Principal Technologist

**The Role**:
**JOB TITLE: Principal Technologist - Light Ends**

Principal Technologist responsible for process engineering and R&D in support of Light Ends technologies including primarily Catalytic Reforming, Isomerization, and Alkylation. Responsibilities include process engineering support to Shell and JV/3P sites, leading process model development activities, providing technical leadership to the global team, and assuming the role of TA1 in Light Ends Technology.

**Where you fit**

Working in Light Ends will provide the opportunity to enjoy a multi-dimensional and varied challenge because of the interface with a global range of businesses within and outside of Shell. It will also allow you to build technical expertise dealing with complex technologies and projects in a variety of environments. This combination provides significant potential for professional and personal development.

The position is within Refining Technology Primary Processes group (PTX/C/R), a team which works across Shell’s three major Technology Centers in Houston, Amsterdam, and Bangalore. In addition to providing engineering support for existing refining processes, effort is spent on evaluation of competitive refining technologies for Shell, development and support of advanced process models, and design work that ranges from small revamps to large projects.

**What’s the role?**

Your accountabilities include:

- Process and Engineering R&D in support of Light Ends Technologies.
- Process engineering support to existing operations including:

- T/A and catalyst regeneration support
- Catalyst loading support.
- Reactor, vessel, and column inspections
- Evaluation of regular detailed operating summaries to rigorously track and improve unit performance.
- Troubleshooting and advice on mitigation and recovery from operational upsets
- Advice on, and comparative evaluation of, future operating strategies
- Providing training in process technology and modelling.
- Support to refineries for complex refining process technology issues
- Coach and mentor less experienced staff and review all relevant technical work across the three regions.
- Drive and contribute to the development and implementation of technology solutions to maximize value to Shell Downstream operations.
- Establish and manage relationships with catalyst and technology suppliers and external research partners such as universities, national labs, and research consortiums for effective collaborations towards execution of R&D Projects.
- Lead the development and provide expert knowledge for the rigorous process models in the Light Ends technologies. Ensure accessibility and competence in the use of the process models by all Light Ends staff. Provide training as needed to site engineers in the use of the process models. Perform and review advanced modeling studies and model fitting projects.
- Assume the role of TA1 in Light Ends Technology with responsibility for reviewing and approving critical activities, resolving disputes at lower TA levels, maintaining the health of the TA pool, guiding the development of, and nominating, TA2s and TA3s.

**What we need from you**
- Bachelor's in chemical engineering with 15+ years relevant experience in Light Ends process technology.
- Extensive experience and knowledge in the Process Engineering and Technology of Catalytic Reforming. Additionally, experience in Isomerization and/or Alkylation is desirable.
- Experience as an operations support engineer (OSE), manufacturing technical support, or equivalent for Light Ends processes.
- Experience in mathematical modeling of refining or chemical processes including technical programming, planning and oversight of development cycles, and coordination with IT programming resources.
- Experience with process safety processes including Management of Change, HAZOP, PHA, and PSM bowtie analysis, either in manufacturing operations and/or Shell Global Solutions.
- Demonstrated ability to work in global teams.
- Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities.
- Capability to mentor and direct the work of less experienced staff and assess their capabilities and areas for development.
- Ability to communicate (verbal and written) at various levels - management, business sponsors, outside Shell, with process engineering staff, etc.
- Strong interpersonal and leadership skills.

Other skills and experiences considered beneficial include:

- Understanding of the stages of the Technology Development Funnel (D0-D4), all the way from ideation through proof of concept, scale up, and commercialization.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Proven networking, teamworking, and stakeholder management skills.
- Self-directed, delivery focus, and can-do attitude.
- Demonstrated understanding of and comfort in dealing with a diversity of cultures, work practices and customs.
- Demonstrated ability to be flexible and accommodating without compromising key objectives and milestones.
**Tran