Chemical Engineer

Job Responsibilities

• Own and optimize core processing operations involving elastomers, including mixing and compounding, dipping and curing.
• Establish and maintain critical process parameters (temperature profiles, cycle times, viscosity control, cure conditions).
• Monitor process capability and drive improvements in yield, throughput, and cost efficiency.
• Scale-Up & Process Transfer
• Partner with Polymer Chemists to transition formulations from lab to production.
• Define process windows and operating envelopes for new materials.
• Lead plant trials, validation runs, and process qualification activities.
• Ensure repeatability and robustness of new product introductions.
• Manufacturing Support & Troubleshooting
• Investigate and resolve process-related issues (e.g., defects, variability, scrap).
• Conduct root cause analysis using structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., DMAIC, 5-Why).
• Support production teams in real-time troubleshooting and process adjustments.
• Quality, Safety & Compliance
• Support the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of chemical safety standards, ensuring regulatory compliance and alignment with site operations.
• Ensure processes consistently meet product specifications and applicable standards (ASTM/IEC for electrical PPE).
• Support internal and external audits related to manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate with Quality to analyze trends and drive defect reduction.
• Continuous Improvement
• Lead and or support initiatives to improve process efficiency, cycle time and yield.
• Lead root cause analysis and resolve complex, non-routine process and quality issues to ensure stable, efficient operations.
• Utilize Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles to drive measurable improvements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or related field
• 5+ years of experience in chemical or elastomer manufacturing environments
• Strong experience with process engineering in a production setting, scale-up and process validation.
• Prior experience in elastomers or rubber processing (e.g., NR, butyl, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer))
• Working knowledge of: Heat transfer, mass transfer, and reaction kinetics as applied to manufacturing
• Continuous and/or batch processing systems
• Preferred: Familiarity with dipping or coating processes, Exposure to vulcanization (sulfur/peroxide curing systems), Experience with ASTM/IEC standards related to electrical insulation products, Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher)