in Petrochemical processes.
• Multi-language capabilities, specifically Korean and Mandarin.

Benefits

• Competitive lifestyle benefits including 401K plan with company match.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life insurance, AD&D, and disability coverage.
• Flexible spending accounts and paid time off.
• Opportunities for career advancement through professional training and development.

About the Company

KBR is a global leader in science, technology, and engineering solutions. We provide holistic, value-added solutions across the entire asset life cycle, including licensed process technologies, advisory services, and energy transition solutions. With thousands of successful projects worldwide, KBR helps clients maximize the value of their assets through deep technical domain expertise and world-class engineering.