We are seeking a Senior Chemical Engineer to join our growing manufacturing team in Salisbury, NC. This role combines capital project leadership with deep process engineering expertise, serving as a key technical authority for chemical operations in a high-hazard, specialty chemicals environment.
This position is ideal for a hands-on engineer who thrives both in the plant and in project execution, and who can lead from concept through commissioning while driving process performance, safety, and reliability.
Essential Functions
Process Engineering & Technical Leadership
- Serve as the site subject matter expert for chemical processes, supporting safe and efficient plant operations.
- Lead process design and development, including mass & energy balances, PFDs, and P&IDs.
- Drive process optimization to improve yield, throughput, quality, and cost.
- Troubleshoot complex process issues using data analysis and root cause methodologies.
- Provide expertise in reaction chemistry, thermodynamics, and unit operations.
- Support process scale-up, technology transfer, and plant modifications.
- Partner with Operations to improve process control strategies and instrumentation performance.
Project Engineering & CAPEX Leadership
- Develop and manage a 3–5 year CAPEX roadmap aligned with business strategy.
- Lead projects from concept through design, construction, and commissioning.
- Define scope, develop cost estimates, and support project planning activities.
- Apply value engineering to optimize cost, efficiency, and long-term reliability.
- Manage external engineering firms and contractors.
- Provide clear reporting on cost, schedule, and project performance.
- Handle unplanned/urgent projects without impacting strategic priorities.
Process Safety & Compliance
- Lead and participate in PHA/HAZOP studies, with strong focus on chemical hazards.
- Ensure compliance with OSHA, PSM, and Management of Change (MOC) requirements.
- Ensure all projects are in accordance with IOSP process safety and engineering standard’s
- Support development and maintenance of Operating Procedures and safety systems.
- Ensure robust design, commissioning, and safety validation processes.
Collaboration & Site Support
- Support the Site Process Engineering Manager and plant leadership on continuous improvement initiatives.
- Act as a go-to technical resource for troubleshooting and plant support across all levels.
- Mentor junior engineers and influence engineering best practices across the site.
- Engage with senior leadership to align on priorities and secure approvals.
Role Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering.
- 10+ years of experience in chemical manufacturing (plant + project environment).
- Experience in fine or specialty chemicals strongly preferred.
- Strong foundation in reaction engineering, separations, heat/mass transfer, and process control.
- Proven experience in designing, building, and commissioning chemical processes or plants.
- Hands-on experience in process troubleshooting and optimization.
- Experience working in high-hazard, PSM-regulated environments.
- Knowledge of environmental and safety regulations related to chemical operations.
- Experience with process simulation tools (Aspen, HYSYS, etc.) is a plus.
Environmental Restrictions
- Ability to perform essential job duties in both indoor and outdoor environments, including offices, facilities, and external job sites.
- Regular exposure to varying weather conditions, noise, dust, moving equipment, and uneven terrain.
- Physical requirements may include sitting, standing, walking, lifting, carrying, bending, reaching, and operating tools or equipment as necessary to perform job responsibilities.
- Regular attendance and adherence to company safety policies are required.
- In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state laws, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
