Chemical Engineer (at Gelest)

Job Summary

Gelest, Inc., part of the Mitsubishi Chemical Group, is seeking a Chemical Process Engineer to drive process innovation in the specialty chemicals industry. Key responsibilities include process design, optimization, and technical support of manufacturing operations.

Principal Accountabilities

• Lead and support process design, scale-up, and optimization activities for silicone and silane manufacturing processes.
• Analyze and improve unit operations including heat exchange/heat transfer, distillation, filtration, and reaction systems.
• Provide day-to-day process engineering support to manufacturing operations, including troubleshooting process deviations and conducting root cause analysis.
• 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.

Qualifications

• 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 organize and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Able to work in a high-paced and sometimes stressful environment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Able to work in a production chemical processing environment, including wearing appropriate PPE.
• Able to perform hands-on processing duties, including sampling of chemicals and limited lifting requirements (up to 30 pounds).
• Able to climb ladders and stairs as needed to obtain samples, observe processes, or perform similar tasks.
• Able to work in a non-climate-controlled environment.

Benefits

The salary range for this position is $85,000-$120,000. Additional benefits include generous paid time off, medical, dental, vision, and optional supplemental plans, a 401(k) with a competitive company match, life insurance, AD&D, short-term disability, long-term disability, and an annual performance bonus. Company-provided uniforms, work boots, and PPE are also included.