Process Engineer

Process Engineer

The Process Engineer plays a key role in optimizing chemical manufacturing operations by improving processes, supporting equipment reliability, and ensuring safe, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible production. This role provides technical leadership for process units, drives process improvement and scale-up initiatives, and collaborates closely with operations, maintenance, and other engineering teams to achieve plant performance and quality objectives.

Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate prompt, regular, and dependable attendance as an essential function of the role.
• Take responsibility for the technical and economic performance of assigned process unit operations.
• Provide technical support for the maintenance and reliable operation of existing equipment.
• Improve existing processes and equipment to achieve more efficient and cost-effective operation.
• Design and document chemical processes required for the development and improvement of products.
• Coordinate process development efforts with colleagues and leadership to meet project and business objectives.
• Select equipment required for the development of new products and for process trials.
• Design and document efficient, cost-effective processes and select appropriate equipment for scaling new products from development to full production.
• Write operating procedures and provide training to ensure the safe operation of new equipment and processes.
• Select equipment and control devices to enhance process control, reliability, and safety.
• Perform leadership duties on assigned projects, including planning activities, coordinating resources, and reporting progress.
• Supervise technicians as needed to support project and operational activities.
• Stay informed about modern technologies relevant to the operation and report on their potential application.
• Perform tasks assigned by the department leadership that support the achievement of departmental objectives.
• Direct and manage coordination between engineering and production to maximize equipment uptime and product quality in a safe and environmentally sound manner.
• Promote and maintain a proactive, collaborative attitude within engineering and maintenance teams.
• Reinforce management's commitment to addressing both short- and long-term engineering and maintenance concerns.
• Provide engineering and maintenance support services to operations as required.
• Establish and implement engineering and maintenance cost-saving techniques and initiatives.
• Maintain a safe and environmentally sound working environment in all areas of responsibility.
• Manage objectives within established fiscal budget constraints and seek opportunities for savings.
• Evaluate departmental performance and help set goals and priorities within assigned areas.
• Interface and collaborate with other engineers, leaders, and stakeholders in group meetings and cross-functional discussions.
• Assist with adherence to regulatory agency requirements, including environmental, safety, and process safety regulations.
• Identify opportunities to reduce maintenance, material, and repair costs while maintaining reliability and safety.
• Support the design and operation of equipment to minimize environmental releases and emissions.
• Adhere to budget objectives and actively strive for savings in material and labor costs.
• Support the achievement of overall plant goals and objectives through continuous improvement and technical guidance.
• Communicate consistently with other members of management to maintain effective dialogue and alignment.
• Provide engineering assistance to plant operations by troubleshooting issues and designing improvements that optimize performance and reduce costs.
• Maintain schedules and help reduce costs of design changes by specifying and assisting in the purchase of equipment and coordinating with outside contractors on installation of new equipment and systems.
• Develop in-depth knowledge of the chemicals used in the assigned area, including their physical properties and safe handling requirements.
• Provide technical service to the assigned unit through daily monitoring of unit operations and performance.
• Identify opportunities to improve quality, reduce costs, enhance safety, and lower emissions, and present technically substantiated recommendations to the unit team.
• Develop and conduct tests and trials, evaluate results, and recommend operating changes to improve product quality, increase capacity, or reduce operating costs.
• Develop technical expertise in the assigned area's processes, equipment, and control systems.
• Investigate the operating and economic feasibility of implementing modern technologies, safety and operability recommendations, and planned capacity changes.
• Collaborate with the unit team to prepare the annual control budget, operating reviews, and economic studies to evaluate proposed operating programs.
• Provide technical support to Process Safety Management (PSM), Risk Management Program (RMP), and other regulatory programs.
• Investigate production, safety, environmental, or quality issues and support the implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
• Perform additional assignments as needed to support operational reliability, safety, and continuous improvement.

Essential Skills:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Experience in a production or manufacturing environment, preferably in chemical manufacturing.
• Experience with distillation processes in a chemical manufacturing environment preferred.
• Experience with extrusion processes and manufacturing utilities and maintenance support is beneficial.
• Experience in chemical process design, optimization, and scale-up.
• Ability to provide daily technical service and monitoring for assigned process units.
• Proven ability to identify and implement process improvements that enhance quality, reduce costs, improve safety, and lower emissions.
• Ability to design and conduct tests, analyze data, and evaluate results to support operating changes.
• Knowledge of the physical and safe handling properties of chemicals used in assigned areas.
• Familiarity with process control equipment and control devices used to enhance process stability and safety.
• Ability to prepare and review operating procedures and train personnel on safe equipment operation.
• Experience troubleshooting process and equipment issues and developing cost-effective engineering solutions.
• Ability to support and comply with regulatory programs, including PSM and RMP.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate with operations, maintenance, engineering, and leadership teams.
• Ability to plan, coordinate, and report on project activities and lead selected projects.
• Capability to supervise and guide technicians when required.
• Ability to work effectively across Japanese and American cultural lines.

Additional Skills & Qualifications:

• Distillation process experience specifically within a chemical manufacturing environment is preferred.
• Experience in manufacturing process improvement, including cost reduction and efficiency enhancement.
• Experience in utilities maintenance and support for manufacturing operations.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate the feasibility of modern technologies and capacity changes from both operating and economic perspectives.
• Experience participating in or preparing annual control budgets, operating reviews, and economic studies.
• Familiarity with environmental regulations and practices for minimizing environmental releases.
• Ability to balance technical objectives with fiscal budget constraints and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on safety, quality, and reliability.
• Team-oriented mindset and ability to maintain positive, proactive working relationships across departments.
• Eligibility for internal candidates may require a minimum tenure in current position, as defined by internal policies.

Work Environment:

This position is based in an industrial chemical manufacturing environment and requires regular presence in production areas. The Process Engineer works closely with operations, maintenance, and other engineering personnel and must be comfortable navigating an active plant setting, including climbing stairs and remaining mobile throughout shifts. The role involves hands-on interaction with process equipment, utilities, and control systems while adhering to established safety and environmental protocols. Occasional extended hours or off-shift work may be required to support operational needs, troubleshooting activities, or project implementation. The organization emphasizes a culture of safety, environmental responsibility, and quality, and supports employees with competitive compensation, comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, and vision), paid vacation and holidays, a retirement plan, and bonus eligibility, fostering a stable and rewarding environment for long-term career growth.

Job Type & Location:

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Decatur, AL.

Pay and Benefits:

The pay range for this position is $40.87 - $50.96/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type:

This is a fully onsite position in Decatur,AL