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Catalyst Chemical Jobs (NOW HIRING)

R&D Chem Tech

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$18.50 - $22/hr

Position Summary We are seeking a detail-oriented and safety conscious R&D Chemical Technician to support our catalyst manufacturing operations. The R&D Chemical Technician supports Department ...

Perform labor and helper functions for various services such as Hydroblasting, catalyst handling, chemical cleaning, and more. * Assist in operating equipment and power tools in compliance with ...

Headquartered in San Francisco, our investors include Benchmark , General Catalyst , Peter Thiel , Adam D'Angelo , Larry Summers , and Jack Dorsey . Position: Manufacturing - Chemical Engineering ...

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In this role, you will serve as the conscience and the catalyst of our health, safety, and environmental program across a complex chemical storage and processing operation. You'll design and steward ...

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Chemical Loading Operator

Terre Haute, IN

$18.25 - $21/hr

... Hydrite Chemical Company supply its customers with a quality product in a timely fashion ... Review Catalyst weekly for training requirements and have all training and sop's reviewed by the ...

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In this role, you will serve as the conscience and the catalyst of our health, safety, and environmental program across a complex chemical storage and processing operation. You'll design and steward ...

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Catalyst Chemical information

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$13

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How much do catalyst chemical jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for catalyst chemical in the United States is $20.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Catalyst Chemist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Catalyst Chemist, you need a solid background in chemistry or chemical engineering, typically with at least a bachelor's degree and experience in catalysis or industrial chemistry. Familiarity with analytical instruments (such as GC, HPLC, or FTIR), lab safety protocols, and process simulation software is highly beneficial. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective collaboration skills help drive innovation and ensure safe, accurate results. These competencies are vital for developing efficient catalytic processes that improve product yield, safety, and sustainability in chemical manufacturing.

What are Catalyst Chemicals?

Catalyst chemicals are substances that speed up or facilitate chemical reactions without being consumed in the process. They are vital in various industrial processes, such as refining petroleum, manufacturing fertilizers, and producing plastics. By lowering the activation energy needed for reactions, catalyst chemicals help increase efficiency and reduce costs. They are used across diverse industries, including pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and environmental technology.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in catalyst chemical roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in catalyst chemical roles often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict safety protocols, staying updated on advancements in catalyst technology, and troubleshooting complex chemical reactions. Collaboration with cross-functional teams—including engineers and quality assurance—can help address these challenges by fostering knowledge sharing and problem-solving. Additionally, ongoing training and participation in industry conferences are valuable for staying current with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.

What is the difference between Catalyst Chemical vs Chemical Technician?

AspectCatalyst ChemicalChemical Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate degree or technical certification, relevant industry experienceAssociate degree in chemistry or related field, technical training
Work EnvironmentLaboratory, manufacturing plants, chemical processing facilitiesLaboratory, industrial settings, quality control labs
Employer & Industry UsageChemical manufacturing, catalyst production companiesChemical plants, research labs, manufacturing facilities
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between Catalyst Chemical and Chemical Technician lies in their roles and focus areas. Catalyst Chemical specialists primarily work with catalysts in manufacturing and processing environments, often requiring specific industry experience. Chemical Technicians support a broader range of chemical processes, including testing, quality control, and laboratory work. Both roles require technical certifications and are integral to chemical industry operations, but Catalyst Chemical roles are more specialized in catalyst-related processes.

More about Catalyst Chemical jobs
What states have the most Catalyst Chemical jobs? States with the most job openings for Catalyst Chemical jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Catalyst Chemical jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Catalyst Chemical jobs are:
Chief Technical leader - Refining Catalyst Development

Chief Technical leader - Refining Catalyst Development

KBR

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


KBR rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

94th of 352 rated engineering


Job description

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:

    • FCC catalysts (including ZSM 5 based and enhanced performance formulations)

    • Hydrocracking catalysts

    • Hydrotreating and desulfurization catalysts

  • 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

  • 15+ 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:

  • 20+ 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.


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About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998