Process Development Manager
Talascend is currently seeking a Process Development Manager for a direct hire opportunity with our client in Mountain Pass, California. (Pay $160,000 - $190,000)
The Process Development Manager will lead a growing team of up to 20 chemists, chemical engineers, and technicians to support ongoing plant operations, as well as lead new innovations in process and product development. This role is responsible for experiment planning and execution to meet technical, schedule, and cost objectives in support of strategic business goals and customer requirements, with employee safety being paramount.
- Lead and supervise up to 20 technical professionals in a fast-paced R&D environment.
- Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and professional development for team members.
- Oversee the design, planning, and execution of experiments to support process innovation and optimization.
- Align experimental design and development schedules with business objectives and customer requirements.
- Collaborate with plant operations and process engineering groups to ensure seamless technology transfer.
- Deliver technical support and troubleshooting expertise to chemical plant operations.
- Manage testing project timelines, resource allocation, and prioritization in a deadline-driven environment.
- Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards in all development activities.
- Analyze data, guide team members in preparing technical reports, and present findings to stakeholders and senior leadership.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives and foster a culture of innovation and accountability.
- Manage the R&D laboratory, including housekeeping, chemical inventory tracking, and asset accountability.
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry
- Master’s or Ph.D. preferred
- 10+ years of chemical engineering process development experience, including 5+ years in leadership
- Strong project management skills; familiarity with stage-gate or similar development processes.
- Proficient in data analysis, experimental design, and technical reporting.
- Promote workforce safety; participate in Process Hazard Analysis and Pre-Startup Safety Reviews.
- Required PPE may include hard hat, hearing protection, safety glasses, safety footwear, respirator, rubber steel-toe boots, protective clothing, gloves, and other protective equipment as required.
- Work may involve extreme weather conditions (heat, cold, wind) in outdoor settings.
- Valid Driver’s License to operate company vehicles.
- Work environment: open-pit mine or manufacturing/chemical plant with exposure to moving mechanical parts, toxic chemicals, electrical shock, explosives, fumes, or airborne particles.
- Must pass a full-face respiratory fit test and be able to work in PPE level C.
We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those qualified individuals who closely meet the qualifications of the position will be contacted. The details of the position are only a summary, other duties may be assigned as necessary.
Drug Screen may be required.
We will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to Federal, State and Local law, including the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Talascend is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Applicants with criminal histories are encouraged to apply. To find out more visit California Fair Chance Act.
Pay range is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. Talascend also offers a variety of benefits including: health and disability insurance, 401(k), EAP, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, plan requirements, schedule type, and client work site mandates.
Talascend is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.