Process Engineering Leader: Capital Projects & Excellence

Stepan Company; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 123,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary Bonus

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

401K with Match

Profit Sharing

PTO

Job summary

Stepan Company in Millsdale, IL, seeks a Process Engineering Leader to head the Process Engineering organization and serve as the technical authority for process technology, safety, and manufacturing optimization. The role drives capital project development and talent growth.

The incumbent develops engineering capability, aligns resources with business objectives, and ensures projects meet safety, reliability, and environmental standards with ~15% travel.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive experience in chemical/process manufacturing.
• Strong experience in process engineering, manufacturing support, process optimization, and process safety management.
• Experience with Front-End Loading (FEL), Stage Gate processes, capital project development.
• Proven ability managing capital projects, external engineering firms, and technical consultants.
• Strong knowledge of PSM, MOC, PHA, and PSSR.
• Polyester polyol and/or sulfonation experience preferred.
• Travel requirement: 15%.

Responsibilities

• Define the Process Engineering function’s technical direction, priorities, and resource plans to support site capital development.
• Lead, coach, and develop Process Engineers through performance management and mentoring.
• Serve as the site’s SME for process technology, guiding troubleshooting, optimization, capacity expansion, reliability, and manufacturing excellence.
• Partner with Operations, Asset Management, EHS&S, and Manufacturing leadership to identify, evaluate, and prioritize capital investments.
• Lead front-end development of capital projects, including technology selection, scope definition, justification, and business case support.
• Evaluate and recommend the optimal technical approach balancing safety, product quality, operability, maintainability, reliability, and cost.
• Oversee execution of the site’s capital project portfolio and manage internal/external resources to meet milestones, budgets, and benefits.
• Review and approve MOC, CAPAs, PHA, and PSSR documentation while maintaining governance of PSM.

Skills

Process engineering

Capital project execution

PSM/MOC/PHA/PSSR

Front-End Loading (FEL)

Staffing and mentoring

Project governance

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering

Master’s degree or PE (plus)

Job description

Stepan Company in Millsdale, IL, seeks a Process Engineering Leader to head the Process Engineering organization and serve as the technical authority for process technology, safety, and manufacturing optimization. The role drives capital project development and talent growth.

The incumbent develops engineering capability, aligns resources with business objectives, and ensures projects meet safety, reliability, and environmental standards with ~15% travel.