Title:  Dielectric Fluid Chemist

Job Purpose and Impact

The Dielectric Fluid Chemist will apply a background in organic chemistry, and especially natural and synthetic ester chemistry, toward mastering and performing application and analytical tests related to the performance and characterization of dielectric fluids. In this role, the focus will mainly be on dielectric fluids for use in various power generation applications, such as transformers and capacitors, but may include support in developing products into other dielectric fluid markets and applications.  

The position will be involved in the development process of novel fluids, by supporting the senior chemists in product formulation, laboratory sample development, and testing of relevant dielectric, chemical, and physical properties.  The position will also support qualification of Cargill fluids from different manufacturing sites and processes, as well as supporting customer commercialization through performing relevant application and materials compatibility tests. 

The role may need to use technical experience and competence to tackle ambiguous problems, performing forensic analysis, to help troubleshoot challenges. 

Key Accountabilities

• Work with technical service partners to identify customer needs and translate these into new product development opportunities.
• Develop, implement and test procedures needed to develop and improve dielectric fluid product performance, properties, and efficiently.
• Track product issues and report data to product development teams and prepare scientific reports or datasheets that detail the organization's products and their applications.
• Manage the design of research test plans and recommend testing and production methods. With limited direction, establish on-going tracking mechanisms and success measures for experiments.
• Ensure projects are achievable and align with procedural standards.
• Provide training, coaching and mentoring to new team members.
• Develops strong industry and customer understanding to support the identification of business opportunities by identifying customer needs and requirements.
• Independently solve moderately complex issues with minimal supervision, while escalating more complex issues to appropriate staff.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical engineering, or other related fields or equivalent experience
• Minimum of two years of related work experience
• Technical experience related to vegetable oil chemistry, synthetic esters, or dielectric fluids and applications.
• Working experience in a chemical lab, well-versed in chemical lab work safety and best practices
• Working experience in analytical and wet chemistry testing.
• Ability to write internal reports, analyze data and present results to technical and non- technical audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in chemistry or chemical engineering
• 2 to 4 years of technical experience related to vegetable oil chemistry or synthetic esters.
• Demonstrated working experience analyzing dielectric fluids with a working knowledge of the standard equipment used in these tests.
• Chemical synthesis experience, including testing and analysis of the products.
• Working experience in material compatibility testing, including all testing of new and exposed materials, materials preparation, and an understanding of the results and the significance to the application