Process Engineering Leader

Stepan Company; Elwood (IL); On-site; USD 123,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary Bonus

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401K with Match

Profit Sharing

Paid Time Off (PTO)

STD / LTD

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Adoption Assistance

Reactions – Recognition Program

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

Stepan Company seeks a Process Engineering Leader to direct the Millsdale, IL site’s process engineering function. You will guide technical direction, capital project fronts, and safety governance while partnering with Operations and EHS to optimize performance.

You will mentor engineers, drive process improvements, and ensure alignment with business objectives, capital priorities, and long‑term site strategy. A chemical engineering background and strong PSM experience are essential.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive experience in chemical/process manufacturing.
• Strong expertise in process safety, MOC, PHA, and PSSR to support capital projects.
• Experience with FEL, Stage Gate, and capital project development.

Responsibilities

• Define technical direction for Process Engineering, priorities, staffing, and resource plans for site capital development.
• Lead and develop Process Engineers through mentoring, performance management, and competency development.
• Serve as the SME for process technology, troubleshooting, optimization, capacity expansion, and reliability.
• Partner with Operations, Asset Management, EHS&S, and Manufacturing to identify and prioritize capital investment opportunities.
• Lead front-end development of capital projects; analyze options, define scope, justify business case, and ensure alignment with strategic objectives.
• Evaluate and recommend technical approaches balancing safety, quality, operability, reliability, cost, and lifecycle value.
• Assess and improve engineering work processes to boost efficiency and decision quality.
• Oversee execution of the capital project portfolio, managing internal resources, external firms, and consultants.
• Review and approve MOC, CAPAs, PHA, and PSSR documentation; maintain governance for PSM.
• Ensure designs and processes comply with Responsible Care, regulatory requirements, Stepan standards, safety, reliability, and environmental stewardship.

Skills

Process engineering

Manufacturing support

Process optimization

Process safety management

Project leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering

Job description

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This position provides leadership for the Process Engineering organization at our Millsdale, IL site and serves as the technical authority for process technology, process safety, manufacturing optimization, and capital project development. The Process Engineering Leader develops engineering talent, advances manufacturing capabilities, and ensures that process engineering resources effectively support business objectives, capital investment priorities, and the site’s long-term strategy.

Responsibilites:

• Define the Process Engineering function’s technical direction, priorities, capabilities, staffing needs, and resource plans to support site capital development.
• Lead, coach, and develop Process Engineers through performance management, mentoring, succession planning, and technical competency development.
• Serve as the site’s primary Subject Matter Expert for process technology, providing technical direction for complex troubleshooting, process optimization, capacity expansion, reliability improvement, and manufacturing excellence.
• Partner with Operations, Asset Management team, EHS&S, and Manufacturing leadership to identify, evaluate, and prioritize capital investment opportunities that address business growth, customer requirements, regulatory compliance, operational risks, and asset reliability.
• Lead front-end development of capital projects, including technology selection, alternatives analysis, scope definition, project justification, and business case support, while ensuring alignment with established business drivers and strategic objectives.
• Evaluate and recommend the optimal technical approach for each project by balancing safety, product quality, operability, maintainability, reliability, environmental performance, capital cost, schedule, and lifecycle value.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of project development and engineering work processes, recommending practical improvements that increase efficiency, strengthen decision quality, and support consistent project execution.
• Oversee execution of the site’s capital project portfolio and manage internal resources, external engineering firms, and technical consultants to ensure that deliverables, milestones, budgets, schedules, and expected benefits are achieved.
• Review and approve Management of Change (MOC), CAPAs assignments, Process Hazard Analysis (PHA), and Pre-Startup Safety Review (PSSR) documentation, while maintaining technical governance of applicable Process Safety Management (PSM) requirements.
• Ensure engineering designs, technical standards, and work processes comply with Responsible Care®, applicable regulatory requirements, Stepan standards, and recognized practices for safety, reliability, operability, maintainability, and environmental stewardship.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in the chemical, specialty chemical, or related process manufacturing industry.
• Strong experience in process engineering, manufacturing support, process optimization, and process safety management, with demonstrated business acumen to align technical solutions with operational and financial objectives.
• Experience with Front-End Loading (FEL), Stage Gate processes, capital project development, and project execution.
• Demonstrated success managing capital projects, external engineering firms, and technical consultants.
• Strong knowledge of Process Safety Management (PSM), Management of Change (MOC), Process Hazard Analysis (PHA), and Pre-Startup Safety Reviews (PSSR).
• Polyester Polyol and/or Sulfonation experience preferred.
• Travel requirements 15%.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering required; Master’s degree or PE is a plus.

Pay Range: $123,000 - $190,000

The salary range for this position is determined by considering a variety of factors such as skills, experience, qualifications, and the location of the position.

At Stepan Company our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Discretionary Bonus
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401K with Match
• Profit Sharing
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability (STD / LTD)
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Adoption Assistance
• Reactions – Recognition Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Stepan Company does not accept or retain unsolicited resumes or phone calls and/or respond to them or to any third party representing job seekers.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Established in 1932, Stepan Company is a major manufacturer of basic and intermediate chemicals including surfactants, polymers, as well as specialty ingredients that go into consumer, household, and institutional products such as laundry detergents, shampoos, and surface cleaners. Stepan Company currently has 19 global manufacturing locations and over 2,400 employees. We have a strong record of growth. Our growth allows us to provide meaningful career opportunities and stability to our team members. We have big goals at Stepan and know every team member will be crucial to achieving our objectives. Regardless of function, we are looking for team members who bring with them a growth mindset, an entrepreneurial spirit, and the ability to thrive in an evolving environment.

We celebrate diversity at Stepan and are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive environment. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Stepan is a global specialty and intermediate chemical manufacturer that has been serving a broad range of industries for over 90years. Today, Stepan is a $2.7 billion revenue company. Our continued success is driven by the passion and commitment of our 2,500+ employees around the world.

Why Work At Stepan?

• Stable & Growing
• Collaborative Environment
• Make a Difference & Be Recognized
• Committed to Safety & Sustainability
• Value Driven Culture