Chemical Engineer (at Gelest)

Principal Accountabilities

• Lead and support process design, scale-up, and optimization activities for silicone and silane manufacturing processes using sound chemical engineering principles.
• Analyze and improve unit operations including heat exchange/heat transfer, distillation, filtration, and reaction systems to enhance efficiency, yield, quality, and reliability.
• Provide day-to-day process engineering support to manufacturing operations, including troubleshooting process deviations, and conducting root cause analysis of process and equipment issues.
• Interface with Operations, Engineering, Management, internal customers, and suppliers to ensure process improvements and projects are technically sound, cost-effective, and aligned with production goals.
• Participate in and contribute to Hazard and Operability Studies (HAZOPs), and Process Safety Reviews; support safe implementation of changes through Management of Change (MOC).
• Collaborate with Automation and Controls teams to support and enhance DCS and PLC-based systems, and plant automation systems.
• Support capital and expense projects by contributing process designs, reviewing technical documentation, assisting with commissioning and start-up, and validating process performance against design criteria.
• Create and communicate detailed process documentation, including sequences of operations, operating procedures, and commissioning/start-up checklists.
• Analyze process data and equipment performance to identify and recommend modifications that reduce costs, improve energy efficiency, and enhance product quality.
• Prepare technical reports and experience summaries documenting design basis, operating results, lessons learned, and recommendations for leadership and stakeholders.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to identify continuous improvement opportunities and mentor junior engineers or technical staff as appropriate.

Knowledge/Experience/Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or related field required.
• 5-7 years of experience with a heavy emphasis on process development and project management preferred.
• Previous Lean/Six Sigma experience preferred.
• Process Safety Management (PSM) experience preferred.
• Validation/qualification process knowledge preferred.
• Capable of performing complex chemical engineering calculations, basic understanding of process engineering, root cause analysis, and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to work in a collaborative environment.
• Able to multitask and function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Must be able to work in a production chemical processing environment, including wearing appropriate PPE (at minimum safety shoes, glasses, gloves, and a hard hat. Respirators or other PPE as needed).
• Must be able to perform hands-on processing duties, including sampling of chemicals and limited lifting requirements (up to 30 pounds).
• Must be able to climb ladders and stairs as needed to obtain samples, observe processes, or perform similar tasks.
• Must be capable of working in a non-climate-controlled environment.

Supplemental Company Information

• Generous paid time off.
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and optional supplemental plans for employees and their families.
• 401(k) with a competitive company match.
• Company-paid Life Insurance, AD&D, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability.
• Eligibility for an annual performance bonus.
• Company-provided uniforms, work boots, and PPE.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $85,000-$120,000. Factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, job-related skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and business considerations may influence base pay offered. This salary will be subject to a geographic adjustment (according to a specific city and state), if an authorization is granted to work outside of the location listed in this posting.