Chemical Process Specialist

Solenis; Wilmington (DE); On-site; USD 93,530 - 137,181; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive health benefits

Opportunities for professional growth

Job summary

Solenis is seeking a Process Technology Specialist I in Wilmington, Delaware. In this role, you’ll bridge R&D, plant operations, and commercial teams to deliver safe and efficient manufacturing solutions. Responsibilities include optimizing processes, leading plant trials, and supporting product commercialization.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering and 5-10 years of relevant experience, combining technical expertise with problem-solving and cross-functional collaboration abilities.

Join Solenis for competitive compensation and opportunities for professional growth in a global environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5–10 years of experience in manufacturing, process engineering, or industrial operations.
• Strong understanding of chemical manufacturing processes and plant operations.
• Knowledge of Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support plant-scale trials for new product introductions.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance quality, reduce costs, and increase productivity.
• Conduct capacity, sourcing, debottlenecking, and expansion analysis across the plant network.

Skills

Problem-solving

Troubleshooting

Data analysis

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related technical field

Job description

Solenis is a leading global provider of water and hygiene solutions. The company’s product portfolio includes a broad array of water treatment chemistries, process aids, functional additives, cleaners, disinfectants, and state‑of‑the‑art monitoring, control and delivery systems. These technologies are used by customers to improve operational efficiencies, enhance product quality, protect plant assets, minimize environmental impact, and create cleaner and safer environments. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, the company has 78 manufacturing facilities strategically located around the globe and employs a team of over 23,000 professionals in 160 countries across six continents. Solenis is a 2025 Best Managed Company Gold Standard honoree.

About Solenis

Solenis is a leading global producer of specialty chemicals focused on delivering sustainable solutions for water‑intensive industries, including consumer, industrial, institutional, food and beverage, and pool and spa water markets. Owned by Platinum Equity, the company’s product portfolio includes advanced water treatment chemistries, process aids, functional additives, and digital monitoring systems designed to improve operational efficiency, enhance product quality, and protect critical assets. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, Solenis operates 69 manufacturing facilities globally and employs over 16,000 professionals across 130 countries. Solenis has been recognized as a U.S. Best Managed Company for multiple consecutive years.

Overview

The Process Technology Specialist I plays a critical role within the Global Process Technology organization, acting as the bridge between R&D, plant operations, and commercial teams to deliver safe, efficient, and scalable manufacturing solutions. This position is responsible for supporting product commercialization, optimizing manufacturing processes, and improving cost, quality, and productivity across the Solenis plant network. The role operates in a “hub‑and‑spoke” model—coordinating information across multiple functions without direct authority—while driving execution at plant sites.

Key Responsibilities

Product Scale‑Up & Commercialization (≈25%)

• Lead and support plant‑scale trials for new product introductions
• Adapt lab‑developed formulations to full‑scale manufacturing environments
• Collaborate with R&D and operations to ensure successful commercialization

Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement (≈25%)

• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance quality, reduce costs, and increase productivity
• Troubleshoot plant performance issues using data analysis and operational insights
• Drive best practices across manufacturing sites

Network Capacity & Process Analysis (≈20%)

• Conduct capacity, sourcing, debottlenecking, and expansion analysis across the plant network
• Support decisions on where and how products are manufactured
• Collaborate with product management on volume forecasts and long‑term planning

Cross‑Functional Leadership & Best Practices (≈20%)

• Lead product line steering teams across multiple sites
• Serve as a central point connecting R&D, engineering, operations, and business teams
• Identify and implement standardized best practices across facilities

Capital Projects & Process Design (≈10%)

• Support process design and specification for capital projects
• Partner with engineering to define equipment requirements (pumps, mixers, tanks)
• Evaluate manufacturing capabilities and recommend improvements

Sourcing & Make/Buy Strategy (≈10%)

• Support toll manufacturing evaluations and insourcing initiatives
• Conduct make‑versus‑buy analysis and cost assessments
• Contribute to strategies that optimize plant utilization and cost structure

Day‑to‑Day Activities

• Analyze plant data and troubleshoot operational challenges
• Work directly with plant engineers and operators to resolve issues
• Prepare technical documentation including formulations, specifications, and reports
• Coordinate and lead discussions with cross‑functional stakeholders
• Spend time on plant floors to observe processes and validate improvements

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related technical field (or equivalent experience)
• Minimum 5–10 years of experience in manufacturing, process engineering, or industrial operations
• Strong understanding of chemical manufacturing processes and plant operations
• Proven problem‑solving and troubleshooting capability in industrial environments
• Demonstrated ability to analyze data and translate insights into actionable improvements
• Experience working cross‑functionally with R&D, operations, engineering, and business teams
• Knowledge of Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) standards
• Ability to travel approximately 20–35% of the time

Preferred

• Experience with process scale‑up and product commercialization
• Background in capacity planning, debottlenecking, or sourcing optimization
• Exposure to capital project design or equipment specification
• Experience with toll manufacturing or insourcing strategies
• Demonstrated success driving cost improvement initiatives

Success Profile

• Brings hands‑on experience in plant manufacturing environments
• Understands how to translate lab‑scale concepts into plant‑scale execution
• Thrives in a cross‑functional role without direct authority
• Combines technical expertise with business and operational awareness
• Is comfortable working both in an office setting and on the plant floor
• Is proactive, detail‑oriented, and solutions‑driven

Why Join Solenis?

• Competitive compensation and performance incentives
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement
• Exposure to global manufacturing and cutting‑edge technologies
• The ability to work on impactful projects that drive real operational improvements

Solenis is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability.

The expected compensation range for this position is between $93,530.00 and $137,181.00 plus discretionary bonuses. The exact compensation may vary based on your skills, experience and other factors permitted by law.