Chemical Process Optimization Engineer

Polyventive; Calhoun (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Polyventive, located in Northwest Georgia with facilities in Calhoun/Dalton/Rome, seeks an operations engineer to drive throughput and safety across multiple plants. You will lead experiments, analyze data, and implement improvements to scale formulations from lab to plant.

Your role emphasizes design of trials, root-cause analyses, and cross-functional coordination with Commercial, R&D, Purchasing, and EH&S, while developing SOPs and technical reports to support operations leadership.

Qualifications

• BS in Chemical Engineering preferred; alternative degree with chemical manufacturing exposure acceptable.
• Strong communication and collaborative skills across teams.
• Experience applying Lean/Six Sigma to improve safety, quality, and productivity.

Responsibilities

• Design experiments and analyze data to resolve production issues in real time.
• Lead cost-effective improvement projects removing bottlenecks and improving asset utilization.
• Create and maintain SOPs, process documentation, and technical reports for leadership.
• Own project costs and budgets while delivering on schedule and scope.
• Lead and participate in GEMBA, 5S, and incident reporting activities.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Communication

Data analysis

Process optimization

Safety compliance

Education

BS in Chemical Engineering (preferred)

Mechanical Engineering with chemical manufacturing experience

Tools

Automation controls

Job description

Shape the way specialty chemicals are made At Polyventive, you’ll be the operations team’s go-to engineer for unlocking throughput, elevating safety, and scaling new formulations across our facilities in Northwest Georgia. Picture your day starting with a floor walk in Calhoun, a quick GEMBA huddle in Dalton, and an afternoon troubleshooting a batch anomaly in Rome—then wrapping with a briefing to leadership on your optimization plan.

Role snapshot

• Department: Operations
• Reports to: VP, Operations
• Location: Calhoun/Dalton/Rome, GA

What you’ll do

You will serve as a change agent—designing experiments, analyzing data, and resolving production issues in real time. You’ll lead cost-effective projects that remove bottlenecks, maximize asset utilization, and improve safety and efficiency. From process documentation and SOPs to executive-ready presentations, your communication will keep the entire organization aligned.

• Drive continuous improvement in safety, quality, and productivity across multiple plants.
• Plan and execute optimization initiatives that eliminate constraints on schedule and within budget.
• Design trials, conduct root-cause analysis, and implement robust corrective actions.
• Ensure all processes comply with environmental and safety regulations; perform risk assessments and deploy preventive measures.
• Scale up new products from lab to plant, validating batch operations for polymers, esters, surfactants, and acid/base handling.
• Collaborate with Commercial, R&D, Purchasing, and Transportation on cost-reduction programs.
• Partner with the EH&S Manager and Plant Managers to strengthen our safety culture and EH&S initiatives.
• Develop, maintain, and improve SOPs and process documentation; create technical reports and presentations for all levels.
• Own controllable and project costs, delivering to budget.
• Participate in—and when needed, lead—Incident Reporting, GEMBA, and 5S activities.

What you bring

• BS in Chemical Engineering (preferred) or Mechanical Engineering with chemical manufacturing experience.
• 5+ years in chemical plant operations with direct batch processing exposure.
• Background in process/equipment design, scale-up, and capital/project management with clear ownership for productivity.
• Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma Black Belt preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; exceptional quantitative and computing capability.
• Foundational knowledge of polymer chemistry.
• Working knowledge of OSHA, HAZMAT, and EPA regulations and compliance.

Technical proficiencies

• Continuous improvement and Lean methods (including 5S and GEMBA)
• Writing and maintaining SOPs
• Troubleshooting industrial automation and controls
• Process engineering and process development
• Design for Manufacturability (DFM)
• Quality control systemsMechanical design and engineering collaboration
• High-level operational and data analysis
• Engineering degree or equivalent technical training

Employment details

Below are policy statements included verbatim from the original posting:

• FLSA Status
• : Exempt

Where you’ll work

• Work Environment:

Work is typically performed in an inside, temperature-controlled environment. Works and travels throughout plant environment of varied temperatures and humidity, and wears personal protective equipment, as required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Various operations in the plant generate noise, dust, vapor and fumes in the normal course of production. The Company has been and is committed to eliminating these conditions to the extent possible through the application of design engineering. The Company also provides a variety of safety equipment to keep all associates safe and within OSHA standards. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

About Polyventive

We manufacture specialty chemicals and bring deep expertise in polymers, esters, surfactants, and acid/base systems. Your impact will be visible across multiple facilities and levels of the organization.