Production Engineer [Chemical Engineering Degree required]

Job description

Job Summary Position Summary: We are seeking a Production Engineer to support operations at our water chemical treatment facility across two key areas: Production and Logistics. This role requires a hands-on engineering professional who will optimize processes, ensure safety compliance, and drive continuous improvement initiatives while managing both production operations and supply chain logistics. Key Characteristics: • Strong Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills - The role requires conducting root cause analysis, investigating quality concerns and equipment non-conformances, performing supply chain optimization analysis, and continuously making decisions to improve process efficiencies. The engineer must be able to systematically identify issues, analyze complex data (like OEE metrics), and develop effective countermeasures. • Excellent Communication and Training Abilities - The position involves networking with site, regional, and global functions, performing classroom instruction for operations teams, coordinating with vendors, and managing cross-functional relationships between production and logistics. The engineer must effectively communicate technical concepts to diverse audiences and facilitate knowledge transfer. • Strong Organizational and Project Management Skills - The role requires balancing multiple responsibilities across two locations (Production and Logistics), managing over 36 bulk storage tanks, coordinating scheduling for materials/packaging/shipments, identifying and executing CAPEX/OPEX projects, and maintaining documentation. The engineer must prioritize tasks effectively, manage timelines, and ensure compliance across various operational areas simultaneously. Duties & Responsibilities Support all Environmental, Health, and Safety programs, policies, and regulationsCoordinate Management of Change (MOC) and Process Safety Management (PSM) operational opportunitiesPerform process engineering activities including heat/material transfer, mass balancing, and equipment performance assessmentsConduct root cause analysis and implement appropriate countermeasures for operational issuesNetwork with site, regional, and global functions to drive best practicesProduction Focus Areas:Manage bulk storage, production equipment, auxiliary systems, and utilitiesTrack and analyze Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) data to identify quality concerns, yield losses, and equipment non-conformancesMonitor daily production and quality rates to ensure optimal performanceIdentify, scope, and execute CAPEX and OPEX improvement projectsProvide training and classroom instruction to operations teamsSupport production scheduling and maintain critical documentationLogistics Focus Areas:Balance daily administrative duties (25-40% of time) with field support activitiesCoordinate raw material scheduling and ensure adequate storage space availabilityManage packaging schedules and prepare required documentationOversee shipment scheduling and documentation preparationConduct vendor management and maintain chemical organization per segregation/lean standardsPerform supply chain analysis for optimization opportunitiesManage over 36 bulk storage tanks and develop equipment handling proceduresConduct inventory accuracy assessments and ensure risk management complianceThis dual-role position offers the opportunity to gain comprehensive understanding of both production operations and logistics management while driving process improvements and maintaining the highest safety and quality standards in water chemical treatment operations. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: • Process Engineering and Equipment Analysis - Proficiency in heat and material transfer calculations, mass balancing, equipment performance assessments, and process optimization. This includes understanding of chemical treatment processes, equipment design principles, and the ability to analyze and improve process efficiencies for both quality and productivity outcomes. • Data Analysis and Performance Metrics Management - Expertise in tracking, analyzing, and interpreting Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) data, production rates, quality metrics, and yield loss analysis. This includes statistical analysis capabilities, trend identification, and the ability to translate data insights into actionable improvement strategies. • Process Safety Management (PSM) and Regulatory Compliance - Knowledge of Management of Change (MOC) procedures, Environmental Health and Safety regulations, risk management protocols, and chemical handling/segregation standards. This includes understanding of bulk storage tank management, chemical compatibility requirements, and maintaining compliance documentation for water treatment facility operations. Education & Experience (Required) • Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering • Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred but not required • Relevant certifications in Process Safety Management (PSM), Hazardous Materials Management, or Water Treatment Operations are advantageous Experience Requirements: • Minimum 3-5 years of experience in chemical processing, water treatment, or related industrial manufacturing environment • Experience with process engineering principles including heat/material transfer, mass balance calculations, and equipment performance optimization • Demonstrated experience with data analysis, OEE tracking, and continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma preferred) • Experience in project management for CAPEX/OPEX initiatives • Background in supply chain management, logistics coordination, or inventory management preferred • Experience with regulatory compliance (EPA, OSHA, DOT) and safety management systems • Hands-on experience with bulk storage systems, chemical handling, and production equipment operations • Experience in training and mentoring operations personnel • Knowledge of Management of Change (MOC) processes and Process Safety Management (PSM) principles preferred • Profici