Principal Engineer, Manufacturing Process Technology

celanese; United States; On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Celanese is seeking a Principal Engineer (Process Technology - Elastomers) to drive polymerization process improvements (Hytrel and Vamac) and optimize asset use, product quality and yield at Cooper River, SC, or Sabine River/ Houston sites with up to 25% travel.

You will lead cross‑functional teams, mentor operations and technology staff, champion process safety, and partner with R&D and materials teams to scale solutions from concept to implementation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or polymer chemistry.
• 10+ years of experience in manufacturing, R&D, or process technology.
• Experience with high-pressure autoclaves and/or polymerization processes.
• Strong leadership and project execution capabilities.
• Commitment to product stewardship and safe manufacturing practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication across levels.

Responsibilities

• Expand and exercise technical expertise relative to polymerization processes in support of manufacturing process optimization.
• Lead teams to drive projects from incremental improvements to major technology changes that improve process safety, asset uptime, product quality and yield.
• Collaborate with peers on process development, raw materials, and qualifications, technology evolution and capacity growth.
• Ensure process safety across polymerization processes and manage change, hazards assessment, and risk mitigation.
• Own and maintain process technology for Hytrel and Vamac from raw material to base resin.
• Mentor Operations and Technology training and development.
• Network across product lines to leverage best practices and drive growth and sustainability.

Skills

Process safety

Cross-functional leadership

Team leadership

Problem solving

Communication skills

Continuous improvement

Polymerization processes

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Polymer Chemistry, or related discipline

Job description

Overview:

The Principal Engineer( Process Technology - Elastomers) provides technical expertise and strategic leadership in support of polymerization processes for two key elastomeric product lines. The role engages with Manufacturing Operations to determine and drive measurable improvement in process performance, including asset capacity and capability as well as end-product quality and yield. The role serves as a champion for process safety, and networks strategically with site teams and the broader technology organization to solve process problems, ideate and implement manufacturing solutions, and lead those projects and teams towards realized goals.

LOCATION: The role is preferentially located at Cooper River site near Charleston, SC manufacturing facility, which serves as the hub for Hytrel® polymer manufacturing, or alternatively, may be located instead at the Sabine River Vamac® manufacturing facility in Orange, TX or the Clear Lake facility in Houston, TX. A nominal amount of travel between the two facilities (and to other manufacturing / technology sites) is to be expected (= 25%).

Responsibilities:

• Expand and exercise technical expertise relative to polymerization processes (Hytrel® and Vamac®) in support of manufacturing process optimization needs
• Lead / serve on teams to identify, prioritize, and drive projects ranging from incremental improvements to major technology changes that generate significant improvement in such areas as process safety and asset uptime, product quality and yield, and manufacturing productivity (fixed and variable cost).
• Lead and engage with other technical peers in support of process/product development, including raw materials & new product qualifications, technology evolution and process capacity and capability growth
• Demonstrated commitment to Stewardship, lending expertise towards Process Safety assurance across polymerization processes (i.e., Management of Change in equipment, materials, procedures and/or conditions; hazards assessment & risk mitigation; etc.)
• Own / maintain / update the process technology specific to the end-to-end manufacture of Hytrel® and Vamac®, from raw material to base resin product.
• Mentor and assist in Operations and Technology training
• Network with other technical expertise across product lines / internal businesses to leverage experience and best practices, ensure process technology and PSM foundations, and drive continuous growth and sustainability for the benefit of the company.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Polymer Chemistry, or related discipline
• 10+ years of experience in manufacturing, R&D, or process technology roles
• Polymer Process knowledge, especially high pressure autoclaves and/or other batch or continuous polymerization processes
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical efforts to troubleshoot process manufacturing and product quality issues
• Experience with multi-disciplinary teams
• Understanding of / commitment to product stewardship and safe manufacturing practices
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills across multiple organizational levels
• Demonstrated Business Acumen in evaluation and deployment of technology optimizations
• Ability to act as both an experienced individual contributor and strong people/process team leader

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Celanese is a global leader in chemistry, producing specialty material solutions used across most major industries and consumer applications. Our businesses use our chemistry, technology and commercial expertise to create value for our customers, employees and shareholders. We support sustainability by responsibly managing the materials we create and growing our portfolio of sustainable products to meet customer and societal demand. We strive to make a positive impact in our communities and to foster inclusivity across our teams. Celanese Corporation employs more than 11,000 employees worldwide with 2024 net sales of $10.3 billion. For more information about Celanese Corporation and its product offerings, visit www.celanese.com.

Celanese is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Celanese does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law.

All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

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