Senior Engineer

Senior Engineer

The primary purpose of this position is to perform project engineering activities including the design, procurement, installation, commissioning, and start-up of new processing equipment at the Waterloo, IA facility. Also, support plant operations by improving existing production processes and introducing new production processes.

• Leads and supports Hydrite’s Safety Vision, Mission, and Values.
  • Promote safety in all aspects of operations to improve the safety record at this facility and throughout the company; includes work performed by contractors.
• Perform project-engineering activities that include the design, procurement, installation, commissioning, and start-up of new processing equipment or systems.
  • Continuously evaluate, recommend, and implement improvements to the plant processes and operating procedures.
• Promote the production of products that meet or exceed customer expectations, e.g., through participation in audits and investigations.
  • Lead engineering efforts to support the Environmental, Health and Safety Manager to ensure site compliance with state and federal regulations and standards (OSHA Construction & General Industry standards, OSHA PSM, RMP, RCRA, DNR, EPA, Title V/PSD, OCPSF, Dept. of Commerce, NFPA and NEC standards).
  • Capture and analyze data for mass & energy balances, process kinetics, current equipment lists and drawings, process flow diagrams, relief vent sizing calculations, etc. per the OSHA PSM defined element.
• Support Sales and Marketing activities and provide technical assistance through interfaces with customers.
  • Lead engineering efforts to support Food Safety and SQF initiatives and projects.
• Support daily production activities by monitoring process performance, trouble-shooting problems, and, as needed, implementing corrective actions.
  • Uphold Hydrite’s Standard of Excellence through a continuous commitment to maintain quality facilities and provide quality products and services to internal and external customers.
• Create operating procedures and training for new equipment and processes.
  • Aid in leading and mentoring the activities of process/project engineers and engineering co-ops & interns.
• Aid in the proper maintenance of plant equipment as a technical resource.
  • Work with site management to maintain workload balances. Provide back-up support as necessary.
• Supports effective communication with all Hydrite departments where responsibilities overlap to ensure success of the branch team.
  • Aid, mentor, and direct the activities of junior engineers.
• Guide the development of engineering personnel and performance through the use of daily communication and performance evaluations.
  • Assist, mentor, and direct the activities of junior engineers.

Reporting Structure

This position reports to the Regional Engineer Manager.

Experience and Educational Criteria

• A Bachelor’s degree is required; preferably in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering.
• Prefer additional education in Project Management.
• Minimum ten years of Process Engineering and/or Project Engineering experience in chemical-processing industry preferred.
• Minimum of five years of capital project management experience (interfacing with contractors).
• Strong computer skills and knowledge of Power Point, Word, and Excel required.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and pipeline-sizing programs preferred.
• Must have strong communication and interpersonal skills, along with the ability to read, write, and speak English.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit and/or stand up to 10 hours per day.
• Ability to climb ladders and stairways up to 40 feet in height on an occasional basis.
• Ability to sit and/or stand for ten hours per day.
• Must be able to travel as needed and work outside of normal business hours.
• Occasional 12 to 16 hour workdays may be required as a result of travel or project related activities.
• Occasional turning, twisting, stooping, bending, and reaching.
• Due to safety concerns, the wearing of contact lenses is prohibited.

Additional Benefits

• Benefits and perks include 401k and profit sharing, medical/dental/vision/life insurance, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, adoption assistance, legal services insurance, scholarship awards for children of employees, summer picnic, community giving events, free family wellness coaching including nutritionist and fitness coach.