Chemical Engineer II Job

The Arkema Group; Calvert City (KY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Arkema Inc. in Calvert City, Kentucky, is seeking a Chemical Engineer II to join the Process Technology team.

You will drive process optimization, lead improvement initiatives, and support capital projects while ensuring safe, reliable operations in a manufacturing environment. The role emphasizes collaboration with production, maintenance, and engineering teams, pursuing operational excellence and cost reduction.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of one year of engineering experience.
• Manufacturing experience in chemical plant preferred.
• Experience with process improvement and capital projects preferred.

Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and implement process improvements that enhance productivity, quality, reliability, and cost performance.
• Monitor process performance, yields, asset utilization, and variable costs to identify optimization opportunities.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support minor capital projects and provide process engineering input throughout project phases.

Skills

Analytical

Problem-solving

Communication

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Job description

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Location: Calvert City, Kentucky
Department: Process Technology
Company: Arkema Inc.
Reports To: Principal Chemical Engineer I
FLSA Status: Exempt (Salaried)

Position Summary

Arkema is seeking a motivated and results-oriented Chemical Engineer II to join our Process Technology team at the Calvert City, Kentucky manufacturing site. This position plays a key role in driving operational excellence through process optimization, continuous improvement, process safety management, production support, and capital project implementation.

The Chemical Engineer II serves as a technical resource for manufacturing operations, working closely with production, maintenance, engineering, laboratory, safety, and environmental teams to improve plant performance, increase reliability, reduce operating costs, and support safe and efficient production. This role offers the opportunity to lead improvement initiatives, support strategic capital investments, and contribute to the development of innovative manufacturing processes.

Key Responsibilities

Process Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Identify, evaluate, and implement process improvements that enhance productivity, quality, reliability, and cost performance.
• Monitor process performance, yields, asset utilization, and variable costs to identify optimization opportunities.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support project development and implementation from concept through execution.

Capital Project Support

• Coordinate and support minor capital projects to ensure safe, timely, and cost-effective execution.
• Assist with major capital project implementation by providing process engineering expertise throughout project phases.
• Collaborate with project managers, contractors, and production personnel to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Support project scope development, planning, and execution activities.

Production Support & Troubleshooting

• Provide day-to-day technical support for manufacturing operations.
• Troubleshoot process issues and recommend effective solutions to improve plant performance.
• Work closely with production personnel to maintain safe and reliable operations.
• Provide operational leadership and supervisory coverage when needed.

Process Safety Management

• Support and maintain Process Safety Management (PSM) systems and documentation.
• Initiate and support Management of Change (MOC) activities.
• Develop and maintain operating procedures, work instructions, process safety information, and Job Safety Analyses (JSAs).
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, DOT, and company standards.

Process Technology & Product Development

• Support product trials and new process technology initiatives.
• Coordinate with production supervisors and corporate technical teams during trial planning and execution.
• Analyze trial results and recommend improvements to manufacturing processes.
• Assist in the implementation of new products and process technologies.

Qualifications

Required Education

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.

Required Experience

• Minimum of one (1) year of engineering experience.
• Manufacturing experience within a chemical plant or related industrial environment is preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting chemical manufacturing operations.
• Experience with process optimization, continuous improvement, and capital project execution.
• Knowledge of Process Safety Management (PSM) principles and Management of Change (MOC) processes.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional manufacturing environment.
• Commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and operational excellence.
• Demonstrated ability to build productive working relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Manufacturing plant environment with associated industrial operating conditions.
• Frequent interaction with operators, supervisors, engineers, maintenance personnel, and contractors.

Who we are? Arkema is a world leader in Innovative Materials for a Sustainable World with the ambition to become a pure Specialty Materials player.

We thrive as One Arkema, comprised of many businesses and brands including Bostik, ArrMaz, and more! and operating with a global reach in 55 countries with more than 20,700 employees. Each one contributes to positioning Arkema as a recognized leader of specialty chemicals and advanced materials, reporting annual sales of €9.1 billion, of which 3.1% allocated to R&D for 1,800 researchers in 17 R&D centers.

If you pursue excellence, love innovation and are inspired by challenges, we encourage you through www.arkema.com to learn more about our values – Solidarity, Performance, Simplicity, Empowerment, and Inclusion – and how we concentrate on advances in bio-based and recyclable materials, new energies, water management, electronic solutions, lightweight materials and design, home efficiency and insulation.

Changing the world requires the right formula. The right formula consists of our innovative and sustainable materials, and you. Join us to develop the materials of tomorrow and make a difference together. What are you made of?

The legal information below pertains specifically to positions posted in the United States, however we strive for diversity, equity and inclusion in all the countries that we hire.
Arkema Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Arkema Inc. complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting and hiring.

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