Production Engineer - Distillation

4142 Evonik Corporation_4142; Calvert City (KY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Evonik Corporation in the United States seeks a Production Engineer for the Acetylenics plant to oversee distillation columns, coordinate with operations, and drive process improvements. You will manage procedures, analyze data, and lead training to reduce variability and improve safety and energy efficiency.

The role emphasizes collaboration with supply chain, continuous improvement initiatives, and implementing the Evonik Production System across distillation operations, including capital

Qualifications

• Requires a BS in Chemical Engineering and 3–5 years industrial experience in a PSM plant or a Master’s Degree.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze processes, improve safety, reliability, and energy efficiency.
• Ability to translate technical information into actionable operating guidance and training for frontline staff.

Responsibilities

• Manages and directs day-to-day operation of distillation columns in the Acetylenics plant.
• Analyzes distillation data and inputs from operators.
• Reduces variation via procedures, process adjustments, and engineering controls.
• Develops distillation competency through training curriculums and coaching.
• Monitors plant-wide material yields and energy consumption; improves yield and energy.
• Provides on-call coverage for Acetylenics plant and aids in troubleshooting/root cause investigations.
• Translates production requirements into operating schedules aligned with warehouse and supply chain.
• Advances Evonik Production System in distillation with 5S, work orders, and shutdown/startup planning.

Skills

PSM knowledge

Process safety

Problem solving

Training others

Education

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering (3–5 years PSM plant experience or Master’s Degree)

Job description

What we offer

Explore a world of opportunities with us. Look ahead with us and help shape innovative solutions to make our world more sustainable and life healthier, more vibrant and more comfortable. At Evonik, you have the chance to explore, thrive, and grow alongside 33,000 colleagues. Among attractive career paths and high-quality development programs, we not only offer performance-based remuneration and occupational health benefits but also hybrid and flexible working environments with #SmartWork. Bring your fresh perspective, develop your strengths, break out your mold, and find a career that fits your dreams with us.

The Production Engineer oversees daily operations of five continuous and one batch distillation column in the Acetylenics plant. Responsibilities include managing procedures, troubleshooting, deviation response, and training chemical operators. The engineer will develop a process monitoring system with defined control limits and response guidelines, aiming to reduce variation through procedures, training, and capital improvements. This system will later be expanded to other areas of the plant, which include continuous reaction, catalyst recovery, and product formulations. The role involves coordinating with supply chain and warehouse teams to align production with demand and optimize manpower. Additional duties include improving CAD yields and energy efficiency, leading capital projects, and transitioning to enhanced automation. The engineer serves as the SME for distillation, provides on-call plant support, leads or participates in RCAs, and applies the Evonik Production System to drive improvements in safety, reliability, 5S, and shutdown/startup planning.

RESPONSIBLTIES

• Manages and directs the day-to-day operation of distillation columns within the Acetylenics plant.
• Analyzes distillation process data and inputs from operators.
• Reduces variation via administrative (procedures), process adjustment, and engineering controls.
• Develops distillation competency of team via development & delivery of training curriculums, job aids, and coaching.
• Monitors and analyzes plant wide material yields and energy consumption.
• Takes action to improve yield and energy.
• Provides on-call coverage for Acetylenics plant and aids in troubleshooting / root cause investigations plantwide.
• Translates production requirements into operating schedule, aligned with warehouse manager and supply chain.
• Fosters advancement of the Evonik Production System in distillation beginning with housekeeping, 5S, spot improvements, work orders, and shutdown/startup management.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering plus 3 to 5 years industrial experience in PSM plant (or Master’s Degree)
• Good understanding of plant operations and desire to develop into subject matter expert for distillation.
• Self-starter, with willingness to learn and manage change.
• Capability to learn, understand, and interpret continuous production process with a variety of unit operations and equipment.
• Flexibility to communicate and work productively with frontline employees, contractors, other supervisors, and leadership team.
• Desire and capability of solving problems in areas of uncertainty.
• Demonstrated use of analytical and data interpretation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to identify, develop, and implement innovative solutions that improve process performance, safety, reliability, quality, yield, and/or energy efficiency.
• Ability to translate technical and process information into clear, practical operating guidance and training for frontline employees.
• Project Management or Continuous Improvement experience is a plus.

The Evonik Group adopts an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) approach. Candidates are assessed based on their educational qualifications, experience, job competencies and potential and shall not be discriminated against on the basis of race, ethnicity, age, gender, religion, nationality, disability or sexual orientation or other classifications protected by local, state, or provincial regulations.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout employment. Sponsorship for employment visas is not available for this position, now or in the future.

Further information about Evonik as Employer can be found at www.evonik.com/en/careers.html.

This is your opportunity to join a thriving global organization that combines cutting-edge science, technology and engineering with world-class business services to create solutions that answer real-world problems. If you join us, we’ll expect you to take ownership of your work, team up with other great minds, and add your name to creations that make a positive difference for generations.

As one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals operating in more than 100 countries with over 32,000 employees, we need your diversity of thought to make us better. In return for your passion, initiative and creativity, you’ll enjoy opportunities to improve and to be respected for your contribution.