Process Engineer

Process Engineer

The Process Engineer supports safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the production unit by providing technical expertise, process optimization, and engineering leadership. This role ensures that plant operations prioritize health, safety, environmental stewardship, and product quality while driving continuous improvement across processes, equipment, and systems. The Process Engineer is responsible for troubleshooting daily production issues, developing and executing improvement initiatives, managing capital projects, sustaining PSM and HS&E programs, and partnering with operations to maintain consistent, high‑quality manufacturing performance. Through these activities, the role strengthens plant reliability, efficiency, compliance, and long‑term operational capability.

The Process Engineer is responsible for ensuring that plant operations are carried out with safety, health, and environmental protection as the highest priority. This includes monitoring daily activities for potential risks, enforcing HS&E standards, and providing training on hazardous waste handling, universal waste, used oil disposal, and DOT requirements. The role also develops, maintains, and strengthens HS&E systems to support full regulatory compliance. As the owner of the site's Process Safety Management (PSM) program, the Process Engineer leads the development and implementation of PSM elements, supports HAZOP reviews and Management of Change (MOC) processes, and ensures operational procedures and documentation aligns with safety regulations and best practices.

The Process Engineer serves as the primary technical resource for diagnosing and resolving daily production challenges. They analyze operational deviations, interpret process data, and respond quickly to issues that impact throughput, product quality, or equipment performance. This role evaluates production processes to identify opportunities for optimization across yield, efficiency, and reliability. Using sound engineering principles, the Process Engineer develops and implements strategies to eliminate bottlenecks, reduce variability, and improve overall plant operation. The position also supports operators by providing hands‑on troubleshooting guidance during startups, shutdowns, and non‑standard operating conditions.

A key responsibility of the Process Engineer is driving continuous improvement within the production area. This includes participating in ISO 9001:2000 audits, supporting corrective actions for quality deviations, and collaborating with the Quality team to ensure consistent product performance. The Process Engineer reconciles raw and finished product inventories to support accurate reporting and identifies causes of material loss or variability. Additionally, they lead or contribute to productivity initiatives that reduce waste, lower costs, and enhance equipment performance. When applicable, the Process Engineer applies Six Sigma or structured problem‑solving tools to improve reliability, stability, and overall production efficiency.

This role is responsible for creating, updating, and maintaining operational documentation, including standard operating procedures, work instructions, and process guidelines. The Process Engineer ensures these documents accurately reflect current safety requirements, process conditions, and operational expectations. In addition, the role conducts operator training to strengthen technical capability, reinforce safe work practices, and ensure employees fully understand process updates or new equipment. Through clear documentation and effective communication, the Process Engineer supports a disciplined and knowledgeable operations team.

The Process Engineer plays a vital role in identifying, developing, and implementing capital projects that improve plant safety, reliability, and performance. They prepare project scopes, estimates, and budgets; coordinate with contractors and internal stakeholders; and ensure that all capital work meets safety and operational standards. The role provides engineering support during installation, commissioning, and startup of new equipment or process systems. Additionally, the Process Engineer collaborates closely with the Maintenance team to plan and schedule maintenance activities, ensuring minimal disruption while improving equipment reliability and long‑term performance.

The Process Engineer works collaboratively with operators, maintenance, HS&E, Quality, and the Unit Manager to ensure smooth and efficient daily operations. They communicate engineering recommendations clearly, enabling informed decision‑making on the production floor. The role coordinates work with external contractors and ensures their activities align with site safety and operational protocols. When needed, the Process Engineer steps in to act as Unit Manager, overseeing operations, managing priorities, and ensuring the unit meets production goals. This leadership support helps maintain operational continuity and reinforces the technical and organizational strength of the production team.

Educational Qualifications: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Chemical Engineering OR These or related chemical, materials, or manufacturing related disciplines given the nature of chemical processing, unit operations, and PSM requirements.

Industry Experience: Candidates should have 2-7 years of experience in the chemical manufacturing industry, preferably within environments involving complex batch or continuous processing operations. Experience in specialty chemicals, catalysts, zeolites, or materials manufacturing is highly beneficial due to the technical nature of the processes. Familiarity with chemical unit operations—such as filtration, drying, solids handling, reactors, and thermal processing—is essential for effective troubleshooting and optimization.

Technical Competencies: Process Engineering & Unit Operations Expertise, Production Troubleshooting & Root Cause Analysis, Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement, Process Safety Management (PSM) & Regulatory Compliance, Quality Systems & ISO Compliance, Capital Project Engineering, Technical Documentation & Procedure Development, Data Analysis & Computer Literacy, Training & Technical Communication.

Personality & Attitude: Safety‑First Mindset, Calm, Solution‑Oriented Approach Under Pressure, Collaborative, Respectful, and Operator‑Focused, Proactive and Improvement‑Driven, Detail‑Oriented with a Sense of Ownership, Flexible, Adaptable, and Comfortable with Changing Priorities, Clear, Honest, and Confident Communicator, Curious, Continuous Learner, Professional, Mature, and Dependable.