Process Engineer

POSITION PURPOSE:

The Process Engineer provides day-to-day engineering support of the finishing and polymerization areas to improve and control quality, and drive operational efficiency. The Process Engineer is responsible for development of initiatives to continuously drive cost and process optimization improvements. The Process Engineer will develop extensive manufacturing expertise and will be a primary resource in process operations troubleshooting and in providing engineering support to Operators and Production Supervisors. The engineer in this position provides technical assistance during plant trials, product test campaigns, plant start-ups and expansion projects. In addition, the Process Engineer works closely with the Production Manager to ensure that company and unit specific goals and initiatives are completed timely and within budget.

PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Provide Finishing and Polymerization Engineering Assistance:

· Work closely with equipment operators to get feedback on the operations of each process and determine how to avoid shutdowns, debottleneck problem areas, and improve operating efficiency.

· Reviews daily operation production areas and performs process troubleshooting to maintain grade quality and production capacity at target.

· Develops and reviews project scope definition with Production Manager and Capital Projects for equipment replacement, upgrade, and new design or process changes.

· Works within fixed cost budget guidelines in supporting day to day operations and driving operational improvements.

· Ensures that all process improvement projects that are implemented conform to all applicable safety and environmental regulations.

Support Capital Improvement Projects:

· Research new technology / equipment, daily interactions with contractors and vendors, perform economic analysis, and allocate funds.

· Applies engineering principles and utilizes statistical methods to develop and implement improvements to existing plant operations that will increase production capacity, improve product quality, and/or reduce costs.

· Works within capital budget guidelines on all projects and utilizes cost control measures where necessary.

Oversee the responsibilities of shift supervisors:

· Work with supervisors and operators on a routine, continuous basis to ensure continuity between shifts, the appropriate prioritization of work activities, and, ultimately, maximize production and minimize downtime.

· Utilize metrics to evaluate performance, provide feedback, and take corrective action as required.

Develop/Update Operating Procedures:

· As production changes are made, assure that procedures, equipment files, and other controlled documents are updated.

· Training needs and deficiencies are identified and addressed, utilizing available resources.

Monitor the reporting requirements of production personnel:

· Routinely review all required logs, checklists, and other required data to ensure completion, accuracy, and continuity.

· Participates in other Safety and Environmental initiatives that will contribute to compliance of State/Federal regulations and improve existing Company programs.

· Leads root cause analysis on incident and major quality events.

This position will monitor and make daily decisions regarding product quality, operating parameters, maintenance priorities, and personnel needs based on schedule requirements and other metrics.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Education: BS degree in Chemical Engineering or related discipline is required.

Related Experience: At least three (3) to five (5) years in an industrial or polymer manufacturing environment preferred.

Special Training or Competencies:

Experience in maintaining a budget, computer skills, and ISO are a plus. The incumbent must be well versed in plant Process Engineering, trouble-shooting and problem solving techniques, engineering standards, Process Safety Management (PSM), Management of Change, and project management. This individual must also have the ability to interface well with employees involved in Process Engineering work, including Production Operators, Plant Engineers, Production Manager, and members of Sr. Staff or corporate management, as required.

SPECIAL REMARKS/CHALLENGES

· Must have good communication skills

· Must be detail oriented

· Must be a self-starter

· Must be able to multi-task

· Must be flexible, willing to work on a wide variety of projects

· Must be PC literate with demonstrated proficiency