Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Process Engineer provides day-to-day engineering support of the process/poly areas to improve operation efficiency and optimize production.  The Process Engineer is responsible for conceiving, designing, and/or implementing capital improvement projects.  The Process Engineer is expected to significantly enhance the efficiency of the productions units thereby improving operating costs and yields.  Long term solutions to operational problems will also be developed and implemented.  The Process Engineer will develop extensive manufacturing expertise and will be a primary resource in process operation troubleshooting and in providing engineering support to Operators and Production Supervisors. The Process Engineer is responsible for the design, development, economic evaluation, and implementation of process engineering programs and projects.  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 project goals and deadlines critical to project success are achieved.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES 

Provide Process/Poly 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 capacity operation as required. 

·         Develops and reviews project scope definition with Production Manager and submits recommendations and cost estimates for projects or process changes. 

·         Performs process optimization to maximize quality and minimize operating costs. 

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

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

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

Oversee the responsibilities of production supervisors: 

·         Work with supervisors 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 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.

This position will make daily decisions regarding production, maintenance priorities, and personnel needs based on production requirements and other metrics.  Decisions impacting strategic planning are also required.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS  (qualifications necessary for entry into this position)

B.S. Degree in Chemical Engineering or related discipline required with three (3) to five (5) years in an industrial or elasatomers/rubber manufacturing environment preferred. 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, capital budgeting process and project control.  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. 

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Incumbents must be able respond appropriately during site emergencies as directed by the Site Emergency Director. The individual must also be able to wear and properly utilize appropriate personal protective equipment if required to work or visit within the manufacturing process area.  This may include hard hat, safety glasses, respirators, ear plugs, steel-toed shoes, or other equipment as required by the work performed and location the work is being done.

Other physical requirements for this position include:

1.     Be able to climb scaffolds, ladders, and stairs, at varied excessive heights.

2.     Be capable of twisting, bending, stooping, kneeling and reaching motions to perform functions of the job, as required.

3.     Be capable of entering and working in confined spaces, when required.

4.     Capable of lifting and walking with weights approaching 100 pounds.

5.     Able to perform very strenuous jobs while wearing breathing air masks, slicker suits, and other safety-related Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

6.     Exposure to various temperature extremes as dictated by local climate.

7.     Exposure to loud noise levels created by running equipment in the process areas.