Process Engineer - Environmental Operations

Novonesis; Franklinton (LA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Novonesis is seeking a Process Engineer to support wastewater treatment operations at our Franklinton, NC site. You will lead technical efforts across membrane bioreactor and filtration technologies, driving continuous improvement and reliability in production processes.

The role requires a degree in engineering, 0–1+ years of experience, and hands-on capability with CIP, DCS/PLC, and PI data systems. Strong Excel skills and cross-functional collaboration are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical/Environmental/Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 0–1+ years of engineering experience.
• Knowledge of industrial process wastewater treatment operations.
• Experience with RO/MBR filtration and CIP/hygienic design principles.
• Familiarity with DCS, PLC, and PI data systems.
• Strong Excel and analytical/problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Maintain process control of wastewater treatment systems to support uninterrupted production.
• Provide hands-on technical support for wastewater treatment and solids handling.
• Optimize treatment efficiency focusing on quality, reliability, and cost avoidance.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal standards.
• Monitor system performance and identify risks/opportunities for improvement.
• Lead and support process improvement initiatives for wastewater treatment.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and engineering to resolve issues.
• Recommend short- and long-term process changes to support site objectives and growth.
• Develop expertise in MBR, RO, and related treatment technologies while ensuring equipment reliability.

Skills

Process engineering

Wastewater treatment

RO/MBR filtration

CIP & hygienic design

DCS/PLC/PI systems

Excel

Analytical skills

Team collaboration

Education

BSc or MSc in Chemical/Environmental/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

DCS/PLC systems

PI data systems

RO/MBR filtration tech

Job description

Interested in a career that matters? Join our Environmental Operations team as a Process Engineer and play a critical role in ensuring reliable, sustainable wastewater treatment operations that support uninterrupted manufacturing. This position provides technical leadership across process wastewater treatment and residual solids handling while driving process optimization, operational excellence, and environmental compliance. As our site continues to expand water reuse capabilities and treatment capacity, this role will be instrumental in maintaining system reliability and supporting future growth.The Role & Your ImpactAs a Process Engineer, you will serve as a technical expert supporting wastewater treatment operations and associated process equipment. You will lead continuous improvement efforts, troubleshoot operational challenges, and identify opportunities to improve quality, reliability, and cost performance.Your Key ResponsibilitiesMaintain process control of wastewater treatment systems that support uninterrupted production operations.Provide hands-on technical support for wastewater treatment and residual solids handling processes.Optimize treatment efficiency with a focus on quality improvements, reliability, and cost avoidance.Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal quality standards.Monitor and analyze system performance to identify risks and opportunities for improvement.Lead and support process improvement initiatives related to wastewater treatment technologies.Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams to resolve process-related issues.Recommend and implement short- and long-term process changes that support site objectives and capacity growth.Develop expertise in membrane bioreactor (MBR), reverse osmosis (RO), and related treatment technologies while supporting equipment reliability.What You'll Need to Be Successful in This RoleRequired Qualifications:Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.0-1+ years of relevant engineering experience.Knowledge of industrial process wastewater treatment operations.Experience or understanding of filtration systems, particularly reverse osmosis and membrane bioreactor technologies.Practical knowledge of clean-in-place (CIP) systems and hygienic design principles.Familiarity with Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), and PI data systems.Strong Microsoft Excel skills.Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.Ability to work collaboratively across multiple functions.Strong communication and organizational skills.Preferred QualificationsExperience supporting industrial wastewater treatment systems.Experience in manufacturing, biotech, food, fermentation, pharmaceutical, or chemical processing environments.Continuous improvement or process optimization experience.Familiarity with environmental compliance requirements.Why Join UsIn this role, you will help support critical environmental infrastructure that enables continued production growth and water reuse initiatives. This position offers the opportunity to gain deep technical expertise, work on impactful sustainability projects, and contribute directly to operational excellence across the site.What We OfferOpportunity to work with advanced wastewater treatment and water reuse technologies.Exposure to cross-functional engineering, operations, and environmental initiatives.Professional development and career growth opportunities.Collaborative and purpose-driven work environment.Benefits & Compensation:Expected pay range: $80,000-$100,000Benefits you will enjoy:401(k) with up to a 9% company contributionMinimum of 3 weeks of vacation plus 12 holidays and 2 weeks of Wellness TimeHealth, Dental, Vision & Life insuranceHealthcare savings account option with generous employer contributionEmployee assistance programParental leaveTuition reimbursementAll benefits begin on your first dayAdditional InformationLocation: Franklinton, North Carolina (On-site)On-Call/Weekend Expectations: Once the initial training period has been completed, this role will require participation in an on-call rotation to provide support for process upsets, equipment issues, and other operational needs that may arise outside of normal working hours.Application Deadline: October 14, 2026Our purpose guides the wayIn Novonesis, we know that solutions rooted in biology can help solve humanity’s biggest challenges. Since we began more than a century ago, this has been our guide. It’s how we've gotten so far. And it’s how we'll impact the future. Now, more than ever, the world needs change. And with biosolutions, the possibilities for transformation are endless. If our purpose resonates with you, we encourage you to apply.Opportunities for everyoneWe are committed to an inclusive recruitment process and equal opportunity for all applicants. Therefore we ask you to apply without a cover letter or photo and instead include a few sentences in your CV explaining your motivation for applying.We make all employment decisions based on business needs and welcome candidates with a wide range of backgrounds, including ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status.Explore other openingsIf this position isn’t the right fit, you may still find other opportunities with us. You’re welcome to explore open roles or create a job agent to stay connected with future opportunities at novonesis.com/Career