Process Documentation Specialist

Job Title: Process Documentation Specialist Job Description The Process Documentation Specialist supports a chemical manufacturing operation by developing, updating, and standardizing operating procedures, work instructions, and process documentation. This hands-on role involves significant time on the manufacturing floor observing processes, interviewing operators, and translating technical information into practical, user-friendly procedures. The position plays a key role in capturing process knowledge, improving documentation accuracy, and supporting safe, consistent manufacturing operations across the facility. Responsibilities Review, update, and create Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and manufacturing documentation to ensure clarity, accuracy, and consistency.Conduct regular floor observations to verify that written procedures accurately reflect current operating practices and real-world conditions.Work directly with operators, supervisors, engineers, and maintenance personnel to capture undocumented process knowledge and incorporate it into formal documentation.Document process flows, operating parameters, troubleshooting steps, safety considerations, and best practices for chemical manufacturing operations.Create process maps, workflows, and training materials that support effective onboarding and ongoing development of production personnel.Incorporate process safety information, personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, and operational risk details into procedures and work instructions.Support documentation updates related to process changes, equipment modifications, and continuous improvement initiatives to maintain current and compliant records.Assist with Management of Change (MOC) activities and related compliance documentation to ensure proper review, approval, and implementation of changes.Collaborate with site leadership to standardize documentation formats and practices, improving usability and accessibility for all stakeholders.Help preserve critical operational knowledge by proactively identifying gaps in existing documentation and driving improvements in training materials. Essential Skills Minimum of 3 years of experience in manufacturing, technical writing, process engineering, quality, or a closely related field.Proven experience developing SOPs, work instructions, process documentation, or controlled manufacturing documentation.Experience working in a chemical manufacturing, coatings, adhesives, specialty chemicals, petroleum, or similar process manufacturing environment.Strong technical writing skills with the ability to translate complex technical information into clear, concise, and user-friendly documents.Experience with process mapping and workflow documentation to visually represent steps and decision points in manufacturing processes.Solid understanding of manufacturing operations, chemical hazards, and industrial safety practices.Demonstrated ability to work directly with production personnel and effectively gather information from subject matter experts through interviews and observation.Strong document control skills, including organizing, updating, and maintaining version control of procedures and related documentation.Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for documentation and training materials. Additional Skills & Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Technical Communications, Manufacturing, Safety, or a related field.Familiarity with OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) principles and requirements.Experience supporting Management of Change (MOC) programs in a manufacturing or process environment.Experience with SAP or other enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems for documentation or process-related activities.Exposure to Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement methodologies and tools.Knowledge of OSHA and ISO standards relevant to manufacturing and safety.Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with operators and cross-functional teams.Comfort working in a plant environment and engaging directly with frontline personnel to understand how processes actually operate. Work Environment This role is based in a chemical manufacturing facility and involves a mix of office work and significant time on the plant floor. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with no overtime expected. You will spend considerable time in production areas observing equipment and processes, speaking with operators, and validating procedures in real operating conditions. The environment includes exposure to typical chemical manufacturing conditions, such as process equipment, production lines, and industrial noise, with appropriate use of personal protective equipment as required. Office-based work will focus on drafting, editing, and maintaining documentation using standard software tools, while plant-based work will emphasize collaboration, observation, and hands-on understanding of operations. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of South Bend, IN. Pay And Benefits The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $35.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in South Bend,IN. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Sep 9, 2026. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options. San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.