Production Engineer

Ascend Performance Materials; Decatur (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Ascend Performance Materials is seeking a Production Engineer to provide chemical engineering expertise for Decatur operations, focusing on capacity, yields, energy, safety and quality. You will collaborate with Technology, Project Engineering and Manufacturing to optimize unit performance and drive continuous improvement.

The role requires a BS in Chemical Engineering and strong analytical skills, with a proactive approach to safety and cost-conscious process optimization.

Qualifications

• BS in Chemical Engineering required.
• Sound technical and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Works with Mfg. Engineers, Control Engineers, and Operations to optimize economic performance of the process unit(s).
• Improves reliability of the process unit(s) and maximizes OEE.
• Supports site & area safety programs via PHAs, LO/PAs, MOC, incident investigations and action-item resolution.
• Serves as unit production expert providing technical counsel and troubleshooting.
• Maintains process documentation up-to-date.
• Serves as Mfg. Representative on capital project teams.
• Provides process design information for small capital/expense projects.
• Generates ideas for process improvements and coordinates with Technology/Project Engineering.

Skills

Six Sigma

OEE

Process optimization

ISO 9001

Energy management

Troubleshooting

Team collaboration

Cost economics

Education

BS in Chemical Engineering

Job description

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Production Engineer provides chemical engineering expertise to deliver optimum performance of Ascend’s process units in the areas of capacity, yields, energy, safety, and quality. The position works under the direction of the site Production Engineering Manager and works closely with professionals in Technology, Project Engineering, and Manufacturing. Production Engineers are assigned to support specific production units. Location of the position is dictated by the unit assignment.

TARGETED OUTCOMES

• Utilize Six Sigma and Operational Excellence principles to drive process to best demonstrated, Entitlement, performance in the areas of capacity, yields, energy, safety, and quality.
• Develop a collaborative working relationship with Site Leadership and the Manufacturing organization.
• Develop expertise in Decatur operations and technology

REPORTS TO

Manager of Production Engineering

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Works closely with Mfg. Engineers, Control Engineers, and Operations to optimize the economic performance of the assigned process unit(s) by improving yields or reducing energy and other usages.
• Works with Operations, Maintenance, and Reliability professionals to improve the reliability of the process unit(s) and to maximize OEE.
• Actively supports the site & area safety programs via participation (or leadership) in PHAs, LOPAs, MOC, incident investigations, resolution of action items, and other activities to ensure safe operation and regulatory compliance.
• Serves as the unit production expert and provides technical counsel and troubleshooting assistance to Mfg. Engineers and Operations as needed to deliver planned performance.
• Works with the Mfg. Engineers and Operations to maintain all process documentation up-to-date.
• Serves as Mfg. Representative on capital project teams.
• Provides process design information for small capital and/or expense projects.
• Generates innovative ideas for process improvements and works with Technology, Process Engineering, and Project Engineering to screen such ideas.

TEAM & INTERACTIONS

• Member of the Production Engineering organization working closely with professionals in Process Technology, Project Engineering, Process Engineering, and Manufacturing organizations.

EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS

• BS in Chemical Engineering required.
• Sound technical and analytical skills.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Strong troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and can thrive in a team-based environment.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Proven ability to meet deadlines
• Working knowledge of Six Sigma to drive process improvements
• Knowledge of quality systems (ISO:9001) and requirements – able to ensure consistency of operations within the established quality system guidelines.
• Action oriented, and willing to learn
• Knowledge of basic accounting and plant cost economics
• Strong sense of ownership and a drive to improve existing systems and processes by creative & innovative approaches
• Experience with Energy management/Utility systems preferred.

At Ascend Performance Materials, we value transparency and fairness in our hiring process. We do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters, search firms, or staffing agencies. Any resumes received from such entities will be considered the property of Ascend Performance Materials, and we will not be obligated to pay any fees for such submissions. Our Talent Acquisition Team actively engages with preferred recruitment partners who have established agreements with us. We encourage all interested candidates to apply directly through our official channels to be considered for any open positions.

About Us:

Ascend Performance Materials is the premium provider of high quality chemicals, fibers and plastics. With world scale integrated manufacturing facilities we are able to develop new products from our core technologies, and provide flexibility to respond to the expanding needs of customers. Ascend has global sales and distribution facilities across the globe and six manufacturing facilities globally. As a privately-held company, our people do big things and make big decisions, often much earlier in their careers than at larger companies. Ascend Performance Materials offers team members the opportunity to contribute in big, meaningful ways—all within a stable and growing business.

Why work at Ascend?

Our vision is to be the recognized leader in the nylon 6,6 value chain, creating new possibilities with PA66 for everyone, everywhere, every day. We achieve that through living our Ascend values.

We care

We operate safely with high integrity for our employees, our customers and our communities. Our people are our greatest assets, and our Total Rewards Program extends beyond traditional benefits to include access to on-site medical clinics at our U.S. facilities, a global wellness rewards program and Performance Matters, an employee-driven recognition plan. Our Commitment to Zero demonstrates our belief that is it possible to operate with zero personal injuries, zero process safety incidents and zero environmental releases. And the Ascend Cares Foundation, led by Ascend employees, supports Ascend families in times of need, provides inspiring opportunities for community engagement and facilitates community leadership.

Customer-focused

We exist for our customers; they drive our actions. Their success is our success. Our plastics and chemicals are building blocks that help make everyday essentials safer and more sustainable, and we constantly strive to develop new and innovative products to meet the future needs of our customers. And that customer focus doesn’t only apply to the marketplace – it also applies to how we treat our colleagues and our fellow community members.

Better every day

We invest in our people and our processes to improve every day. A2E, our continuous improvement program, guides the way we do business. And this way of problem solving applies not only to our manufacturing practices but also to our commitment to developing our people. You’ll see it during your career at Ascend in our leadership development, skills training and mentoring programs

Agile

We think broadly and lead proactively in a constantly evolving organization and industry. Agility doesn’t mean simply working quickly – it means critical thinking, creative problem solving and novel approaches to everyday challenges.

One Ascend

All together, with a common set of goals and an eye toward the future. We don’t accept silos. We look for ways to share across departments, sites and geography. This means you won’t be boxed into a single role at Ascend – you could get the chance to work with teams across the globe to improve the way we serve our people, our customers and our communities.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, citizenship, genetic information or other protected status under federal, state or local laws.