Sr. Synthetic Fuel Lab Scientist (1846)

Location: Houston, TX

Department: Research and Development

OVERVIEW:

Aramco Americas is establishing a state‑of‑the‑art research center in Houston dedicated to advancing CO₂ capture, low‑carbon liquid fuels and chemicals, renewable energy, and energy storage solutions, as well as artificial intelligence applications in the energy sector. The center’s mission is to transform early‑stage, low‑TRL research into mid‑level technologies (TRL 5–7), bridging the gap between fundamental discovery and practical deployment.

SCOPE:

Aramco Americas is seeking senior synthetic fuels Scientist with deep expertise in catalytic reactor design, testing, and process development to lead interdisciplinary research initiatives advancing low-carbon synthetic fuels and CO2 conversion technologies. The role will focus on the design, construction, and operation of catalytic reactors and test units to evaluate novel catalysts and reaction pathways for e-fuels and synthetic liquid fuel productions under industrially relevant conditions. Key responsibilities include developing and optimizing catalytic reactor systems, designing experimental protocols to generate kinetic, selectivity, heat and mass transfer, and catalyst stability data, and translating experimental results into saleable process concepts. The position will work closely with materials and engineering teams to integrate catalytic reactor performance into process designs suitable for deployment across Aramco’s global operations and affiliate networks. The role encompasses scientific research, process and reactor development, and engineering activities, including hands-on work with bench-, pilot- and demonstration-scale systems. The ideal candidate will possess a strong technical background in heterogeneous catalysis, catalytic reactor engineering, process development, complemented by demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary projects and advancing technologies from reactor design testing through pilot validation and implementation.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES:

• Propose and develop novel pathways to produce low-carbon fuels by valorizing low value streams, co-feeding of renewable resources or e-fuels production.
• Lead projects and project team to pilot and demonstrate low-carbon fuel technologies.
• Conduct periodic gate review meetings which involves aligning with proponents and Aramco/affiliates engineering.
• Formulate objectives, technical scope and requirements for technology demonstration
• Determine the development steps, deliverables, and milestones.
• Estimate the development schedule, resources, and costs.
• Support and/or conduct pre-FEED (DBSP) level engineering studies.
• Support/lead detailed engineering, construction, start up, and operation of demonstration systems.
• Oversee testing and analyze testing results
• Write technical reports of investigations and publications, reviews existing patents.
• Mentor junior staff
• Provide and manage a safe, accident-free laboratory environment.  Follow all company safety rules in performing job duties.
• Lead collaborative research efforts internally (other R&D areas of the company) and externally (academic researchers).

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• PhD Degree in Science/Engineering Discipline as appropriate for the area of expertise for the assigned jobs. 
• Nine (9) year’s industry experience in a substantive industrial, technological or laboratory area relevant to the job’s assignment.
• Demonstrated background in the reactor design, construction, and operation of bench-scale, pilot-scale or demonstration-scale units.
• Proven experience in the conceptual design and evaluation of novel processes, including the selection of unit operations and process integration.
• Proficiency in conducting techno-economic analysis and evaluating the commercial viability of emerging technologies.
• Must be able to communicate and comprehend accurately, clearly and concisely in English at a level required to perform the job as outlined.
• Candidate should be comfortable in working independently or part of a project team, and frequent project presentation.  Must possess good work habits, a strong work ethic, and be able to adhere to company work hours, policies, and standard business etiquette.

NO THIRD-PARTY CANDIDATES ACCEPTED