Senior Project Engineer

About the role

Polymer Engineering Pilot Center (PEPC) provides advanced research and testing technologies for product and process development, continuing to leverage Firestone's rich industry heritage to provide outstanding product quality and develop polymers for next‑generation applications. The plant is located on a 35‑acre site and produces MT quantities of baled products for testing. Our polymer engineering facilities in Akron work closely with Bridgestone's global facilities to develop the latest in tire polymer technologies. We are a part of the Akron Complex and participate in all Akron‑based community activities.

The Senior Project Engineer provides technical leadership for the design, development, and implementation of new and improved pilot‑scale polymer production processes and infrastructure upgrades through capital projects. This role applies advanced engineering expertise and project management skills to address complex technical and operational challenges, support continuous improvement, and mentor less experienced engineers. The position works with a high degree of autonomy, influences strategic decisions, and collaborates across operations, maintenance, engineering, and leadership teams.

Responsibilities

• Manage medium-sized capital projects from concept through commissioning, including scope development, budgeting, engineering design, procurement, contractor management, startup support, and closeout.
• Provide technical guidance on large-scale capital projects as an engineering resource and mentor.
• Design, optimize, and troubleshoot process equipment and manufacturing systems to improve safety, reliability, productivity, environmental performance, and cost efficiency.
• Lead engineering efforts for sizing, specifying, maintaining, troubleshooting, and replacing critical equipment, including pressure relief devices and other process safety systems, while supporting new installations.
• Oversee DCS and process control improvements, including control strategy development, system modifications, and automation initiatives.
• Provide daily contractor oversight to ensure compliance with site safety requirements, work permits, and applicable standards.
• Build and maintain strong internal and external stakeholder relationships through effective communication, collaboration, and negotiation.
• Support compliance activities related to Process Safety Management (PSM), Risk Management Plan (RMP), and Recognized and Generally Accepted Good Engineering Practices (RAGEP).
• Contribute to site strategic capital planning by providing engineering recommendations that support long‑term business objectives, capital investments, and operational improvements.
• Promote a culture of safety, reliability, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

Minimum of 5 years of related experience with a bachelor’s degree; or 3 years and a master’s degree; or a PhD without experience; or equivalent work experience.

Desired qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 6+ years of relevant experience in project engineering, manufacturing, or chemical plant operations.
• Experience managing capital projects and leading cross‑functional teams.
• Working knowledge of PSM/RMP requirements and applicable engineering codes and standards.
• Ability to lead technical initiatives, influence stakeholders, and mentor developing engineers.
• Experience with process control systems, reliability improvement, and contractor oversight.
• Strong communication, leadership, problem‑solving, and project management skills.

Benefits

• A supportive and engaging onboarding experience to ensure a smooth transition into our team.
• The opportunity to develop and grow, through training and regular mentorship.
• Corporate Social Responsibility activities.
• A truly global, dynamic and challenging work environment.
• Agility and work/life effectiveness and your long‑term well‑being.
• An effective and inclusive team.