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 DevelopmentResponsibilities
- Manage medium-sized capital projects from concept through commissioning, including scope development, budgeting, engineering design, procurement, contractor management, startup support, and closeout.
- Provide technical guidance on large-scale capital projects as an engineering resource and mentor.
- Design, optimize, and troubleshoot process equipment and manufacturing systems to improve safety, reliability, productivity, environmental performance, and cost efficiency.
- Lead engineering efforts for sizing, specifying, maintaining, troubleshooting, and replacing critical equipment, including pressure relief devices and other process safety systems, while supporting new installations.
- Oversee DCS and process control improvements, including control strategy development, system modifications, and automation initiatives.
- Provide daily contractor oversight to ensure compliance with site safety requirements, work permits, and applicable standards.
- Build and maintain strong internal and external stakeholder relationships through effective communication, collaboration, and negotiation.
- Support compliance activities related to Process Safety Management (PSM), Risk Management Plan (RMP), and Recognized and Generally Accepted Good Engineering Practices (RAGAGEP).
- Contribute to site strategic capital planning by providing engineering recommendations that support long-term business objectives, capital investments, and operational improvements.
- Promote a culture of safety, reliability, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Minimum of 5 years of related experience with a bachelor’s degree; or 3 years and a master’s degree; or a PhD without experience; or equivalent work experience.
- Desired qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
- 6+ years of relevant experience in project engineering, manufacturing, or chemical plant operations.
- Experience managing capital projects and leading cross-functional teams.
- Working knowledge of PSM/RMP requirements and applicable engineering codes and standards.
- Ability to lead technical initiatives, influence stakeholders, and mentor developing engineers.
- Experience with process control systems, reliability improvement, and contractor oversight.
- Strong communication, leadership, problem-solving, and project management skills.
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
- At least 5 years of related experience with a bachelor's degree
- At least 3 years of related experience with a master's degree
- PhD, with no experience required
- Equivalent work experience
- Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related engineering discipline
- 6 or more years of relevant experience in project engineering, manufacturing, or chemical plant operations
- Experience managing capital projects and leading cross-functional teams
- Working knowledge of PSM/RMP requirements and applicable engineering codes and standards
- Ability to lead technical initiatives, influence stakeholders, and mentor developing engineers
- Experience with process control systems, reliability improvement, and contractor oversight
- Strong communication, leadership, problem-solving, and project management 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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
