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IperionX
R&D Process Development Engineer
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What they do
A Research & Development Engineer researches and invents new methods or improves existing ones within engineering and manufacturing.
$98,937 / year median in Virginia
+3% projected growth
Job Description
Overview IperionX is seeking an R&D Process Development Engineer to join our team at IperionX's Titanium Manufacturing Campus in the Southern Virginia Technology Park. In this role, you will be responsible for supporting the Research & Development Department by conducting research, experimentation, process development, optimization, and technical analysis for emerging process technologies. This role focuses on understanding the science, chemistry, metallurgy, and process fundamentals required to develop, improve, and validate new technologies before commercial scale-up. The R&D Process Development Engineer serves as a technical leader for experimentation and process understanding, designing and executing test programs, analyzing results, developing process knowledge, and generating the data required to support future commercialization activities. Responsibilities will include, but not be limited to: Design and execute research programs focused on development and optimization of emerging process technologies Identify opportunities for process improvements, cost reductions, yield improvements, and performance enhancements Plan and conduct laboratory-scale and pilot-scale trials to evaluate process performance and develop technical understanding Design experiments to identify key process variables and optimize operating parameters; collect, analyze, interpret, and communicate experimental data and technical findings Develop process models, process descriptions, operating concepts, and technical recommendations Support development of process flow diagrams, process descriptions, reaction pathways, material balances, and technical documentation Operate, troubleshoot, and optimize laboratory and pilot-scale equipment Work with analytical laboratories and characterization tools to evaluate material properties and process outcomes Support technology readiness progression and scale-up planning efforts Collaborate with Project Engineers, Controls Engineers, Operations personnel, and leadership teams to define future equipment requirements Assist in defining process requirements and performance specifications for future commercial systems Participate in safety reviews, hazard analyses, and risk assessments for developing technologies Support testing, sampling, documentation, and quality activities associated with experimental programs Maintain accurate technical records of experiments, trials, process modifications, results, and conclusions Prepare technical reports, presentations, development plans, and recommendations for leadership Requirements and Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Materials Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mining Engineering, or related discipline required; advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, Minerals Processing, or related field preferred. Minimum 5 years of experience in process development, research and development, metallurgical processing, materials science, minerals processing, or related technical fields Experience designing and executing experiments, pilot testing programs, and process optimization studies Strong understanding of design of experiments (DOE), statistical analysis, and research methodologies Experience with laboratory and pilot-scale equipment operation Familiarity with analytical testing methods and characterization techniques Strong problem-solving and data analysis skills Experience collecting, organizing, interpreting, and presenting technical data Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and technical reporting Strong written and verbal communication skills Ability to travel up to 25% About IperionX Titanium metal is prized for its strength, light weight, and corrosion resistance. These properties are ideal for applications in the aerospace, defense, medical, automotive and consumer electronics industries. Titanium's problem is its high cost. The standard way to produce titanium metal, the Kroll process, was invented over 70 years ago, is complex, energy intensive, and expensive. IperionX has revolutionary technology to produce titanium metal at significantly lower energy, cost and carbon emissions. Our goal is to fundamentally transform the titanium industry. We are currently scaling production at our Virginia Titanium Manufacturing Campus, comprising the Titanium Production Facility and the Advanced Manufacturing Center. Additional information about IperionX can be found on our corporate website (www.iperionx.com).