Senior Process Engineer

Momentive Performance Materials is seeking a Senior Process Engineer to own production area performance, resolve daily issues, support operators, and drive continuous improvements in Waterford, NY. This role requires on-site presence five days per week, Monday through Friday.

About the role

The Senior Process Engineer is responsible for achieving targets in EHS, quality, reliability, productivity, and stable operations while supporting key CapEx and improvement initiatives. This role leads and collaborates with cross-functional teams and supports the transfer of Global Process Technology and new product introductions through the NPI/NPT process.

Responsibilities

• EHS
  • Operate as the area lead for strict adherence to compliance of EHS regulations and requirements for both installation/modification of site facilities and production processes.
  • Maintain and demonstrate a high regard for personal safety, company assets, employees, and the public.
  • Primary owner of Management of Change (MOCs) for area(s) of responsibility.
  • Improve and regularly adjust safety considerations (Safety Vulnerability Assessments, Process Hazard Analyses) in the operating area in cooperation with EHS.
  • Analyze the consequences of safety failures.
  • Ensure all requirements of Momentive’s EHS Management System are compliant in the responsible area.
  • Participate in exposure reduction events in the area of responsibility.
• Compliance
  • Ensure compliance with legal requirements and internal company standards for occupational and plant safety, as well as environmental and health protection.
  • Ensure proper documentation for the area(s) of responsibility (e.g., Manufacturing Instructions, MOC process, and Operating Manual).
• Operations
  • Oversee on-schedule and quality-oriented manufacture of all products in the area of responsibility.
  • Work closely with the SIOP team to optimize planning and achieve schedule attainment targets.
  • Perform troubleshooting for the operations team on matters related to production, quality, reliability, and emergency situations.
  • Monitor production area performance based on key operations metrics/KPIs and lead improvement activities accordingly.
  • Participate in internal, customer, and regulatory audits; ensure follow-up actions and initiate/document change controls as appropriate.
  • Ensure product quality satisfies QC specifications; lead quality investigations and non-conformance reports/report-outs.
  • Partner with APCs and shift leaders for daily coordination of shift-to-shift transfer activities.
  • Accountable for Out-of-Specification (OOS) and Significant Manufacturing Incident (SMI) reduction.
  • Conduct root cause analysis and implement follow-ups for unplanned events and near misses from EHS/quality/operations perspectives.
  • Provide specific process technology/operation training (e.g., polymerization, main unit/equipment operating fundamentals) to the operations team.
  • Develop operations Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and conduct training/qualification for operators.
  • Participate in Quality Forward Look events and coordinate recommended actions to improve product quality performance.
  • Lead quality incident investigations and actions.
• Process Development/Improvement
  • Support process development and lead process optimization programs.
  • Support/lead continuous process improvement and cost reduction using stable Operations, Lean, and Six Sigma tools in the areas of Quality, Safety, Cost, and People.
  • Responsible for introducing new products in support of Process Technology.
  • Research process improvements to optimize yield of raw materials, minimize waste, increase capacity, improve plant operations, and enhance safety, involving other relevant company functions.
  • Lead and assist in the development and sustainability of 5S in the unit.
• Communications & Documentation
  • Implement stringent change and documentation management in the operating area (MOC).
  • Identify, communicate, and drive implementation of short-term modification work.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or university degree in Chemical Engineering or equivalent.
• At least 6 years of technical/engineering professional experience.
• Strong safety consciousness, EHS awareness, and familiarity with EHS requirements in a chemical process environment.
• Strong capability in problem-solving and analytical skills, including organizing and analyzing process data, utilizing statistical analysis, and effectively troubleshooting complex chemical processes.
• Good understanding of business interrelationships, high awareness of responsibility, and costs.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Highly motivated and energetic, willing to demonstrate significant ownership in the overall production area.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and motivate teams, drive change, and deliver quantifiable production improvements.
• Ability to lead/supervise a diverse workforce and contractors.
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Working knowledge of Distributed Control Systems (DCS).

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in SAP, Microsoft Outlook, Office, and Excel.
• Experience in Six Sigma, SAP, ISO systems.
• Practical experience with process optimization, certified Green Belt.
• Previous engineering experience in a chemical process environment, including Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs).
• Experience in a global manufacturing company, preferably in the chemical industry.
• Experience in new production and technical development of new processes.
• Prior experience in maintenance and reliability.
• Knowledge of maintenance workflow, rotating equipment, and pressure systems.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance, including critical illness coverage and optional orthodontia coverage.
• Paid parental leave for the birth of a child; adoption and surrogacy reimbursement.
• Short-term disability with 100% base salary coverage.
• Company-funded counseling (EAP) and assistance finding care for children, parents, or pets.
• 25 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) plus paid holidays; additional time off with years of service.
• 401k savings plan with 5% employer match plus additional contribution based on years of service.
• Student debt pay-off program.
• Professional development programs and courses.
• Wellness programs and financial education.

Pay

Base pay range: $95,500 - $140,250. The actual salary offered is determined by factors including education, experience, skill sets, and geography. This role is also eligible for incentive or sales variable compensation payments based on company and individual performance.