Koch Industries

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Koch Technology Solutions (KTS), a Koch Engineered Solutions company, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior R&D Engineer to lead pilot plant operations and oversee key laboratory activities supporting KTS’s LiPro™ Direct Lithium Extraction technology. This role is based in Boothwyn, PA.

This role is critical in driving the commercialization of our LiPro™ process and advancing next-generation solutions in the lithium extraction market. You will lead pilot testing campaigns, optimize system performance, and collaborate across cross-functional teams in R&D, engineering, sales, and business development.

What You Will Do:

• Lead technical operations of the LiPro™ pilot plant, including:
  • Adsorbent media process optimization for varied client brine compositions
  • Ion exchange and membrane concentration processes
  • Ensuring safe, consistent, and uninterrupted operations
  • Delivering accurate, reproducible, and high-quality data
  • Develop and implement SOPs for pilot plant and lab operations; train / mentor pilot plant operators and junior laboratory staff
• Work closely with internal stakeholders to design and execute laboratory test plans that support commercialization and licensing goals
• Analyze data, prepare technical reports and presentations and make recommendations on technology readiness and risks for licensing and new technology commercialization for internal teams and external partners
• Champion a culture where safety is foundational to all laboratory operations by integrating risk-based thinking, personal accountability, and proactive behaviors into daily lab activities.
• Oversee and manage the Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for equipment and materials handling; ensure accessibility and compliance with all lab users.
• Manage procurement, maintenance and logistics to ensure safe uninterrupted laboratory operations such as chemical safety reviews / consumables inventories, facility maintenance.

The Experience You Will Bring

Requirements (Basic Qualifications):

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or Material Science related degree.
• Previous R&D experience with hands on laboratory and pilot plant operations.

What Will Put You Ahead:

• Master’s or Ph.D. degree in Chemical Engineering or related field
• 8+ years of experience with hands on laboratory and pilot plant operations.
• Strong troubleshooting skills in pilot plant systems including process safety, instrumentation, automation, and mechanical systems
• Proficiency in applying chemical engineering principles to analyze, interpret, and improve pilot plant processes
• Experience mentoring and guiding junior staff in laboratory or pilot-scale settings
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities
• Effective communicator able to work in cross-functional, geographically dispersed teams
• Self-starter with a collaborative mindset and a strong sense of ownership over deliverables and team outcomes

Additional Information:

• This position may require occasional travel (10%) to other KTS or Koch facilities. A proactive, safety-first mindset and a commitment to continuous improvement are essential.

At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy. #LI-RP3

Hiring Philosophy

All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here.

Who We Are

At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.

Our Benefits

Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.

Equal Opportunities

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, all offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please visit the following website for additional information: http://www.kochcareers.com/doc/Everify.pdf