Process Engineer

Purpose

The Process Engineer is responsible for ensuring the consistent production of high-quality Blue Polymers products through the effective implementation of Process Control Plans, Standard Operating Conditions (SOCs), and standardized manufacturing practices. This role drives continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, productivity, yield optimization, and equipment reliability. Working closely with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and Commercial teams, the Process Engineer utilizes data analysis, root cause investigation, and hands-on equipment and process troubleshooting to improve manufacturing performance, reduce waste, and enhance product consistency. Success in this role is measured by improvements in quality metrics, production efficiency, process capability, customer satisfaction, and overall operational excellence.

Areas of Responsibility / Tasks

Performance must reflect appropriate level of expertise and achievement of the desired results for the items listed below:

1. Safety

• Promote and transfer best process, equipment, and operational practices across all production lines.
• Partner with the Safety Team and/or designated representative as necessary, to evaluate and update PPE requirements and safe work practices.
• Implement and monitor environmental controls to prevent pollution, contamination, and regulatory non-compliance.
• Identify and mitigate equipment, process, and operational hazards through proactive troubleshooting and corrective actions.
• Ensure all machine adjustments, repairs, and troubleshooting activities are performed in accordance with established safety procedures, including lockout/tagout requirements.

2. Quality & Product Development

• Ensure customers consistently receive products that meet all formulation, quality, and performance requirements by adhering to Product and Process Control Plans.
• Coordinate with Blue Polymers Commercial Team to ensure customer specifications, expectations, and product requirements are consistently achieved.
• Partner with the Technology Team and Procurement organization to promote standardization and optimization of raw materials whenever feasible.
• Utilize process data, quality metrics, and the Voice of the Customer (internal and external) to identify improvement opportunities, implement corrective actions, and measure effectiveness.
• Investigate product quality concerns, process deviations, and customer complaints using root cause analysis methodologies and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Troubleshoot process and equipment issues impacting product quality, consistency, scrap rates, yield, and customer satisfaction.
• Work directly on production equipment to adjust machine settings, optimize operating parameters, and resolve manufacturing issues that affect quality and productivity.
• Support product trials, process validations, and continuous improvement initiatives designed to improve quality, reduce waste, and increase process capability.

3. Process Engineering

• Troubleshoot production equipment and manufacturing processes to identify and resolve issues impacting safety, quality, productivity, uptime, and yield.
• Work directly with production and maintenance teams to diagnose mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and process-related problems and implement corrective actions.
• Perform hands-on adjustments, set-ups, calibrations, and minor repairs to processing equipment as necessary to restore optimal operating conditions and minimize downtime.
• Analyze equipment failures and process deviations, conduct root cause analyses, and develop sustainable corrective and preventive actions.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on improving equipment reliability, process capability, throughput, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).

4. Operations

• Provide hands-on support on the production floor, including operating equipment, adjusting machine settings, clearing jams, replacing wear components, and assisting with troubleshooting activities when necessary.
• Respond to production interruptions and equipment malfunctions in a timely manner to minimize downtime and maintain production schedules.
• Collaborate with Maintenance to identify recurring equipment issues and implement permanent corrective actions that improve machine reliability and production performance.
• Train operators on proper machine operation, troubleshooting techniques, process controls, and Standard Operating Conditions (SOCs) to ensure consistent and repeatable results.
• Utilize Management by Walking Around (MBWA) to identify opportunities for process optimization, equipment improvements, and operational efficiencies.
• Other duties as assigned by the Plant Manager.

Additional Physical/Functional Requirement

Technical & Mechanical Aptitude

• Demonstrated ability to work safely around manufacturing equipment and production machinery.
• Ability to diagnose and resolve equipment and process issues through hands-on troubleshooting.
• Capable of performing minor mechanical repairs, equipment adjustments, changeovers, and process modifications.
• Ability to use hand tools, measuring devices, and diagnostic equipment required to support manufacturing operations.
• Willingness to spend a significant portion of time on the production floor supporting operations and continuous improvement initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications/ Education / Experience / Certifications

1. Education:

1. Bachelor's Degree in technical field is preferred.

2. Experience:

1. Demonstrated ability to lead and support operations in a hands-on manufacturing environment, with a strong presence on the production floor and a commitment to employee engagement and process improvement.
2. Proven leadership capabilities with the ability to motivate teams, drive accountability, and achieve operational objectives.
3. Strong interpersonal, employee relations, and people management skills, with the ability to effectively resolve issues, influence stakeholders, and foster a collaborative work environment.
4. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with employees at all organizational levels.
5. Highly detail-oriented with strong analytical and systems-thinking capabilities. Demonstrated ability to prioritize competing demands, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and maintain a disciplined, results-focused approach.
6. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word, as well as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.
7. Experience utilizing 2D and 3D Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software for equipment, machinery, and facility design, layout, and modification.
8. Ability to read, interpret, and troubleshoot electrical and machinery wiring diagrams, schematics, and technical drawings.
9. Experience utilizing Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) to administer preventive maintenance programs, manage work orders, maintain equipment records, and support asset reliability initiatives.
10. Working knowledge of physical and chemical water treatment processes, including system monitoring, testing, troubleshooting, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement of water quality and treatment performance.

Competencies; Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSA)

To perform this role successfully, an individual must have experience achieving desired result(s) in their areas of responsibility. The requirements listed below are representative of observable behaviors and essential knowledge, skill, and abilities required of a successful incumbent within our culture.

1. Must be comfortable working in a shared space, with constant noise, with/or without the use of a private office.
2. Must be comfortable working in a non-climate controlled environment.
3. Schedules may vary from week to week based on business demands in excess of 40 hours with or without notice.
4. All injuries regardless of severity must be reported to your Supervisor/HR immediately.

Work Environment / Conditions

The work environment/conditions described herein are representative of those that an incumbent may experience, and therefore must be adaptable to work in a shared space, with constant noise, with/or without the use of a private office. Schedules may vary from week to week based on business demands in excess of 40 hours with or without notice.

Physical Requirements / Demands

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions & physical demands of this role.

1. Must be able to lift 55lbs.
2. Must have color vision.
3. Have use of fingers and hands for writing and typing.
4. Ability to climb straight incline ladders.
5. Occasionally reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.

Travel

1. Some overnight travel away from home plant location may be required.
2. Weekend and holiday travel generally will not be required.

NOTICE TO APPLICANTS :
Blue Polymers is an equal employment opportunity employer. We adhere to a policy of making employment decisions without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, citizenship status, or marital status. We assure you that your opportunity for employment with this employer depends solely upon your qualifications.