Job Title: Senior Process Engineer
Reports To: Process Engineering Department Manager
Location: Cincinnati
Status: Full-Time Exempt
JOB SUMMARY: The Senior Process Engineer is responsible for guiding the process engineering effort to meet a client's needs with respect to the process operations. This would include the areas of innovation, performance improvement, quality/reliability improvement, and cost reduction.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: The responsibilities listed are fundamental to the position and must be performed successfully to achieve the key performance objectives of the role. Other responsibilities may be assigned.
- Develop process flow diagrams (PFD’s).
- Generate Heat & Material Balances for process either by hand or using simulation software such as Aspen.
- Guide the development of piping and instrumentation drawings (P&ID’s) for the process
- Determine the process data needed for the sizing of instruments to be used in the process.
- Perform process calculations including line sizing, pump hydraulics, safety relieving, etc.
- Generate equipment specifications for complex process systems, vessels, heat exchangers, pumps, distillation columns, etc. and work with equipment vendors to obtain the required equipment needed for a project.
- Guide the development of equipment arrangement and piping routes with process designers
- Conduct safety studies for a process for the sizing of relief devices.
- Facilitate or participate in hazard analyses (PHA/DHA) for processes.
- Provide input as needed to other disciplines during project execution.
- Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for processes.
- Serve as project technical lead by facilitating interdisciplinary coordination amongst all disciplines involved.
- Delegate process engineering tasks to associate and process engineers to further their understanding of the practice.
PREFERRED JOB FUNCTIONS: The responsibilities listed are not required but are beneficial to the position and allow for broader project assignments.
Possess a working knowledge of clean water systems, including pre-treatment, generation, storage, and distribution.
- Possess a working knowledge of dry material handling systems, aspiration, and dust control.
- Posses a working knowledge of cGMP clean design practices.
- Have experience in material handling of sustainable front end animal feed stock.
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
Education/Experience:
- More than 10 years of relevant experience, including more than 6 years in multidisciplinary specialty chemical, pharmaceutical, and/or bio-fuels projects.
- Solid site experience
- Familiar with scope, schedule, and budget as project constraints.
- BSChE degree – advanced degree or engineering license is a plus.
- Advanced leadership, communication and teamwork skills.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Working Hours/Environment
- Hours average 40 per week; may require additional hours including evening and weekends depending on business needs.
- Work typical performed in an indoor office setting/client site.
Travel: Minimal
Physical Demands:
- Frequently required to sit at a desk/workstation for long period of time.
- Ability to work at a computer terminal for extended periods of time.
- Light Lifting up to 20 lbs.
- Ability to speak to and hear employees/clients via phone or in person.
- Body motor skills sufficient to enable incumbent to move around an office environment.
- Ability to analyze unique situations and develop appropriate response.
This role is also eligible for performance-based bonuses, equity participation, and a comprehensive U.S.-based benefits package, including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off and company holidays
- Wellness programs and employee assistance resources
- Professional development support
Equal Opportunity Employment Statement
Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.
Third-Party Agency Notice
Salas O’Brien does not accept unsolicited resumes from external recruiters or agencies. We only work with approved partners engaged directly by our Talent Acquisition team for specific searches. Unsolicited submissions will not be eligible for placement fees.
This job description is intended to describe the general nature, complexity and level of work to be performed by employees assigned to this position, and is not construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and/or skills required. It does not prescribe or restrict the work that may be assigned, and is subject to change at the discretion of the company.
Qualifications Education Required Bachelors or better. Experience Required More than 10 years of relevant experience, including more than 6 years in multidisciplinary specialty chemical, pharmaceutical, and/or bio-fuels projects. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with DisabilitiesThis employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
Skills Required
- More than 10 years of relevant process engineering experience
- More than 6 years of experience in multidisciplinary specialty chemical, pharmaceutical, and/or bio-fuels projects
- Solid site experience
- Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering (BSChE)
- Knowledge of project scope, schedule, and budget constraints
- Advanced leadership, communication, and teamwork skills
- Advanced engineering degree
- Professional engineering license
- Working knowledge of clean water systems
- Working knowledge of dry material handling, aspiration, and dust control
- Working knowledge of cGMP clean design practices
- Experience handling sustainable front-end animal feedstock
Salas O'Brien Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Salas O'Brien and has not been reviewed or approved by Salas O'Brien.
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare options include multiple medical, dental, and vision plans with an individual medical option at no premium, plus no‑cost preventive medications and mental‑health resources. Employer‑paid disability and life coverage further strengthen the safety net.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time off includes a base PTO allotment plus company office‑closure days and paid parental leave for births, adoptions, and foster placements. Feedback suggests the breadth of leave is a standout component of the package.
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Retirement Support — Retirement benefits include a 401(k) employer match with a potential additional company stock contribution, along with RRSP support in Canada and a student‑loan payment 401(k) match in the U.S. These features provide structured long‑term savings support beyond base pay.
Salas O'Brien Insights
What We Do
Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and technical services firm focused on advancing the human experience through the built environment. Our team is engineered for impact™, helping clients achieve critical goals, advancing our team members through growth and opportunity, and operating at the center of important global issues, including sustainability and decarbonization. We are a top firm as ranked by Engineering News-Record and Consulting-Specifying Engineer, and we have appeared for over a decade on the Inc. 5000 list of North America’s fastest-growing private companies.









