Production Engineer

Ashland Inc.; Hopewell (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Ashland Specialty Ingredients, GP in Hopewell, VA, seeks a Production Engineer to optimize the Natrosol (HEC) manufacturing process. The role emphasizes safety, reliability, and continuous improvement across operations and maintenance teams.

You will analyze processes, develop standard procedures, and drive efficiency while coordinating with supervisors and operators to resolve daily issues and sustain high FPQ and throughput. This is a hands-on, collaborative position with a strong safety focus.

Qualifications

• BS in Chemical Engineering or equivalent required.
• 5–10 years chemical plant manufacturing experience.
• Delta-V and SAP experience preferred.
• Lean Six Sigma background beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Support Natrosol (HEC) manufacturing to meet safety, production, quality, and compliance targets.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement using lean tools across the HEC unit.
• Provide technical expertise to supervisors and operators and mentor staff.
• Create production schedules and Finished Product Blend sheets for the HEC Unit.
• Collaborate to expand Ashland Production System within HEC and develop unit metrics.
• Assist with root-cause analysis of chronic operating problems and participate in PHAs/CDAs.

Skills

Production engineering

Process optimization

Lean Six Sigma

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Chemical Engineering BS

Pulp & Paper

Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Delta-V

SAP

Job description

Ashland Specialty Ingredients, GP

Are you the kind of person that is always thinking, sketching, seeking, and adjusting? Who needs to understand how things work and then figure out how they can work better? Are you a passionate, tenacious, solver who loves to work with others who share your drive? Are you positive, constructive, and ingenious?

Are you always solving?

Then we’d like to meet you and bet you’d like to meet us.

Ashland has an exciting opportunity for a Production Engineer to join our Specialty ingredients G.P., business at our Hopewell, VA location. This is a very visible, significant role within the Company, and the Plant Engineering and Operations functions. This position will report to the Natrosol (HEC) Operations Manager.

The Production Engineer will support the Natrosol manufacturing process to achieve targets in safety, production, compliance and quality. Maintain a presence in the operating area and with operators to resolve daily issues and drive continuous improvement.

• Identify, develop, and drive or assist in the implementation of continuous improvement solutions using lean manufacturing techniques/tools for the entire HEC unit value stream with focus on First Pass Quality (FPQ), optimized operability, increased throughput, elimination of bottlenecks and single point failures.
• Analyze, develop, and implement systems and processes to drive daily optimized quality and stable operating conditions of the HEC unit.
• Provide technical expertise and knowledge base transfer to HEC unit Supervisor/Operation Manager and operators.
• Create production schedules and Finished Product Blend sheets for the HEC Unit.
• Collaborate to expand and support the implementation of Ashland Production System throughout HEC department.
• Develop and standardize metrics for the continuous improvement of the HEC unit.
• Provide technical expertise in the review and improvement of the HEC unit procedures, WI, forms, and all other documents.
• Work with Process Engineers to determine root cause of chronic operating problems
• Support the improvement of the current training system for HEC operators.
• Provide technical support for capital projects in HEC unit.
• Participate and provide technical expertise in HEC unit PHAs and CDAs.
• Provide Management of Change (MOC) support for the HEC unit.
• Provide effective technical support during HEC planned shutdowns and restarts.
• Responsible for technical support in the day-to-day troubleshooting of HEC unit issues.
• Be a positive contributor to the safety and environmental programs of the Hopewell plant.
• Maintain environmental compliance while continually pursuing waste minimization
• Analyzes production and quality data to determine optimum operating conditions

In order to be qualified for this role, you must possess the following:

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering, Pulp & Paper, Mechanical, or equivalent.
• 5-10 years’ chemical plant manufacturing experience
• Must be able to handle multiple projects concurrently and work in a team environment.
• Delta-V and SAP experience

The following skills sets are preferred by the business unit:

• Previous experience in Production Operations
• Previous Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) batch manufacturing experience
• Previous experience working within a union environment
• Hazard Analysis - HAZOP, PHA, ISO Systems
• Experience in or knowledge of using Lean Six Sigma processes
• Excellent written and oral communications
• Proven data analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Proven planning and organization skills.
• Proven self-starter with urgency for delivering results.

In more than 100 countries, the people of Ashland LLC. (NYSE: ASH) provide the specialty chemicals, technologies and insights to help customers create new and improved products for today and sustainable solutions for tomorrow. Our chemistry is at work every day in a wide variety of markets and applications, including architectural coatings, automotive, construction, energy, personal care and pharmaceutical. Visit www.ashland.com to see the innovations we offer.
At Ashland our vision is to be a leading, global specialty chemicals company whose inspired and engaged employees add value to all we touch. In fact our people, employees, customers and vendors define who we are. They are the driving force behind everything we do.
Not only do we value our customers but we value our employees, and we work to offer them a dynamic and challenging environment. We hold ourselves to high standards at Ashland, and we value integrity and honesty.
Ashland has a history of attracting the best people and keeping them. The reasons are simple: industry competitive salary and benefits, pay-for-performance incentive plans and a diverse work environment where employees feel challenged and valued. People come to Ashland and stay. As a growing Fortune 500 specialty chemicals company, we offer opportunities for development and advancement throughout our global organization. Our values define who we are and what we care about as a company. If you are looking for a relationship with a company instead of simply a job, this may be a great fit.

Ashland is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled/Gender Identity/Sexual Orientation.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.