Process Chemist

About the role

The Process Chemist supports large scale batch chemical manufacturing through a process engineering lens. They serve as the subject matter expert for assigned products and key technical resource for operations, leveraging engineering principles and data-driven methodologies to optimize process performance, improve efficiency, and enhance product quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Subject matter expert and process owner of assigned manufacturing portfolio.
• Responsible for quality and yield of assigned processes. Processes include synthetic organic chemistry, synthetic inorganic chemistry, polymer chemistry, and formulation chemistry.
• Apply Lean Six Sigma tools (DMAIC, statistical analysis, process capability, trend analysis, control charting, etc.) to reduce variability and improve yield, quality, throughput, and cycle time.
• Lead or support continuous improvement initiatives targeting waste reduction, cost savings, productivity gains, quality improvement, and safety improvements.
• Lead root cause investigations using structured problem-solving methods (e.g., 5Y, 5M, FMEA) for non-conforming materials and implement sustainable corrective and preventive actions.
• Manage job specific projects assigned by job function or supervision.
• Maintain document control of all assigned process write-ups.
• Develop and author manufacturing processes, process design, control strategies, and operating procedures.
• Follow and improve division procedures in accordance with ISO 9001 standards.
• Act as production lead for the scale-up of chemical processes from laboratory and pilot to full manufacturing scale.
• Ensure processes are designed and operated in compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in process hazard analyses (PHA), process safety review (PSR), management of change (MOC), and risk assessments.
• Develop and maintain working knowledge of plant and process operating equipment.
• Understand and estimate cost structures of assigned products and monitor production variance against standard.
• Communicate effectively in writing and verbally within and across departments and to site management.
• Serve as a technical resource for plant operations, providing real-time support for process deviations and upsets.
• Must be willing to support 24/7 plant operations. Monday – Friday, 40+ hours with typical day staff schedule. Evening and weekend support as needed.
• In plant role at Rochester, NY site with no remote flexibility.

Required Skills/Experience

• Bachelor’s in Chemistry with 2+ years of industrial experience or Master’s in Chemistry with 0+ years of industrial experience. Synthetic organic chemistry experience preferred. Candidates with a Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering with batch chemical manufacturing experience will be considered.
• Experience with process scale-up, plant operations, or commercialization preferred.
• Strong understanding of synthetic and analytical chemistry.
• Structured problem-solving and critical thinking.
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and able to work independently.
• Able to complete multiple tasks quickly and efficiently.
• Able to work on the production floor.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Working knowledge in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, Word).

Desired Skills/Experience

• Previous or current experience working in a large-scale chemical manufacturing environment is a benefit.
• Experience applying Lean Six Sigma tools (Green Belt or higher preferred).
• Experience with ISO 9001 is preferred.
• Experience with project management preferred.
• Skilled in problem solving and diagnostic troubleshooting.
• Proficiency in data analysis (e.g., Excel, JMP, etc.).
• Mechanically inclined.

Pay

$70,000 - $80,000

Schedule

Monday – Friday, 40+ hours with typical day staff schedule. Evening and weekend support as needed. In plant role at Rochester, NY site with no remote flexibility.