Formulation Process Development EngineerThe Formulation Process Development Engineer within Product Science and Technology at Corteva Agriscience works within a team of formulation chemists, analysts, technicians and Operations personnel to develop process routes to manufacture and scale up existing and emerging novel agrichemical formulations. This role is responsible for evaluating critical process parameters through experimental design, demonstrating the solutions in a scale-up environment and transferring the technology to manufacturing to realize value for the business. This position is located at the Corteva Agriscience Global Business Unit site in Indianapolis, Indiana and reports to the technical manager of the Formulation Process Science & Technology Group.Core Responsibilities As a team member of the R&D team, the Formulation Process Development Engineer is required to make key decisions in regard to their respective research projects that will have both immediate and long-term impact to the Corteva Agriscience Crop Protection business. Curiosity, critical thinking and collaboration are required to be successful in this role.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:Designing and conducting research activities to enable successful launch of crop protection formulated products: (70%)Working with Formulation Scientists to plan and coordinate appropriate trials to determine scale-up feasibilityUsing Design of Experiment (DoE) to design and conduct experiments to understand key process variables that affect product performance, quality, stability and manufacturability.Important properties include, viscosity, particle size, bulk density, dispersion time, suspensibility, emulsion stability, etc.Formulation types include water-dispersible granules (WDG), oil-dispersions (OD), capsule suspensions (CS), soluble liquids (SL), emulsifiable concentrates (EC), suspension concentrates (SC), baits etc. of new and existing active moleculesConducting research and testing to implement practical solutions to formulation manufacturing challengesCoordinating and planning cross-functional samples for reactive chemistry, packaging compatibility, application studies, material compatibility, etc.Communicating data-based recommendations to stakeholders to enable successful product launchDocumenting key process considerations and parameters in technical reportsPartnering with multidisciplinary teams to plan and support process demonstration trials, provide manufacturing plant support and launch new formulations (20%)Developing trial plans for manufacturing scale trialsProviding startup support for newly launched formulationsDrafting documentation to capture and transfer learnings from DOE and plant trialTroubleshooting process issues and providing solutions to manufacturingProducing field trial, regulatory, applications and other experimental samples at pilot scale (10%)Consolidating sample requests and coordinating procurement of raw materials to produce themEducation:BS, MS or PhD in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, material science, or chemistry, plus 4-6 years of relevant industrial or R&D experience (preferred).Required Qualifications:Analyzing and interpreting data, report-writing, and clearly communicating data-based process steps and scale-up parameter recommendationsFostering a strong commitment to safety and environmental responsibilityExperience in Formulation or chemical process scale-up and/or process developmentCapable of setting up pilot scale laboratory equipmentAbility to work independently and drive projects to completionStrong interpersonal and leadership skillsAbility to successfully partner with team members and stakeholders from multiple backgroundsExcellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to deliver presentations that distill complex ideas and proactively communicate results and progress to technical teams, supervision, management, and business leadershipAbility to travel up to 10%Benefits – How We'll Support You:Numerous development opportunities offered to build your skillsBe part of a company with a higher purpose and contribute to making the world a better placeHealth benefits for you and your family on your first day of employmentFour weeks of paid time off and two weeks of well-being pay per year, plus paid holidaysExcellent parental leave which includes a minimum of 16 weeks for mother and fatherFuture planning with our competitive retirement savings plan and tuition reimbursement program