Production & Process Engineering

Job Title: Process Engineer Job Description The Process Engineer supports safe, efficient, and cost-effective operation of chemical manufacturing processes by providing technical expertise, process design, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role focuses on optimizing existing operations, scaling up new products from development to production, and ensuring compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements. The Process Engineer collaborates closely with operations, maintenance, and other engineering staff to enhance process performance, reduce costs, and maintain high product quality.

Take responsibility for the technical and economic aspects of process unit operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable performance.

Provide technical support for the maintenance and operation of existing equipment to maximize uptime and reliability.

Improve existing processes and equipment to achieve more efficient and cost-effective operation.

Design and document chemical processes required for the development of improved products.

Coordinate process development efforts with colleagues and leadership to meet project and organizational objectives.

Select appropriate equipment required for the development of new products.

Design and document efficient and cost-effective processes and select equipment required for the scale-up of new products from development to full production.

Write operating procedures and provide training for the safe operation of new equipment.

Select equipment and control devices to enhance process control and operational stability.

Perform leadership duties on selected projects, including planning, coordinating activities, and reporting progress.

Supervise technicians as required, providing guidance and direction to support project and operational goals.

Maintain awareness of modern technologies and report on relevant developments that may improve operations.

Direct and manage coordination between engineering and production to maximize equipment uptime and ensure high-quality production in a safe and environmentally sound manner.

Promote and maintain a proactive, positive attitude within the engineering and maintenance teams.

Reinforce managements commitment to addressing both short- and long-term engineering and maintenance concerns.

Provide engineering and maintenance services to operations as required to support continuous and reliable production.

Establish and implement engineering and maintenance cost-saving techniques to improve overall efficiency.

Evaluate departmental performance, set goals, and establish priorities to support plant objectives.

Assist in ensuring adherence to requirements of regulatory agencies and applicable regulatory programs.

Work to reduce maintenance, material, and repair costs relative to budget when possible.

Assist with the design and operation of equipment to minimize environmental releases and emissions.

Adhere to budget objectives and actively seek savings in material and labor costs.

Support plant goals and objectives on an overall basis through effective engineering practices.

Provide engineering assistance to plants by troubleshooting process issues and designing improvements to optimize operations and reduce costs.

Maintain schedules and reduce costs of design changes by specifying equipment, assisting with procurement, and collaborating with outside contractors on installation of new equipment and systems.

Develop detailed knowledge of the chemicals used in assigned areas, including physical properties and safe handling requirements.

Provide technical service to assigned units through daily monitoring of unit operations.

Identify opportunities to improve quality, reduce costs, enhance safety, and lower emissions, and present recommendations with technical justification to the unit team.

Develop and conduct tests and evaluate results for proposed operating changes aimed at improving product quality, increasing production capacity, or reducing operating costs.

Collaborate closely with the unit team to prepare annual control budgets, operating reviews, and economic studies to evaluate proposed operating programs.

Provide technical support to Process Safety Management (PSM), Risk Management Program (RMP), and other regulatory programs.

Investigate production, safety, environmental, or quality issues and recommend corrective actions.

Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering.

Experience in a production or manufacturing environment, preferably within chemical processing.

Experience with distillation processes in a chemical manufacturing environment (preferred).

Experience with process improvement in a manufacturing setting.

Knowledge of chemical process design, operation, and optimization.

Experience with extrusion processes and manufacturing utilities maintenance (as applicable to assigned area).

Ability to provide technical service to assigned units through daily monitoring of unit operations.

Ability to identify and implement improvements in quality, cost, safety, and emissions.

Ability to collaborate with unit teams to prepare budgets, operating reviews, and economic evaluations.

Knowledge of and ability to support PSM, RMP, and other regulatory programs.

Ability to investigate and resolve production, safety, environmental, and quality issues.

Ability to supervise technicians and lead selected projects, including planning and coordination.

Capability to develop detailed knowledge of chemical properties and safe handling practices in assigned areas.

Commitment to safe, environmentally responsible operations and adherence to established safety protocols.

Distillation process experience in a chemical manufacturing environment is preferred.

Experience with extrusion processes and manufacturing utilities maintenance is beneficial.

Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment with operations, maintenance, and engineering staff.

Ability to work effectively across different cultural contexts, including Japanese and American cultural environments.

Demonstrated ability to identify and implement cost-saving techniques in engineering and maintenance.

Experience collaborating with outside contractors for equipment installation and system upgrades.

Work Environment This role is based in an industrial chemical manufacturing environment and requires regular presence in production areas. The Process Engineer works closely with operations, maintenance, and other engineering personnel and must be comfortable navigating the facility, including climbing stairs, moving between process units, and remaining mobile throughout shifts. The position may occasionally require extended or off-hour work to support operational needs, troubleshooting activities, or project implementation. The work environment emphasizes strict adherence to safety protocols, environmental responsibility, and high-quality production standards. The organization supports a team-oriented culture that values collaboration, continuous improvement, and long-term professional growth, complemented by competitive compensation, comprehensive health benefits, paid vacation and holidays, a retirement plan, and bonus eligibility.

Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Decatur, AL.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available

Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)

Short and long-term disability

Health Spending Account (HSA)

Employee Assistance Program

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Oct 22, 2026.

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without

regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,

sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected

by law.

adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,

AI helps assess applications

acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.