Chemical Process Engineer

Red Wing Shoe Company; Red Wing (MN); On-site; USD 71,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Red Wing Shoe Company is seeking a experienced Chemical Process Engineer to research, develop, and implement processes for leather tanning and footwear manufacturing. You will lead resolution of complex production challenges using Lean Six Sigma, DOE, and advanced testing to improve performance, quality, safety, and cost efficiency.

The role is onsite in Red Wing, Minnesota, with collaboration across cross-functional teams to drive innovation and continuous improvement while meeting regulatory

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s (Master’s preferred) in Chemical Engineering with 3–5 years related experience.
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task and adapt to changing workloads.
• Strong data gathering, analysis, and action planning skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for chemical process improvements.
• Lead projects from concept to implementation and sustainment.
• Utilize DOE and analytical testing to optimize processes.
• Ensure equipment safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Chemical Engineering

Data analysis

DOE

Lean Six Sigma

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Simulation software

Job description

Red Wing Shoe Company is based in Red Wing, Minnesota, just 40 minutes from St. Paul, where our corporate office sits along the Mississippi River in downtown Red Wing. We are a global company with 2300 employees around the world, but we maintain a close-knitfamily atmosphere that comes with being a privately-held company. We’re rich in history and tradition, but innovation drives us to deliver best-in-class product solutions and highly rated customer experiences. Focuson our employees and company culture results in meaningful employee engagement across the organization. Our Guiding Behaviorsof Living our Values, Honoring our Brands, Inspiring our People, Centering on our Customers, and Preserving the long term success and legacy of our Company are the foundation on which we build our future.

Our comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with health savings and flexible spending accounts, life and disability insurance, generous paid time off and holidays, a 401(k) match, employee discounts, and valuable well-being benefits like free EAP services, financial planning assistance, and well-being coaching all designed to support your health and financial security.

The targeted hiring range for this full-time position is $70,600-$95,300 depending on qualifications; however, the expanded salary range provides opportunities for advancement. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and job location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, competencies, experience, and relevant education, training or a combination of these things and market demand. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range and benefits for your location during the hiring process.

Job Description

This role is based onsite for daily in-person work. At Red Wing, regardless of working in roles that are fully remote, onsite, or hybrid, what matters most is working together, staying connected, and putting care into everything we do.

GENERAL PURPOSE OF THE JOB

Research, develop, and implement processes, formulations, and equipment to support leather tanning and/or footwear manufacturing operations. Lead the resolution of complex production challenges related to the chemical processing of materials through the application of Lean Six Sigma methodologies, engineering and quality tools, advanced testing and analytical techniques, and emerging technologies. Initiate, manage, and execute process improvement projects that drive operational performance, product quality, safety, and cost efficiency.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide technical leadership for chemical process improvement initiatives and projects.

• Manage external material and equipment suppliers to ensure the achievement of defined performance, quality, and service objectives.
• Identify opportunities to standardize products and processes to improve efficiency, consistency, and overall performance; develop and implement action plans to achieve desired outcomes.
• Lead projects from concept through implementation and sustainment, including project planning, success metrics, performance monitoring, reporting, corrective action planning, and results retention.
• Utilize Design of Experiments (DOE), simulation software, and analytical testing methodologies to optimize manufacturing processes and improve operational performance.
• Apply scientific and engineering principles, including heat transfer, fluid dynamics, organic chemistry, and biochemistry, to solve complex manufacturing and process challenges.
• Ensure equipment operates safely, reliably, and within specified design and production capacities.
• Lead safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance efforts for chemical-related processes and improvements while modeling adherence to company policies and procedures in quality, finance, human resources, legal, and sourcing functions.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to drive alignment, problem-solving, and successful project execution.
• Champion the evaluation, development, and implementation of new technologies that enhance manufacturing capabilities, process performance, and business results.
• Provide technical expertise and support for continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, productivity, sustainability, and cost reduction.

Qualifications

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree (Master’s degree preferred) in Chemical Engineering from an accredited four-year college or university and three to five years related experience.
• Ability to appropriately prioritize, multi-task and adapt to unexpected changes with variable workloads.
• Must have skills for gathering data, analysis, drawing conclusions and generating action plans.

Additional Information

Red Wing Shoes is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.

Individuals with disabilities needing assistance in completing an application may contact [e-mail] or call 651-388-8211.

All offers of employment are contingent on satisfactory results of a background check.

Red Wing Shoe Company, Inc. is a drug-free workplace.

Red Wing Shoe Company will not be using recruitment agencies or firms to fill this position and we will not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate information. No agency calls please.