Position Overview:

The Technical Manager will join a rapidly growing matrix organization with core capabilities built heavily upon a unique blend of chemical engineering principles, state-of-the-art development and modeling tools, and kilo-scale laboratory.  The new kilo-lab is equipped with advanced reactor systems for continuous processing, larger scale batch processing, and automated controls and heat transfer systems. The Technical Manager is expected to provide technical and programmatic direction on complex projects and is considered to be the top level contributor.  The Technical Manager provides hands-on mentorship and training and facilitates the direction and management for a variety of projects, both short term and long term.  Our project portfolio includes both government and industrial customers.  Nalas regularly makes critical contributions to enable the successful scale-up of chemical processes specific to a variety of markets (e.g. defense, pharma, specialty chemicals). As such, the Technical Manager is aware of industry’s needs and technical challenges and identifies potential solutions to these needs/challenges in the form of written proposals; the proposals establish a well-defined technical approach, possible end applications, and benefits of the of technology once implemented.

The Technical Manager has the distinct opportunity to provide hands-on contributions during all stages of development and scale-up.  This unique aspect of the job differentiates the position apart from other manufacturing engineering positions as the Technical Manager plays a key role early in the scale-up stage, working directly with senior chemists.  Ensuring the successful transition of chemistry to a sustainable chemical process is critical to this role.  The technical team has access to advanced modeling programs to fully gain understanding of chemical processes and associated reaction kinetics and mixing properties.  The Technical Manager will use these tools to make process recommendations tailored towards improving efficiency, scalability and cost.  Such recommendations include identification and validation of optimal processing parameters and reactor configuration (e.g. batch, semi-batch, continuous).   In addition, the Technical Manager completes detailed technical reports with opportunity for publication in industry journals and presents findings at major industry conferences.

Once the process has been validated at the lab-scale, the Technical Manager is empowered to oversee the scale-up, production campaign, and eventual product commercialization.  The opportunities for commercialization of Nalas products is endless.

Finally, the Technical Manager will be responsible for utilizing and maintaining the state-of the kilo lab, including the automated lab reactors, real-time process analytical tools, various off-line analytical tools, pilot scale reactors, heat transfer systems, and automation and control systems. 

Job Requirements:

Technical Manager has demonstrated expertise in independently designing and conducting procedures to evaluate various parameters of a chemical reaction and gain process understanding needed to recommend process improvements.   He/she has hands-on experience gained through industry and/or graduate-level R&D projects involving unit operations and chemical processes with a focus on optimization, scale-up, and innovative manufacturing. 

The Technical Manager reports directly to the CEO and President, and provides constructive feedback regarding team performance in support of reviews and employee development. 

Qualifications:

General

The qualified Technical Manager has a PhD and 10+ years’ experience in Chemical Engineering.  The Technical Manager is highly skilled, extremely motivated, results-oriented, and exhibits technical and operational expertise in solving problems of complexity, ensuring completion of projects, and utilizing judgment within general parameters for process optimization, model development, model validation, and chemical process design appropriate for commercialization. He/she is proficient in basic computer programs such as MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SciFinder, and chemical engineering modeling programs. The qualified Technical Manager consistently evolves and adapts skills to emerging and changing technologies.   The Technical Manager also must demonstrate good interpersonal, communication, organizational, teamwork and time management skills.

Technical

Primary responsibilities:

• Use engineering and scientific techniques, requirements, methods, sources, and procedures tailored towards optimization of chemical reactions and the development, design, and scale-up of chemical processes.
• Perform multiple and complicated tasks concurrently while maintaining up to date lab records and process data sheets
• Lead all phases of process development and scale-up planning, preparation, application, evaluation, data analysis, maintenance, and when necessary, appropriate disposal.
• Present project reviews orally before the team, to customers, and other organizations; utilize technical writing skills to effectively communicate results in report form to customers and management and for publications.
• Identifypotential solutions to industry needs/challenges in the form of written proposals with a well defined technical approach based on both literature precedent and novel, innovative ideas

Conditions of Employment

• Must have current authorization to work for any employer in the United States and have permanent U.S. resident status.
• Physical/Respirator Fit Test
• Qual/Cert program
• Arms, Ammunition, & Explosives Training
• Drug Screening
• Academic transcript
• HAZARDOUS DUTY:  Incumbent is regularly exposed to the hazard of chemical and explosive ingredients.  The danger inherent in this type of work cannot be completely eliminated by established SOP's and/or safety equipment.
• Security and Background Requirements:   If not previously completed, a background security investigation will be required for all appointees.  Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication.  Failure to successfully meet these requirements may be grounds for appropriate personnel action.  In addition, if hired, a background security reinvestigation or supplemental investigation may be required at a later time.  Applicants are advised that all information concerning qualifications is subject to investigation.  False representation may be grounds for non-consideration, non-selection and/or appropriate disciplinary action.