Firestone Polymers, LLC is headquartered in Lake Charles, LA and manufactures polymers and synthetic rubber in our world-class ISO 9001:2015, 14001:2015 registered plant located in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Firestone's unique anionic polymerization technology allows production of high purity, high molecular weight polybutadiene and a wide range of block, random, and vinyl modified styrene-butadiene copolymers. These products are sold around the world for use in tires, impact modification of plastics and hot melt adhesives. Statistical process control is used in every step of the operation. Firestone Polymers, LLC is a subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas, a division of Bridgestone Corporation, the world's largest tire and rubber company.
- Exemplify Bridgestone’s Safety First, Always mission statement and actively promote a safety minded work culture
- Lead and/or participate in continuous improvement projects
- Identify and implement process control improvements
- Facilitate and oversee production trials for new polymer products and process technologies
- Collaborate closely with the Akron-based Product Development Group and scale-up new chemistries and processes
- Solve process problems, debottleneck, and optimize plant performance through statistical analysis of process data and hands-on interaction with plant personnel
- Prepare and deliver project updates and presentations to plant leadership and Bridgestone Americas senior management
- Work effectively with operations and production personnel, maintenance teams, technicians, vendors, contractors, and other engineers to execute responsibilities
- Scope projects and support the capital project team through conceptual design, pre-engineering, and construction of new equipment
- Supervise start-up and commissioning of new equipment
- Develop and revise operating procedures as required
The Process Engineer will leverage their expertise as part of the Process Engineering Group, which plays a critical role in driving long‑term process improvements at the Firestone Polymers Lake Charles Plant. This includes the discovery and implementation of new technologies, resolution of complex and recurring process challenges, contribution to capital project conceptual design, and support of Operations and the Technical Engineering Group.
The ideal candidate will have:
- Strong organizational, prioritization, and project management skills
- Proven problem‑solving abilities and a solid foundation in process engineering principles, including unit operations, process simulation, project scoping and design, process and distributive control systems (DCS and/or PLC), quality control/assurance, and regulatory compliance
- Proficiency with computers, statistical analysis, and engineering tools such as PI, Minitab, Aspen, or similar software
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with colleagues and management across a wide range of technical backgrounds
- Familiarity with hydrocarbon processing, polymer chemistry, and polymer science
- Experience with process measurement, control, and optimization
- A Chemical, Polymer, or Petroleum Engineering degree or related discipline
Candidates who excel in this role will:
- Proactively identify and recommend innovative improvement projects supported by sound business cases and cost/benefit analyses
- Collaborate effectively across multiple functions by listening, engaging objectively, and working toward shared business goals related to quality, product performance, and value
- Thrive in a small‑ to medium‑sized plant environment
- Communicate complex technical concepts in a clear, concise, and visual manner
This position requires a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in chemical, polymer, or petroleum engineering or a closely related discipline. Experience in production or process engineering within a chemical plant or a refinery environment is preferred.
A minimum of 2-3 years of relevant industry experience is required.
LI-JB1
At Bridgestone, you are Free to Be
We believe people can only provide superior service and quality to others when they feel safe bringing their chosen version of themselves to work. We believe in championing all perspectives, individuals and teams because we understand the importance of seeing the world and our business through many different lenses. So, show us what you are made of, because who you are is what we need.
What we offer
At Bridgestone, what really matters is to foster co-creation opportunities and empowering you to be creative and curious to make mobility safer, more efficient, and more sustainable for future generations. Whatever role you fill, when you represent Bridgestone, you are a valued teammate, and part of our larger mission to “Serve Society with Superior Quality”, for that, we offer you more than just a competitive compensation; we will provide you:
- A supportive and engaging onboarding experience to ensure a smooth transition into our team.
- The opportunity to develop and grow, through training and regular mentorship.
- Corporate Social Responsibility activities.
- A truly global, dynamic and challenging work environment.
- Agility and work/life effectiveness and your long-term well-being.
- An effective and inclusive team.
Bridgestone is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. It is our policy to consider all individuals for employment based on their unique merit and without regard to age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.
Employment Eligibility
If hired, a Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification must be completed at the start of employment. Temporary work authorization or the need for sponsorship may disqualify you from employment.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Polymer, Petroleum Engineering, or a closely related discipline
- 2-3 years of relevant industry experience
- Production or process engineering experience in a chemical plant or refinery environment
- Knowledge of process engineering principles, including unit operations, process simulation, project scoping and design, process control systems, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance
- Experience with process measurement, control, and optimization
- Familiarity with hydrocarbon processing, polymer chemistry, and polymer science
- Proficiency with statistical analysis and engineering tools such as PI, Minitab, Aspen, or similar software
- Strong organizational, prioritization, project management, problem-solving, and communication skills
Bridgestone Americas Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Bridgestone Americas and has not been reviewed or approved by Bridgestone Americas.
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Healthcare Strength — Company materials highlight nationwide medical, dental, and vision coverage with added services such as autism support, 3D mammograms, diabetes care, family planning, cancer support, and transgender services, alongside EAP resources. These offerings are consistently emphasized as a core part of the package across many non‑retail locations.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) with company match administered via Fidelity is repeatedly emphasized, with recent materials characterizing the match favorably. This provides a solid foundation for long‑term financial benefits, particularly in corporate and manufacturing settings.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Paid holidays, PTO, volunteer time off, and paid parental leave are featured, with role‑dependent flexibility noted in appropriate corporate roles. Although specifics vary by location, the range of options is consistently highlighted.
Bridgestone Americas Insights
What We Do
Nashville, Tennessee-based Bridgestone Americas, Inc. is a subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, a global leader providing sustainable mobility and advanced solutions. Bridgestone develops, manufactures and markets a diverse portfolio of original equipment and replacement tires, tire-centric solutions, mobility solutions and other rubber-associated and diversified products that deliver social and customer value. These best-in-class offerings are sold to consumers and fleet customers around the world under the trusted Bridgestone and Firestone brand names. With more than 50 production facilities and 55,000 employees, the Bridgestone Americas enterprise spans from Canada to Argentina. Business units of Bridgestone Americas include Bridgestone Retail Operations, the world’s largest network of company-owned retail tire and automotive service centers; Bandag, a leader in commercial tire retreading worldwide; Firestone Building Products, an industry leader in commercial roofing and building solutions; and Firestone Industrial Products, a leading provider of technologically advanced air springs for commercial and passenger vehicle applications. Across all its businesses, Bridgestone is dedicated to shaping a sustainable future. Guided by its global corporate social responsibility commitment, Our Way to Serve, the company strives to improve the way people around the world move, live, work and play in every aspect of its business. To view our terms of use, visit https://www.bridgestoneamericas.com/en/terms-of-use.
