R&D Chemist / Chemical Engineer

We are seeking chemical engineers and chemistry professionals with 5 or more years of laboratory experience. At Sparx, we design and conduct laboratory experiments to advance client projects across various industries, including oil & gas, chemicals, green energy, consumer products, and medical devices. Our team leverages laboratory and engineering skills to develop efficient chemical synthesis methods, safely conduct experiments, design new instrumentation, and build test apparatuses from scratch. This is a hands-on position with a heavy focus on chemical laboratory work.

Job Description: At Sparx, you will:

• Design and conduct laboratory experiments to advance client projects.
• Leverage your laboratory and engineering skills to develop efficient chemical synthesis methods.
• Safely conduct experiments, design new instrumentation, and build test apparatuses from scratch.
• Work on diverse projects, constantly challenged to solve new problems.
• Review, assess, and apply methods and concepts from applicable literature
• Develop new methods to detect water-soluble chemicals, troubleshoot equipment, and design and build test systems.
• Work in small teams with other highly skilled engineers and scientists.
• Gain exposure to various stages of the technology development cycle, from prototype to scaled production.

Responsibilities:

• Safely conduct conventional benchtop chemistry experiments in a laboratory environment.
• Design, assemble, and operate custom test devices.
• Develop chemical reaction schemes and methods.
• Perform small-scale chemical synthesis and testing.
• Operate analytical chemistry instrumentation.
• Maintain and troubleshoot laboratory equipment.
• Actively contribute to laboratory quality and safety processes.
• Apply scientific and engineering principles to advance technology development.
• Participate in design reviews and clearly communicate results to internal and external customers.

Requirements

• Minimum of B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Five years of post-graduation experience in a chemical laboratory environment.
• Thorough understanding of core chemistry principles and fundamental laboratory techniques.
• Strong willingness to learn and adapt to mentorship from senior personnel.
• Confidence and ability to ask questions and contribute independent thought and ideas to project advancement.
• Strong engineering intuition applicable to various aspects of a chemical environment, including synthesis, test methods, instrumentation, and scale-up.
• Ability to think on your feet and make informed decisions or ask for guidance if results dictate a need to pivot.
• Candidates should be comfortable with working safely with a variety of chemical hazards on a daily basis.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5+ years of laboratory experience in chemical product development, evaluation, or technical support.
• Proficiency in common wet lab techniques: solution preparation, pH analysis, IR and UV/Vis spectrophotometry, etc.
• Strong background in general chemistry and the ability to apply concepts like Le Châtelier's Principle, the Arrhenius Equation, and the Ideal Gas Law to solve a wide variety of chemical problems.
• Ability to apply the scientific method and manage short-term chemical research projects.
• Experience in designing, assembling, and operating custom laboratory equipment.
• Excellent mathematics skills.
• Ability to work independently.

Why Sparx: At Sparx, we move quickly and work on a wide variety of projects. Our engineers and scientists are challenged daily and must be versatile. You will deal directly with clients to help them meet their needs efficiently and predictably. We seek problem solvers, not problem finders, and hold our team members to a high standard of productivity. In our highly collaborative and engaging environment, you will have the opportunity to work with and learn from a talented group of individuals, gaining exposure to a vast array of different domains and expertise. You will be surrounded by high performers, and every member of our team is trusted to get their job done effectively.

If you are passionate about chemistry and engineering, and thrive in a dynamic and challenging environment, we encourage you to apply. Join Sparx and be part of a team that is making a difference across multiple industries.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development
• Free Food & Snacks
• Wellness Resources