Senior Process Development Chemical Engineer

Senior Process Development Chemical Engineer

Location: Akron, OH * Technology

A global supplier of rubber chemicals and solutions, including insoluble sulfur, anti-degradants, and post-vulcanization stabilizers, is seeking a Senior Process Development Engineer. This company focuses on delivering superior solutions for manufacturers of tires and other rubber products, enhancing product performance, optimizing production efficiency, and ensuring supply chain success. As the largest manufacturer of tire-industry additives in the world, this newly independent entity brings a track record of innovation, quality, specialized expertise, a highly collaborative approach, and a commitment to growth. They work closely with customers to meet critical objectives.

The Senior Process Development Engineer will be based at the Akron Technology Center, supporting business and innovation platforms by providing leadership and subject matter expertise in process selection and design for novel small molecules. Responsibilities include lab-scale proof of concept, leading efforts with external partners on process research and scale-up, process modeling, cost-estimating, capital project leadership, and process development and scale-up expertise for continuous, world-scale operations.

• Develop and model potential process designs for scale-up and cost estimating based on lab-scale synthesis of novel small molecules.
• Guide the R&D team and external partners in designing and executing experiments to develop required base data for process design.
• Identify, select, and manage engagements with external partners for process development activities, mini-plant and pilot plant design and operation. This includes scope and schedule development, regular progress updates, and guidance to resolve issues.
• Partner with external firms on the development of feasibility and front-end engineering packages and associated cost estimates.
• Play a leading role in large capital projects ($5M+) for brownfield and greenfield projects (design, installation, commissioning, validation, and start-up).
• Support existing global assets with capital project execution for major equipment upgrades, maintenance, etc.
• Work closely with a cross-functional team including senior management, R&D, Engineering, Operations, and external partners as needed.
• Scout external vendors and technologies and present recommendations for new technology implementation to management.
• Develop capital project proposals, including scope development, project safety reviews, and generating estimates.
• Provide technical and business assessments to guide management through decisions and choices in the development and scale-up of new products/processes.

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline required; additional post-graduate education preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in R&D, Engineering, capital project management, and/or Operations.
• Familiarity with a broad range of unit operations relevant for continuous liquid and gas phase production processes.
• Demonstrated success in developing novel processes for small molecule production at lab and pilot scale, including flow sheet development, HMB, process instrumentation, process control strategies, etc.
• Experience in scaling-up from lab/pilot scale to design, construction, and operation of global commercial scale.
• Experience in capital project management, including all phases of front-end loading project management and cost estimating.
• Familiarity with plant control software, including PLC and SCADA/Delta V systems.
• Expertise in catalysis or crystallization is a plus.
• Familiarity with Six Sigma Methodology.
• Background in statistical analysis and simulation output data interpretation.
• Experience in Aspen modeling highly preferred.
• Ability to work in a team environment, providing guidance and direction to the broader organization.
• Motivation to develop into a company expert (leader) in process development engineering.

• Innovative and creative problem solver with strong scientific convictions and a willingness to take risks.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills for implementing cross-functional process improvements.
• Ability to handle multiple assignments of varying complexity.
• Clear and effective writing and oral communication skills.