Process Improvement Engineer

About the role

Tronox is the world’s leading vertically integrated manufacturer of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) pigment and other materials that add brightness and durability to products you encounter every day. We are 5,700 people strong, located across 12 countries and unified by a strong set of values that guide us in our work. At our mines and manufacturing plants, labs and offices, we responsibly transform the earth’s resources into products and opportunities that enhance lives. Our vision is to shape a sustainable, thriving world through enriched and refined minerals.

Located on approximately 3,000 acres of beautiful landscape in Northeast Mississippi, the Hamilton facility is Tronox’s largest titanium dioxide manufacturing facility. Within an easy commute, you will find several world‑class attractions: the Beale Street historic district, Graceland, and Nashville for music lovers; fantastic Creole cuisine and music of New Orleans; and the sparkling white beaches of the Gulf. Hamilton is in the heart of Southeastern Conference sports, a premier location for college sporting events.

This position is responsible for developing and executing process improvement projects along with assisting operations in meeting safety, environmental, quality, cost, efficiency, and production goals. It ensures new systems and processes are commissioned in an environmentally responsible manner in compliance with all Safety, Health and Environmental Policy. The role is part of the Technology and Improvement (T&I) department, reporting to the Process Improvement & Control Lead. Salary will correspond with relevant experience.

We strive for excellence in safety and sustainability, focusing on what is critical to improve how we operate and to enhance the communities where we work and live. We provide challenging work and encourage innovative thinking, collaborating closely to bring our best ideas forward and add value for our customers. We invest in and value the success of our people, empowering them to take charge of their personal and professional development. We are unified globally and strengthened locally, leveraging the most culturally and geographically diverse team in the industry to connect better around the world.

Responsibilities

• Support plant in meeting safety, environmental, quality, cost, efficiency, and production goals.
• Support Operation, Maintenance, SHEQ, and other functional teams’ initiatives.
• Support Research and Development (R&D) team’s initiatives.
• Lead and support process improvement projects from idea origination to implementation.
• Use engineering background combined with practical experience to evaluate and design new systems.
• Conduct technical studies and trials to optimize process and to develop projects.
• Exercise sound technical judgment in resolution of a problem and seek direction from appropriate teams and personnel as necessary.
• Keep up with technological advancements in the chemical industry to include the design in future capital projects.
• Understand various types of unit operations & processes, such as scrubbers & columns, heat exchangers, dryers, boilers, reactors, filters, etc.
• Perform process modeling and flow calculations through software such as SYSCAD and Pipe‑Flo Advantage.
• Coordinate with internal and external resources (contractors, service providers, engineering companies, equipment manufacturers, etc.) to develop projects.
• Write Scope of Work (SOW) as necessary when partnering with and relying on external resources to complete tasks.
• Write Project Management Plan (PMP) for new process improvement projects.
• Present projects to obtain approval at completion of concept study (FEL‑1), pre‑feasibility study (FEL‑2), and feasibility study (FEL‑3) as part of Enterprise Project Portfolio Management (EPPM).
• Mark‑up appropriate drawings, including P&IDs, as part of the Management of Change (MOC) process when making changes to existing process and commissioning new process.
• Update or create Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and specifications when changing existing process and commissioning new process.
• Be familiar with software like PI Vision, Seeq, and Minitab for data analysis.
• Use statistical analysis to form conclusions and make data‑driven decisions.
• Complete Software Change Proposals for new or modified processes.
• Optimize control strategies.
• Design control graphics and alarm strategy that is clear and effective for the end users.
• Remove process variability through control loop optimization.
• Participate in Process Hazard Analysis as necessary.
• Demonstrate clear written and oral communication skills with peers, management, and customers.
• Promote a “work‑safe” attitude and environment where safety is the prerequisite to all activities.
• Consistently demonstrate and uphold Tronox Core Values.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering; Chemical Engineering is preferred.
• Previous experience in TiO₂ pigment plant or Chlor‑alkali plant preferred.
• Experience leading and participating in capital projects from idea creation through implementation is preferred.
• Familiarity with Process Safety Management (PSM), Process Hazard Analysis (PHA), and Management of Change (MOC) is preferred.
• Ability to present ideas, good verbal and written communication skills, and