Scientist (Membrane) at Harvest Power Inc – Oceanside, California

Company Overview

Solecta is an exciting early-stage, high-tech company focused on solving real customer issues and commercializing polymeric industrial filtration products. Solecta has manufacturing facilities in Oceanside, CA. The company is backed by True North Venture Partners, an investing firm that specializes in commercializing and scaling disruptive innovations.

Position Summary

The Scientist is responsible for applying their knowledge of chemistry and engineering principles and skills to help solve problems and develop solutions in a variety of contexts including new membrane product development, membrane performance characterization, and optimization of manufacturing conditions. The Scientist filling this role with be working with Scientists and Engineers to bring new products from concept into solutions helping Solecta’s customers with their challenging separation needs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or ability required. Other duties as assigned.

• Conduct membrane fabrication experiments and characterize membranes using techniques such as electron microscopy, contact angle goniometry and x-ray spectroscopy.
• Lead small projects independently, utilizing Project Management best practices and reporting. Assigned projects will support new product development, equipment development, material qualification, regulatory testing, and manufacturing improvement.
• Support senior R&D team members in large project execution.
• Design, specify, build and commission equipment to support the R&D team’s expanding needs.
• Perform Membrane and Element Performance Testing including crossflow testing, element wet testing, coupon testing, and dead-end cell testing.
• Perform Element Autopsies, generate reports and communicate results.
• Perform laboratory analysis, using equipment such as UV-VIS, FTIR, SEM, HPLC, and Refractometer.
• Compile and manage analytical data and perform preliminary analysis and technical review of results, utilizing Excel, JMP and/or MATLAB.
• Follow Standard Work Instructions (SWIs) to operate laboratory equipment.
• Document new tests and processes into Standard Work Instructions.
• Assure all procedures and processing areas are maintained in a clean and organized manner.
• Always adhere to company safety and quality standards.

Skills and Abilities

• Communicate (written and oral) technical concepts clearly and concisely to audiences with varied levels of educational and technical backgrounds.
• Work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Analytical skills for reviewing data and identifying trends or discrepancies.
• Schedule meetings, facilitate group discussion, receive and disseminated information to ensure manufacturing support.
• Retrieve and compile data.
• May be required to work weekend as needed.

Education and Experience

• BS in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Material Science and 2+ years relevant R&D experience; Masters degree preferred.
• Knowledge and experience working with chemicals, unit conversions, and safe laboratory practices.
• Experience using common chemical analytical equipment such as UV-Vis, FTIR
• Excellent communications skills and ability to discuss technical concepts with a variety of audiences.
• Task Management – ability to manage multiple activities to meet deliverables on time.
• Familiarity with Robust Engineering/Taguchi Methods, Theory of Constraints a plus.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to analyze data using MiniTab or JMP.
• Thrives in a fast-moving entrepreneurial culture along with experience in large, best-in-class companies.
• Familiarity with polymeric RO/NF/UF/MF membranes a plus.
• Experience working in a research or academic lab.
• Hard-working, resilient personality. Quick learner.
• Ability to work independently on loosely structured projects.
• Task Management – ability to manage multiple activities to meet deliverables on time.
• Experience with Project Management best practices. Knowledge of Critical Chain and project management software is a plus.
• Excellent communications skills and ability to discuss technical concepts with a variety of audiences.
• Knowledge and experience working with pumps/mechanical equipment. Experience designing/specifying equipment is a plus.
• Knowledge and experience working with chemicals, utilizing safe laboratory practices.
• Experience using common chemical analytical equipment such as UV-Vis, FTIR, and HPLC.
• Experience working in a manufacturing environment and an understanding of continuous improvement, 5S, process and capacity improvement.

Physical Demands

• Hearing and speaking to exchange information
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to demonstrate activities
• Operate a computer and other office productivity machinery
• Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching
• Sitting or standing for extended periods of time
• Lifting objects up to 50 pounds with or without assistance

Work Environment

The work environment described here are representative of those an employee encounter while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, etc.
• Use of lab equipment such as: electron microscopy, contact angle goniometry and x-ray spectroscopy.
• The role is exposed to a variety of conditions that may be found while walking the laboratory floor.
• No travel will be required for this position.

Solecta, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.