SUMMARY OF POSITION:

The Sr. Chemical Process Engineer will serve as a technical resource to assist the operations team in optimizing and improving EH&S, production quality, production throughput, and cost standards. This is a highly technical role with responsibility to manage the operation strategy and chemistry of a complex chemical process.

The Sr. Chemical Process Engineer will apply technical skills to manage day-to-day process operation strategy, provide assistance to quickly resolve issues, and investigate process deviations. The engineer will collaborate with the Production Supervisors daily to implement changes necessary to sustain world-class safety, quality, and operational reliability. Additionally, the engineer will work with other groups to plan and execute EH&S improvements, maintenance turnarounds, and capital projects.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Reviews process data to ensure that all processes are being operated safely and are producing high-quality product. Provides technical guidance and instruction to the operations team regarding identification of process problems, troubleshooting and debottlenecking.  Investigates process deviations, inquiries, complaints, and equipment loss incidents and identifies corrective and preventative actions where needed. Coordinates implementation of corrective measures. Understands all applicable process technology, equipment, and process controls.  Applies process knowledge to maximize production for greater profitability, develop innovations to improve product cost and process cost against standards by ensuring improved product quality as well as increased yield and rates. Conducts training to operations team on new equipment and process changes. Initiates and updates documentation for managing the process including operating procedures, operating reports, flow schematics, lockout/tagout, etc.  Reviews operating reports and batch records for accuracy and improvements. Participates in periodic process audits with management personnel with respect to safety, environment, quality, production, and cost. Represents the PAP Operations team in developing and implementing capital projects for expansion projects or improvement of existing processes.  Activities include project scoping, operating requirements, process controls, process tolerances, commissioning, and training. Prepares periodic reports that summarize production rate, yield, rework status, quality conditions, and any special projects or problems that have been encountered. Actively supports site continuous improvement process and serves on teams, as needed, to improve the workplace, increase efficiency and improve productivity.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education required/ preferred:

BS in Chemical Engineering or related field

Experience:

5-10 years in chemical manufacturing operations.

Preferred Skills/Qualifications:

• Strong knowledge of chemistry, physics, and engineering fundamentals. Firm grasp on mass/energy balances, separation processes, and fluid dynamics.
• Experience with a variety of unit operations (both batch and continuous processes)
• Strong knowledge of general process equipment: Pumps, valves, agitators, tanks, heat exchangers, etc.
• Highly experienced with P&ID’s, general arrangements, and process piping drawings.
• Ability to plan, direct and execute multiple projects simultaneously.

Skills/Competencies:

• Demonstrated technical and leadership skills including oral/written communications, conflict resolution, decision making and sufficient financial acumen to interpret cost analyses and other reports.

Other Skills:

• Understanding of Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing tools and concepts
• Familiar with OSHA PSM and EPA RMP
• Experience in root cause analysis

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS/SCOPE:

• Contacts outside the company occur periodically with vendors. Conducts tours of Plant facilities for vendors and visitors.
• Internal contacts are made on a daily basis with Maintenance, Purchasing, and quality control etc. at the middle-management level.  Contacts are maintained for the purpose of requesting repairs to equipment, ordering, supplies, verifying inventory, requesting special analysis etc.
• Periodically contacts Research and Development personnel requesting investigation of process changes.  Some tact and persuasion are required due to the priority of the situation.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Works in a multi-story chemical processing plant that is partly outdoors.

DISCLAIMER:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position.