Chemical Engineering Scientific Software Developer

Summary

We are seeking a Chemical Engineering Scientific Software Developer who can contribute to the development of OLI’s engineering software and help modernize the existing computational infrastructure to support our new initiatives.

This individual will possess a strong background in numerical algorithm development, chemical engineering modeling, and process simulation.

This role is ideal for a detail-oriented, passionately curious technical problem-solver with a proven track record in scientific programming and software development; significant experience with chemical process simulation and design of chemicals/refining processes; and a demonstrated ability to convey complex information in a clear and concise manner.

What OLI Does

OLI is a software development, engineering research and consulting firm specializing in corrosion modeling, physical property prediction and process simulation to drive new process development and environmental sustainability through cleaner utilization of water, increased operational efficiency, and lower risk. Currently, the OLI portfolio of products and services for water chemistry-based process modeling is used by engineers in over 35 countries across 500 organizations including industry, research organizations and academia to optimize process design across oil & gas, power generation, metals & mining, water treatment and chemicals industries.

We continue to harness our deep domain expertise and actively invest in next-generation capabilities to enable real-time, electrolyte chemistry-based insights for the industrial digital transformation with increased automation, cloud enabled platforms, analytics and AI.

Why We Need You

In this role, you will work with a dynamic software development and engineering research team that continuously embraces new ideas and innovations to solve complex engineering and business problems. Specifically, you will:

• Further develop algorithms for phase and chemical equilibria in multiphase and massively multicomponent systems (a.k.a. the OLI Engine)
• Further develop algorithms for process modeling, both steady-state and dynamic
• Provide algorithm support for OLI’s Software Development Team in the modernization of the code base, and the development of engineering software platforms, databases, and web microservices.
• Work in a multidisciplinary team consisting of scientific programmers, thermophysical property researchers, corrosion scientists and software developers.
• Work with alliance partners (primarily leading chemical process simulation companies) to develop and maintain joint software products

Primary Responsibilities and Duties:

• Maintenance, testing and development of existing software libraries
• Development of applications and components for next generation process modeling tools
• Development and maintenance of numerical solution algorithms for:
  • Chemical and phase equilibrium computations
  • Process simulation and unit operation modeling
  • Regression of experimental data using thermophysical models
• Embracing OLI’s digital transformation journey; identifying and applying the best practice from data science and machine learning to create next-generation data-driven or hybrid models for solving complex engineering problems

Requirements:

Education

• Minimum of a Master’s degree (PhD preferred) in Chemical Engineering, another engineering discipline, or physical chemistry with a strong background in scientific programing and model development

Experience

• Proven track record in scientific programming and software development
  • Proficiency in one or more of these languages: C++, C#, Fortran, Python, Java
  • Strong object-oriented programming methodology
  • Skilled in writing highly optimized code for memory usage and time complexity
  • Ability to write clear well documented code and work effectively with legacy code
  • Experience with unit testing, integration testing and delivering well-tested code
  • Experience with data science methodologies to visualize, analyze and predict chemical properties/processes
  • Knowledge of databases, cloud technologies is a plus
• Industrial and/or academic experience with chemical process simulation and design of chemicals and refining processes
  • Experience in steady-state and dynamic simulation tools and methodologies
  • Mathematical modeling and simulation of unit operations in chemical engineering
  • Ability to leverage AI/ML methods for chemical process simulation and algorithm and code development
  • Familiarity with equation-oriented modeling approach
  • Track record in providing technical expertise to solve complex and challenging process simulation problems is a plus
• Familiarity with advanced thermodynamic models, phase equilibria, and electrolyte properties is a major plus
• Knowledge of advanced numerical methods including solving large systems of linear/nonlinear equations, numerical techniques, optimization, and regression analysis
• Experience using software tools for process simulation - with experience in one or more of these tools: Aspen Plus / HYSYS / Aspen custom modeling / gPROMS / UniSim Design / Petro-SIM / AVEVA / Open-source CAPE-OPEN software and libraries

Skills & Attributes

This individual should be/have:

• An organized and detail-oriented multitasker
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• A results-driven, team-centric problem solver
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Equal Opportunity Employer

OLI Systems is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all.

Applicants will be evaluated through a structured, rubric-based interview process to ensure consistency and fairness. OLI supports equitable career progression. Advancement decisions are guided by consistent evaluation criteria and regular performance conversations.