Title:
Chief Technical leader - Refining Catalyst Development
KBR Sustainable Technology Solutions (STS) provides holistic and value-added solutions across the entire asset life cycle. These include world-class licensed process technologies, differentiated advisory services, deep technical domain expertise, energy transition solutions, high-end design capabilities, and smart solutions to optimize planned and operating assets.
KBR Technology specializes in developing and licensing energy-efficient and cost-effective process technologies that provide economic and technical advantages to global oil and gas and petrochemical companies. With thousands of successful projects worldwide, KBR combines its technology expertise with full engineering, procurement and construction services to help clients maximize the value of their assets. KBR Technology offers a breadth of technology licenses, catalysts, and process equipment for Ammonia and Fertilizer, Synthesis Gas / Syngas, Olefins, Coal Gasification, Refining, Hydrogen and Organic Chemicals. Serving our customers through diverse business segments, we offer challenging assignments on some of the world's largest and most complex projects where our clients have come to value us because We Deliver
KBR is seeking a Chief Technical leader for Refining Catalyst Development responsible for all phases of catalyst commercialization including R&D, manufacturing and customer support. Work will include coordination of cross-functional groups within KBR as well as partner organizations and personnel. Position will be full-time located in Houston, Texas (No remote functioning acceptable).
Functional job responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
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:
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 KBR
Represent KBR 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
Required Education, Experience, & Skills:
Master’s degree in chemical engineering
Minimum of 20+ years CURRENT experience in Refining Process Catalyst research and manufacturing (or equivalent)
Ability to work in cross-functional and multi-cultural environments
Strong English verbal, writing and reading communication skills
Must have the ability to clearly convey technical concepts and principles in both verbal and written communications to clients, peers and KBR management
Must be willing and available to travel 25-50% domestic and international, as needed
Preferred Education & Skills:
25+ years of experience
Background in Refining and experience in Petrochemical processes
Multi language capabilities including Korean and Mandarin preferred
PhD in Chemical Engineering
Decarbonization – Energy Transition – Sustainability
KBR Benefits
KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.
Click here to learn more: KBR Benefits
Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team’s philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver – Together.
KBR 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 and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
