Chemical Manufacturing Engineer

Ascend Performance Materials; Decatur (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Ascend Performance Materials in Decatur, IL, is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation of an assigned manufacturing unit. You will optimize production, conserve raw materials, reduce energy use, improve product quality, and drive equipment reliability while supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

The role requires a BS in Chemical Engineering with at least three years in chemical manufacturing, plus experience in process optimization,

Qualifications

• BS in Chemical Engineering required.
• At least three years in chemical manufacturing or continuous process environment.
• Experience with process optimization, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the assigned unit.
• Lead process optimization and improve KPI targets.
• Support PHAs, MOC, RCA activities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve performance.

Skills

Process optimization

Troubleshooting

Cross-functional collaboration

Process control understanding

Safety leadership

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering

Tools

SAP

Job description

Position Overview

Ascend Performance Materials is a global leader in high-performance chemicals, fibers and plastics committed to enhancing quality of life through innovation. With fully integrated manufacturing facilities across North America, Europe, and Asia, we develop essential solutions that drive safer vehicles, cleaner energy, advanced medical devices, and durable consumer goods. Guided by a strong focus on safety, sustainability, and customer success, we operate responsibly while delivering value through cutting-edge technologies and industry expertise. Join our team and be part of a collaborative environment where your work drives meaningful global impact.

The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of an assigned manufacturing unit. This role drives operational performance by optimizing production, raw material consumption, energy usage, product quality, and equipment reliability while supporting continuous improvement initiatives. The Manufacturing Engineer serves as the technical leader for the unit, providing troubleshooting expertise, driving process optimization, and partnering across functions to improve operational excellence and business performance.

Targeted Outcomes

• Become the technical expert for the assigned manufacturing unit.
• Develop a thorough understanding of the unit control strategy, including process control and alarm systems.
• Identify improvement opportunities and implement plans that increase operational ownership and achieve unit performance targets.
• Build strong cross-functional relationships that enable collaboration and influence across the organization.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts and drive timely, effective repair and recovery activities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

General Responsibilities

• Champion Ascend's zero-incident safety culture by promoting safe work practices and active operator engagement.
• Lead or participate in Process Hazard Analysis (PHA), Layers of Protection Analysis (LOPA), and Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) activities.
• Lead Management of Change (MOC) processes to ensure safe implementation of process modifications.
• Facilitate Root Cause Analysis (RCA) investigations and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Quantify safety and environmental risks associated with equipment and process failures and develop effective mitigation strategies.
• Ensure compliance with applicable environmental, safety, and Process Safety Management (PSM) requirements.

Manufacturing Performance and Process Optimization Responsibilities

• Monitor and improve production performance, product quality, raw material efficiency, energy consumption, and overall unit reliability.
• Analyze process data and implement optimization initiatives that improve operational performance and reduce manufacturing costs.
• Track daily operating performance and develop action plans to achieve key performance indicator (KPI) targets.
• Serve as the manufacturing technical resource for process troubleshooting and operational support.
• Support implementation of new technologies and process improvements that drive sustainable performance gains.

Operational Excellence and Asset Reliability

• Coordinate with Operations, Maintenance, and Reliability teams to safely plan and execute equipment outages and maintenance activities.
• Partner with Site Engineering to develop and implement cost-effective capital improvement projects.
• Support equipment reliability initiatives through engineering analysis and continuous improvement efforts.
• Provide engineering support outside normal business hours as required to maintain safe and reliable operations.

Quality and Customer Focus Responsibilities

• Ensure manufacturing processes consistently meet product quality requirements.
• Represent Manufacturing during investigations of customer complaints and lead efforts to identify and eliminate root causes.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives that enhance product quality and customer satisfaction. Collaboration and Technical Leadership
• Build strong working relationships with Operations, Manufacturing, Engineering, Reliability, Quality Assurance, Planning, and other functional teams.
• Communicate technical information effectively to operators, peers, and leadership.
• Support achievement of operational budgets, forecasts, and key performance commitments.
• Mentor operations personnel by providing technical guidance and process expertise.

Team and Interactions

Reports to: Operations Engineering Manager

Key internal interactions include:

• Operations
• Maintenance
• Reliability Engineering
• Process Engineering
• Site Engineering
• Quality Assurance
• Planning
• Environmental, Health, and Safety
• Plant Leadership

Required Experience

• Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of three years of experience in chemical manufacturing or a related continuous process manufacturing environment.
• Experience supporting manufacturing operations through process optimization, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement.
• Experience leading or participating in Process Hazard Analysis (PHA), Management of Change (MOC), and Root Cause Analysis (RCA) activities.
• Experience coordinating cross-functional projects involving Operations, Maintenance, Reliability, and Engineering.
• Experience supporting capital projects and equipment reliability initiatives is preferred.
• Six Sigma certification is preferred.

Desired Skills

• Strong commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, industrial hygiene, and operational excellence.

• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex technical issues and communicate recommendations clearly to all organizational levels.

• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Effective leadership and collaboration skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams.

• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and SAP enterprise resource planning (ERP) software.

• Ability to develop and interpret process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), heat and material balances, and process data.

• Knowledge of Process Safety Management (PSM) regulations and Title V environmental permitting preferred.

• Experience with DeltaV or Provox distributed control systems (DCS) preferred.

• Demonstrated initiative, accountability, and a continuous improvement mindset with a strong focus on innovation and operational excellence.

Other Requirements

• Ability to enter confined spaces, including tanks, distillation columns, and other process vessels. Must be able to pass through standard-sized manway openings.
• Ability to wear a full-face respirator, including maintaining conditions necessary to achieve an effective respirator seal.
• Ability to climb fixed ladders, generally up to 24 feet tall, as part of routine inspection activities.
• Ability to work on elevated structures and platforms up to 200 feet above ground while performing inspections.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to varying temperatures, noise, moving equipment, chemicals, dust, fumes, gases, and other industrial conditions.
• Ability to provide engineering support outside normal business hours, as operational needs require.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Physical requirements and working conditions are consistent with those identified in the associated Essential Functions and Physical Demands Matrix for this position and may be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, where applicable.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to sit as needed throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to climb fixed ladders up to approximately 24 feet.
• Ability to work at heights up to approximately 200 feet.
• Ability to maintain balance while climbing and working on elevated surfaces.
• Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, twist, and reach above shoulder level, below waist level, and at ground level.
• Ability to enter confined spaces, including tanks, distillation columns, and other process vessels through standard-sized manway openings.
• Ability to use hands for grasping, fine motor tasks, and handling equipment.
• Ability to communicate effective and maintain adequate vision and hearing for safe job performance.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) including respirators.

Working Conditions

• Chemical manufacturing environment.
• Exposure to extreme hot and cold temperatures.
• Exposure to frequent temperature changes and varying humidity.
• Exposure to noise, vibration, moving equipment, and mechanical hazards.
• Exposure to dust, fumes, mists, gas, solvents and industrial chemicals.
• Work in confined spaces and at elevated heights.
• May operate company vehicles as required.
• May provide engineering support outside normal business hours.

At Ascend Performance Materials, we value transparency and fairness in our hiring process. We do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters, search firms, or staffing agencies. Any resumes received from such entities will be considered the property of Ascend Performance Materials, and we will not be obligated to pay any fees for such submissions. Our Talent Acquisition Team actively engages with preferred recruitment partners who have established agreements with us. We encourage all interested candidates to apply directly through our official channels to be considered for any open positions.

About Us:

Ascend Performance Materials is the premium provider of high-quality chemicals, fibers and plastics focused on improving quality of life and inspiring a better tomorrow through innovation. We are a fully integrated material solutions provider with manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and Asia.

Our global workforce makes the materials used to make safer vehicles, cleaner energy, better medical devices, smarter appliances, and longer-lasting apparel and consumer goods. We are committed to safety, sustainability, and the success of our customers and our communities.

Why work at Ascend?

Our vision is to be the recognized leader in the nylon 6,6 value chain, creating new possibilities with PA66 for everyone, everywhere, every day. We achieve that through living our Ascend values: OARS.

Our OARS values shape how we work, lead, and grow together. We take ownership , stay accountable , operate reliably , and support one another to deliver results safely and consistently. Through clear expectations, empowered decision-making, intentional communication, and continuous feedback, we create a culture built on action, visibility, and shared success.

Together, OARS gives us a shared language and clear direction. These values guide our decisions, shape priorities and set expectations as we move forward – aligned, focused and committed to creating performance materials that improve lives today and inspire a better tomorrow.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, citizenship, genetic information or other protected status under federal, state or local laws.