Process Engineer

Firestone Polymers, LLC is headquartered in Lake Charles, LA and manufactures polymers and synthetic rubber in our world-class ISO 9001:2015, 14001:2015 registered plant located in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Firestone's unique anionic polymerization technology allows production of high purity, high molecular weight polybutadiene and a wide range of block, random, and vinyl modified styrene-butadiene copolymers. These products are sold around the world for use in tires, impact modification of plastics and hot melt adhesives. Statistical process control is used in every step of the operation. Firestone Polymers, LLC is a subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas, a division of Bridgestone Corporation, the world's largest tire and rubber company.

Job Category

Engineering & Science

Position Summary: The Process Engineer supports product development scale up by working across multiple unit operations, including distillation, reaction, flash, and drying processes. The ideal candidate would have a Chemical, Polymer, or Petroleum Engineering background with strong understanding of polymerization processes, from new polymer discovery through full scale manufacturing implementation. The Process Engineering Group plays a critical role in driving long-term process improvements at the Firestone Polymers Lake Charles chemical manufacturing Plant. Responsibilities include the discovery and implementation of new technologies, solving complex and persistent process challenges, contributing to conceptual design for capital projects, and supporting Operations and Technical Service engineers. The successful candidate will be self motivated, collaborative, and capable of prioritizing work to meet performance objectives with minimal supervision. They must be able to both generate and evaluate ideas, applying core engineering principles to develop practical, hands on solutions within cross functional teams. This position requires a strong plant presence, with an expectation of being onsite at least 4 days per week. A degree in Chemical, Polymer, or Petroleum Engineering or a related discipline is highly desired.

The Process Engineer will leverage their expertise as part of the Process Engineering Group, which plays a critical role in driving long‑term process improvements at the Firestone Polymers Lake Charles Plant. This includes the discovery and implementation of new technologies, resolution of complex and recurring process challenges, contribution to capital project conceptual design, and support of Operations and the Technical Engineering Group.

Responsibilities

• Exemplify Bridgestone’s Safety First, Always mission statement and actively promote a safety minded work culture
• Lead and/or participate in continuous improvement projects
• Identify and implement process control improvements
• Facilitate and oversee production trials for new polymer products and process technologies
• Collaborate closely with the Akron-based Product Development Group and scale-up new chemistries and processes
• Solve process problems, debottleneck, and optimize plant performance through statistical analysis of process data and hands‑on interaction with plant personnel
• Prepare and deliver project updates and presentations to plant leadership and Bridgestone Americas senior management
• Work effectively with operations and production personnel, maintenance teams, technicians, vendors, contractors, and other engineers to execute responsibilities
• Scope projects and support the capital project team through conceptual design, pre‑engineering, and construction of new equipment
• Supervise start‑up and commissioning of new equipment
• Develop and revise operating procedures as required

Ideal candidate will have:

• Strong organizational, prioritization, and project management skills
• Proven problem‑solving abilities and a solid foundation in process engineering principles, including unit operations, process simulation, project scoping and design, process and distributive control systems (DCS and/or PLC), quality control/assurance, and regulatory compliance
• Proficiency with computers, statistical analysis, and engineering tools such as PI, Minitab, Aspen, or similar software
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with colleagues and management across a wide range of technical backgrounds
• Familiarity with hydrocarbon processing, polymer chemistry, and polymer science
• Experience with process measurement, control, and optimization
• A Chemical, Polymer, or Petroleum Engineering degree or related discipline

Candidates who excel in this role will:

• Proactively identify and recommend innovative improvement projects supported by sound business cases and cost/benefit analyses
• Collaborate effectively across multiple functions by listening, engaging objectively, and working toward shared business goals related to quality, product performance, and value
• Thrive in a small‑to medium‑sized plant environment
• Communicate complex technical concepts in a clear, concise, and visual manner

Minimum Qualifications

This position requires a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in chemical, polymer, or petroleum engineering or a closely related discipline. Experience in production or process engineering within a chemical plant or a refinery environment is preferred. A minimum of 2-3 years of relevant industry experience is required.

What we offer

At Bridgestone, what really matters is to foster co‑creation opportunities and empowering you to be creative and curious to make mobility safer, more efficient, and more sustainable for future generations. Whatever role you fill, when you represent Bridgestone, you are a valued teammate, and part of our larger mission to "Serve Society with Superior Quality", for that, we offer you more than just a competitive compensation; we will provide you:

• 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.
• A diverse and inclusive team.

Bridgestone is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. It is our policy to consider for employment all individuals regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Employment Eligibility

If hired, a Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification must be completed at the start of employment. Temporary work authorization or the need for sponsorship may disqualify you from employment. Based in Nashville Tennessee, Bridgestone Americas, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, the world’s largest tire and rubber company. Bridgestone Americas and its subsidiaries develop, manufacture and market a wide range of Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand tires to address the needs of a broad range of customers, including consumers, automotive and commercial vehicle original equipment manufacturers, and those in the agricultural, forestry and mining industries. The companies are also engaged in retreading operations throughout the Western Hemisphere and produce air springs, roofing materials, and industrial fibers and textiles. The Bridgestone Americas family of companies also operates the world’s largest chain of automotive tire and service centers. Guided by its global corporate social responsibility (CSR), commitment Our Way to Serve, Bridgestone embraces its responsibility as a global leader by striving to improve the way people move, live, work and play.