Senior Engineer, Process

General Summary

We have an exciting opportunity to join our US based operations team as a Senior Process Engineer.

The Senior Process Engineer is a key technical leader during a critical site consolidation in the current year, supporting the transition of operations into a single, integrated manufacturing site. This role owns safe startup and ramp-to-rate outcomes, ensuring transferred and new processes achieve first-pass quality, predictable performance, and long-term stability. The Senior Process Engineer is accountable for defining and maintaining operating envelopes, reducing process variation and unplanned downtime, and eliminating systemic safety, quality, and reliability risks through disciplined commissioning, validation, and stabilization.

This role provides visible technical leadership under pressure, making timely, risk-based decisions to protect people, assets, and customers while preserving technical intent through Management of Change and startup. Working closely with R&D, Quality, Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering, the Senior Process Engineer aligns cross-functional teams on manufacturable, scalable process designs, builds operator-centered execution systems, and institutionalizes learning so improvements persist beyond the consolidation.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead optimization of plant operations to improve EHS performance, quality, productivity, and cost efficiency across multiple production areas.
• Develop and deploy advanced production/processing methods that deliver measurable improvements aligned with site strategic goals.
• Serve as process technical expert to diagnose and resolve complex, multi-variable manufacturing issues impacting quality, throughput, or cost.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to process engineers, technicians, and operations teams.

Environmental Health & Safety

•  Lead the development and implementation of advanced safety programs and continuous risk-reduction initiatives.
• Champion a strong safety culture and influence EHS behaviors across the plant.
• Partner with EHS leadership to drive rigorous root-cause investigations, ensuring robust corrective actions and long-term risk mitigation, addressing systemic causes, not symptoms or isolated behaviors.
• Lead and review high‑risk studies such as PHAs, risk assessments, and Pre-Startup Safety Reviews.
• Oversee implementation and continuous improvement of key EHS programs including MOC, hazard recognition, and hazard communication.

Process Optimization, Continuous Improvement, & Troubleshooting

• Champion plant-wide process capability, efficiency, and throughput improvements using advanced engineering and data-driven methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma, SPC).
• Identify and execute strategic opportunities to increase productivity, reduce waste, and lower manufacturing costs while maintaining quality and safety standards.
• Lead development and delivery of training for manufacturing personnel on new technologies, equipment, and optimized processes.
• Lead structured problem-solving activities, driving robust corrective actions that address root causes and deliver long-term performance gains.

Engineering Design

• Lead design, implementation, and commissioning of capital or process improvement projects.
• Partner with regional and global engineering teams to influence front‑end loading for large capital projects.
• Lead startup readiness, commissioning activities, and technical training associated with new equipment and processes.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with the R&D, operations, and quality to lead scale‑up of new products, ensuring robust process design and manufacturability.
• Partner with EHS, Operations, Maintenance, and Quality on site-wide initiatives and daily plant performance.
• Collaborate with regional project and global improvement engineers on major project development, startup, and continuous improvement strategies.
• Influence across all levels of the organization through strong communication, data-driven recommendations, and leadership presence.

Other

• Must be able to climb stairs, stand for extended periods of time, and safely lift up to 50lbs
• Must be able to wear required Personal Protective equipment (PPE) for extended periods of time
• Potential for minimal travel (less than 10%)
• Potential for minimal off-shift work assignments
• Ability to respond to critical issues and provide leadership during off shift or emergency situations.
• Perform related duties as assigned or as the situation dictates

Critical Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive organizational change.
• Advanced capability in process mapping, system optimization, and process engineering fundamentals.
• Proven track record of delivering cycle time reductions and cost savings.
• Proficient in analytical tools (e.g., statistical analysis, SPC, Six Sigma, Minitab).
• Strong independent decision-making skills, especially in high-pressure or time-sensitive situations.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects through completion with minimal oversight.
• High levels of initiative, influencing skills, and ability to work with all levels of the organization.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering is required; chemical or mechanical engineering degree is preferred
• Minimum of 5 years of experience working in a chemical processing environment
• Experience working in an R&D capacity, preferably in process or product development is desirable, but not required.
• Experience producing water based emulsions and a basic understanding of emulsion chemistry is an added advantage.

Note: The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to the job. They are not construed to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

About Michelman

Michelman is proud of the values-focused work environment that we have crafted. We pride ourselves in our focus on our values of integrity, respect, success, collaboration, curiosity, and giving. With our dedication to your technical and professional growth in addition to our rigorous onboarding experience, we guarantee that you will find yourself challenged in new ways. We offer an excellent salary, incentive and benefits package in a dynamic, empowered team environment.

No phone calls please. Michelman does not hire individuals who use tobacco products. All candidates will receive a drug test prior to beginning employment which will include a test for tobacco products.

For more information about Michelman, please visit https://www.michelman.com/.

It is Michelman, Inc. policy to seek and employ qualified persons in all jobs in a manner which will ensure equal employment opportunity as well as administer personnel actions in a manner as to not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation or disability. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Michelman is an Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Females/Disabled/Veterans

Equal Opportunity Employer
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