Principal Specialist, Process Equipment and Controls

Kemira; United States; Remote; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Kemira seeks a Principal Specialist, Process Equipment and Controls to join its Applications and Strategic Development team. The role covers design, installation, commissioning, optimization, and troubleshooting of process equipment, chemical delivery and generation systems, and industrial automation solutions in chemical applications.

You will program, modify, and support PLC- and HMI-based control systems, support equipment design improvements, and develop procedures and training materials

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical discipline or equivalent industry experience.
• Five+ years of experience with industrial process equipment, automation, controls, or chemical processing systems.
• Experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting, industrial control systems, and process instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Support installation, startup, commissioning, troubleshooting, and optimization of process equipment at customer and manufacturing sites.
• Provide technical expertise for chemical feed, make-down, mixing, dosing, and generation systems.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and control-system issues to improve reliability and performance.
• Program, modify, and support PLC- and HMI-based control systems.
• Develop operating procedures, troubleshooting guides, technical documentation, and training materials.
• Collaborate with applications, engineering, operations, suppliers, and commercial teams to support customer needs and business growth.

Skills

PLC programming

Electrical troubleshooting

Mechanical troubleshooting

Customer-facing communication

Travel up to 50% NA

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical discipline

Tools

PLC programming software

HMI/SCADA

Industrial networking

Job description

Title: Principal Specialist, Process Equipment and Controls

Kemira is a global leader in sustainable chemistry for water intensive industries. For more than 100 years, we advance the power of chemistry, ensuring clean water and enabling a circular future. At Kemira, we foster a collaborative and inclusive work culture where we turn ideas into real-world impact. Learn more about Kemira at www.kemira.com/careers.

We are now looking for a Principal Specialist, Process Equipment and Controls, to join our Application and Strategic Development team. This position supports the design, installation, commissioning, optimization, and troubleshooting of process equipment, chemical delivery and generation systems, and industrial automation solutions used in chemical application and manufacturing environments. The role combines hands-on field support with expertise in equipment, instrumentation, controls, and process automation.

In this role you’ll be responsible for:

• Support installation, startup, commissioning, troubleshooting, and optimization of process equipment at customer and manufacturing sites.
• Provide technical expertise for chemical feed, make-down, mixing, dosing, and generation systems.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and control-system issues to improve reliability and performance.
• Program, modify, and support PLC- and HMI-based control systems.
• Support equipment design improvements, standardization, factory and site acceptance testing, and startup activities.
• Develop operating procedures, troubleshooting guides, technical documentation, and training materials.
• Collaborate with applications, engineering, operations, suppliers, and commercial teams to support customer needs and business growth.
• Provide remote and on-site support for automation, controls, and connected equipment platforms, with strong focus on safety and customer value.

What you’ll bring to the team:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, automation, mechatronics, industrial technology, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
• Five or more years of experience with industrial process equipment, automation, controls, or chemical processing systems.
• Experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting, industrial control systems, and process instrumentation.
• Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills and ability to solve complex technical problems.
• Effective communication and customer-facing skills; able to work independently and collaborate across functions.
• Ability to travel up to 50% throughout North America.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience with chemical feed, polymer make-down, dosing, or related process equipment is a MUST.
• Experience with chemical generation technologies and equipment, such as MCA, ASA, OSG, or similar on-site generation systems.
• Experience with PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, industrial networking, and remotely connected equipment.
• Experience commissioning new equipment and supporting field installations.
• Knowledge of process control, instrumentation, and electrical systems.
• Experience in paper, packaging, tissue, water treatment, chemical processing, or related industries.

What you can expect from us:

• Great opportunities for personal and professional growth
• A job that helps you increase your abilities and skills in various areas
• Employment in a stable company with an established position in the market
• A great, multicultural and positive working environment

The starting base salary range for this role is between $130,000 to $170,000 per year. Salary ranges may vary depending on location and local market conditions. The actual starting salary will be determined by various factors, including but not limited to relevant work experience, skills and competencies, qualifications, and wider business and organizational needs.

We are leading the way to sustained fair pay in the workplace. As a Fair Pay Certified company, we are taking action to enable ongoing equal pay for equal work. This certification demonstrates our commitment to using trusted and transparent methodologies to analyze pay equity. We are proud to share this achievement as part of our dedication to a fair and equitable workplace for everyone.

Kemira is a global leader in sustainable chemistry for water-intensive industries. We operate globally and serve a wide range of customers including municipal and industrial water treatment companies and the fiber industry. Our solutions and services help secure clean water for millions of people every day and support our customers in advancing circularity and responsible resource use throughout their value chains. In 2025, Kemira reported annual revenue of EUR 2.8 billion with a global team of 4,911 colleagues. Kemira is listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki. www.kemira.com