Production Engineer

About the role

Ashland Specialty Ingredients, GP seeks a Production Engineer to join their Specialty ingredients G.P. business at their Hopewell, VA location. This role is significant within the Company, focusing on Plant Engineering and Operations.

Responsibilities

• Identify, develop, and drive or assist in the implementation of continuous improvement solutions using lean manufacturing techniques/tools for the entire HEC unit value stream with focus on First Pass Quality (FPQ), optimized operability, increased throughput, elimination of bottlenecks and single point failures.
• Analyze, develop, and implement systems and processes to drive daily optimized quality and stable operating conditions of the HEC unit.
• Create production schedules and Finished Product Blend sheets for the HEC Unit.
• Collaborate to expand and support the implementation of Ashland Production System throughout HEC department.
• Develop and standardize metrics for the continuous improvement of the HEC unit.
• Provide technical expertise in the review and improvement of the HEC unit procedures, WI, forms, and all other documents.
• Work with Process Engineers to determine root cause of chronic operating problems.
• Support the improvement of the current training system for HEC operators.
• Provide technical support for capital projects in HEC unit.
• Provide effective technical support during HEC planned shutdowns and restarts.
• Provide technical support in the day-to-day troubleshooting of HEC unit issues.
• Be a positive contributor to the safety and environmental programs of the Hopewell plant.
• Maintain environmental compliance while continually pursuing waste minimization.
• Analyze production and quality data to determine optimum operating conditions.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering, Pulp & Paper, Mechanical, or equivalent.
• 5-10 years’ chemical plant manufacturing experience.
• Ability to handle multiple projects concurrently and work in a team environment.
• Delta-V and SAP experience.

Preferred Skills

• Previous experience in Production Operations.
• Previous Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) batch manufacturing experience.
• Previous experience working within a union environment.
• Hazard Analysis - HAZOP, PHA, ISO Systems.
• Experience in or knowledge of using Lean Six Sigma processes.
• Excellent written and oral communications.
• Proven data analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Proven planning and organization skills.
• Proven self-starter with urgency for delivering results.