Polymer Engineering Pilot Center (PEPC). PEPC provides advanced research and testing technologies for product and process development, continuing to leverage Firestone's rich industry heritage to provide outstanding product quality and develop polymers for next-generation applications. The plant is located on a 35-acre site and produces MT quantities of baled products for testing. Our polymer engineering facilities in Akron work closely with Bridgestone's global facilities to develop the latest in tire polymer technologies. We are a part of the Akron Complex and participate in all Akron-based community activities.
Business UnitBSA - Product DevelopmentThe successful candidate will be self motivated, collaborative, and capable of prioritizing work across multiple projects. They must be comfortable translating new chemistries into scaleable, reliable processes while working closely with cross-functional teams to deliver both near-term execution and long-term capability. This position requires a strong plant presence, with an expectation of being onsite at least 4 days per week. We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. A local candidate is preferred but relocation assistance may be available for the right candidate.
- Exemplify Bridgestone’s Safety First, Always mission statement and actively promote a safety minded work culture
- Collaborate with external engineering firms and internal partners to scope, design, and specify process equipment
- Support equipment installation, commissioning, and start up activities
- Develop and review process documentation including PFDs, P&IDs, operating procedures, and start-up plans
- Support the scale-up of new polymer chemistries and process technologies from laboratory towards commercial readiness
- Facilitate and oversee production trials for new polymer products and process technologies in a manufacturing environment
- Troubleshoot process challenges using engineering fundamentals and statistical analysis of available process data
- Identify and recommend continuous improvement opportunities
- Prepare and deliver clear project updates and technical presentations to leadership and senior management
- Work effectively with operations and production personnel, maintenance teams, technicians, vendors, contractors, and other engineers to execute responsibilities
The Senior Process Engineer will leverage their expertise as part of Product Development, which plays a critical role in scaling and commercializing new polymer and process technologies at the Akron Polymer Engineering Pilot Center and in the Firestone Polymers Lake Charles Plant. This includes contribution to the design and implementation of new distillation infrastructure and the support of several global development teams.
The ideal candidate will have:
- Strong organizational, prioritization, and project management skills
- A strong background in chemical engineering, process optimization, and equipment/infrastructure implementation
- Proficiency with statistical analysis and engineering tools such as PI, Minitab, Aspen, or similar software
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with colleagues and management across a wide range of technical backgrounds
- Familiarity with hydrocarbon processing and distillation, polymer chemistry, and polymer science
Candidates who excel in this role will:
- Proactively identify improvement opportunities that enhance safety, quality, and process capability
- Collaborate effectively across multiple functions by listening, engaging objectively, and working toward shared business goals related to quality, product performance, and value
- Thrive in an environment that blends pilot-scale innovation and real-world manufacturing scenarios
- Communicate complex technical concepts in a clear, concise, and visual manner
This position requires a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in chemical or polymer engineering or a closely related discipline. Experience in production or process engineering within a chemical PSM plant or a refinery environment is preferred.
A minimum of 3-5 years of relevant industry experience is required.
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 engineering, polymer engineering, or a closely related discipline
- At least 3–5 years of relevant industry experience
- Strong background in chemical engineering, process optimization, and equipment or infrastructure implementation
- Proficiency with PI, Minitab, Aspen, or similar engineering and statistical analysis software
- Strong organizational, prioritization, and project management skills
- Effective verbal and written communication skills across technical audiences
- Familiarity with hydrocarbon processing and distillation
- Familiarity with polymer chemistry and polymer science
- Production or process engineering experience in a chemical PSM plant or refinery environment
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.
