Senior Polymer Process Engineer – Pilot Plant Projects

bridgestone; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 105,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Onboarding

Mentorship

CSR programs

Global environment

Work-life balance

Inclusive team

Job summary

Bridgestone's Polymer Engineering Pilot Center (PEPC) in Akron, OH seeks a Senior Project Engineer to lead the design, development, and implementation of pilot-scale polymer production processes and upgrades, with autonomy and cross-functional collaboration.

You will manage medium-scale capital projects from concept to commissioning, mentor engineers, and optimize equipment while improving safety, reliability, and cost efficiency across operations, maintenance, and leadership teams.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of related experience with a bachelor’s degree; or 3 years and a master’s degree; or a PhD without experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 6+ years of relevant experience in project engineering, manufacturing, or chemical plant operations.
• Experience managing capital projects and leading cross-functional teams.
• Working knowledge of PSM/RMP requirements and applicable engineering codes and standards.
• Ability to lead technical initiatives, influence stakeholders, and mentor developing engineers.
• Experience with process control systems, reliability improvement, and contractor oversight.
• Strong communication, leadership, problem-solving, and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage medium-sized capital projects from concept through commissioning, including scope development, budgeting, engineering design, procurement, contractor management, startup support, and closeout.
• Provide technical guidance on large-scale capital projects as an engineering resource and mentor.
• Design, optimize, and troubleshoot process equipment and manufacturing systems to improve safety, reliability, productivity, environmental performance, and cost efficiency.
• Lead engineering efforts for sizing, specifying, maintaining, troubleshooting, and replacing critical equipment, including pressure relief devices and other process safety systems, while supporting new installations.
• Oversee DCS and process control improvements, including control strategy development, system modifications, and automation initiatives.
• Provide daily contractor oversight to ensure compliance with site safety requirements, work permits, and applicable standards.
• Build and maintain strong internal and external stakeholder relationships through effective communication, collaboration, and negotiation.
• Support compliance activities related to Process Safety Management (PSM), Risk Management Plan (RMP), and Recognized and Generally Accepted Good Engineering Practices (RAGAGEP).
• Contribute to site strategic capital planning by providing engineering recommendations that support long-term business objectives, capital investments, and operational improvements.
• Promote a culture of safety, reliability, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Capital projects management

Cross-functional leadership

PSM/RMP knowledge

Process control systems

Strong communication

Project management

Mentoring engineers

Education

Bachelor's in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering

Master’s degree or PhD preferred

Job description

Bridgestone's Polymer Engineering Pilot Center (PEPC) in Akron, OH seeks a Senior Project Engineer to lead the design, development, and implementation of pilot-scale polymer production processes and upgrades, with autonomy and cross-functional collaboration.

You will manage medium-scale capital projects from concept to commissioning, mentor engineers, and optimize equipment while improving safety, reliability, and cost efficiency across operations, maintenance, and leadership teams.