Senior Enzyme Technology Engineer

Title:

KBRs Technology business unit is a leading global provider of innovative proprietary process technologies and catalysts used across numerous downstream industries. KBR technologies are known for producing clean sustainable end products mitigating environmental impact and reducing operational hazards.

Global licensing of proprietary technologies providing engineering catalyst and Proprietary Equipment. Holistic portfolio with solutions & deployment consistent with regional growth patterns.

KBR is looking for an innovative and experienced Senior Enzyme Technology Engineer to lead the development and optimization of enzyme-based processes for the production of sustainable materials including bio-based polymers renewable feedstocks and biodegradable alternatives to petroleum-based products. This role is critical to our mission of creating environmentally friendly materials through cutting-edge biotechnological solutions.

Functional job responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Design and scale up enzyme-catalyzed processes for transforming renewable biomass into monomers intermediates and high-performance sustainable materials.
• Develop integrated biocatalytic and bioprocess workflows for feedstock conversion polymer precursor production or polymer degradation (e.g. PET hydrolysis lignocellulosic processing).
• Optimize enzyme formulations and reaction conditions for stability efficiency and environmental compatibility.
• Collaborate with material scientists fermentation engineers and product development teams to align enzymatic processes with final material properties and commercial goals.
• Lead pilot-scale trials and support transition to commercial production with a focus on green chemistry and minimal environmental footprint.
• Evaluate enzyme sourcing immobilization techniques and recycling strategies to enhance process economics and sustainability.
• Stay up to date with the latest advances in biocatalysis synthetic biology and circular materials science.
• Represent the company in technical meetings conferences and with external partners.
• Mentor junior scientists and engineers fostering a culture of innovation and sustainability.

Required Education Experience & Skills:

• . or Ph.D. in Biochemical Engineering Biotechnology Chemical Engineering or related field.
• At least 710 years of recent experience in enzyme technology with a strong focus on industrial biotechnology sustainable chemistry or bio-based materials.
• Deep understanding of enzyme kinetics biocatalyst engineering and process integration for biomass valorization.
• Hands-on experience with fermentation systems downstream processing and enzymatic hydrolysis or polymerization.
• Experience with lignocellulose conversion biopolymer synthesis (e.g. PLA PHA bio-PET) or enzymatic plastic recycling (e.g. PETase).
• Familiarity with green chemistry principles and life cycle assessment (LCA) tools.
• Competence in process modeling and simulation software (e.g. SuperPro Aspen Plus MATLAB).

Leadership & Communication:

• Strong project leadership problem-solving and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Effective communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Track record of mentoring technical leadership and cross-disciplinary teamwork.

Preferred Education & Skills:

• Enzyme immobilization or continuous biocatalytic processing
• Collaborations with academic or industrial research consortia on bio-based innovations
• Experience in regulatory aspects of sustainable materials (e.g. REACH FDA for food contact)

KBR Benefits

KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match medical dental vision life insurance AD&D flexible spending account disability paid time off or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.

Click here to learn more: KBR Benefits

Belong Connect and Grow at KBR

At KBR we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of teams philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong Connect and Grow. We Deliver Together.

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion disability sex sexual orientation gender identity or expression age national origin veteran status genetic information union status and/or beliefs or any other characteristic protected by federal state or local law.