Research & Development Scientist

THIS IS AN ON-SITE POSITION. WE ARE INTERVIEWING LOCAL CANDIDATES ONLY AT THIS TIME.

Company Overview : Aether Fuels is an advanced climate technology startup revolutionizing the sustainable fuels industry with its breakthrough catalysts, equipment and process flows.

Aether’s mission is to enable a net zero world through sustainable liquid fuels by economically producing sustainable hydrocarbon fuels at scale from flexible combinations of waste carbon streams.

Job Description : We are seeking a motivated R&D Scientist to join our innovative team at Aether Fuels in Des Plaines, IL.

The ideal candidate will have a background in chemical engineering or chemistry, who has 2-5 years of industry experience ready for their next challenge.

As an R&D Scientist, you will play a key role in the design, synthesis, testing, and characterization of catalysts for our cutting-edge sustainable fuel production technology.

We are looking for someone

Responsibilities :

• Design and execute experiments for catalyst synthesis, optimization, and scale-up in the laboratory and pilot plant environments
• Conduct comprehensive testing and characterization of catalyst materials using techniques such as gas chromatography (GC), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC / MS), surface area analysis, and other analytical methods
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and provide insights to guide decision-making and process improvements
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including chemists, engineers, and technicians to support research projects and achieve project milestones
• Contribute to the development and implementation of new technologies and processes to enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and performance of our fuel production processes
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and protocols in all laboratory and pilot plant activities
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders (R&D and Engineering team members) as well as external partners to ensure accurate data management, reporting and communication

Qualifications :

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field
• 1-3 years of industrial experience in research and development, preferably in the energy or chemical manufacturing sectors
• Hands-on experience with catalyst synthesis, testing, and characterization techniques in a laboratory setting
• Proficiency in analytical instrumentation such as GC, GC / MS, and surface area analyzers
• Strong understanding of chemical engineering principles, reaction kinetics, and catalysis
• Experience with laboratory and pilot plant operations, including equipment setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting
• Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Aether Fuels is an equal-opportunity employer and is offers competitive compensation and benefits. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality, sex, religion, or veteran status.