Senior Process Engineer

Chemtrade; United States; Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Benefits

Job summary

Chemtrade is seeking a Senior Process Engineer to join our Technology Team. This role bridges process design with operations across our Sulfuric Acid and SAR networks at multiple US sites, with remote options considered for extensive sulfuric acid experience.

You will develop front-end designs, scope capital and improvement projects, and provide expert technical support to plant operations. Requires 7–10+ years in chemical process engineering and strong design, simulation, and leadership skills.

Qualifications

• BS in Chemical Engineering is required.
• 7–10+ years of progressive process engineering experience in chemical/plastics industries are expected.
• Strong experience in process design including PFDs, P&IDs, mass/energy balances, and equipment specs.
• Ability to scope and lead projects from concept to implementation; proficient troubleshooting and communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of process designs for capital projects from concept through detailed design (PFDs, P&IDs, mass/energy balances, equipment sizing).
• Develop and maintain process simulations using Aspen Plus and/or Aspen HYSYS to support design and optimization.
• Prepare design deliverables, basis of design documents, equipment datasheets, and design philosophies.
• Drive MOC processes, PHAs/HAZOPs, and support for project justifications (ROI, safety, env. impact).
• Provide technical guidance to site operations across UPA and SPPC SAR networks.

Skills

Chemical Engineering

Process Design

Troubleshooting

Communication Skills

Travel 20-40%

Education

BS in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

Aspen HYSYS

Job description

Senior Process Engineer

Location: Tulsa, OK | Riverton, WY | Cairo, OH | Beaumont, TX | Anacortes, WA | Richmond, CA | Toledo, OH | Remote options considered for significant Sulfuric Acid experience.

Reports to: UltraPure Acid Technology Manager.

Compensation: $125,000-135,000+ Bonus + Benefits (salaried, exempt).

The range shown reflects the targeted pay scale. Actual pay within the range depends on work location and factors such as skills, experience, and education. Specific salary details can be discussed during the hiring process. Posted compensation reflects base salary only and excludes bonuses, benefits, pension contributions, and other incentives.

About This Role And About You

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Process Engineer to join our Technology Team. This position serves as a critical technical resource bridging the Technology Team's process design capabilities with the operational needs of our Sulfuric Acid and Spent Acid Regeneration (SAR) manufacturing network. The successful candidate will be an experienced chemical engineer with a deep passion for process design, rigorous technical problem-solving, and a proven ability to drive projects from concept through execution.

This role operates with a broad mandate — developing and owning front‑end process designs, scoping capital and improvement projects, and providing expert‑level technical support to plant operations across our UPA and SPPC Spent Acid site network. The ideal candidate thrives in an environment where they can pivot between deep technical analysis and hands‑on plant engagement.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Chemical Engineering required
• 7–10+ years of progressive process engineering experience in chemical, petrochemical, or specialty chemical manufacturing
• Demonstrated experience in process design — PFDs, P&IDs, mass/energy balances, and equipment specifications
• Proven ability to scope and lead engineering projects from concept through implementation
• Strong technical troubleshooting skills with the ability to diagnose complex process issues and drive resolution
• Ability and willingness to travel to plant sites as needed (estimated 20–40%)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical and non‑technical audiences

Strongly Preferred Qualifications

• Sulfuric acid plant experience (contact process, double absorption, SO₂ handling, converter operations, acid towers/absorbers) — strongly preferred
• Spent acid regeneration (SAR) process experience — a significant plus
• Proficiency in Aspen Plus and/or Aspen HYSYS — strongly preferred
• Experience with HAZOP/PHA facilitation and MOC processes
• Capital project development experience (AACE cost classes, FEED studies, project scoping)
• Prior experience in a technology center, R&D, or corporate engineering function is desirable

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Position may be based at a UPA site (Tulsa, OK; Riverton, WY; Cairo, OH) or an SPPC Spent Acid Regeneration site (Beaumont, TX; Anacortes, WA; Richmond, CA; Toledo, OH) although a remote option will be considered with significant sulfuric acid experience.
• Must be comfortable working in both office/laboratory environments and industrial plant environments, including exposure to heat, noise, and chemical processing areas
• Must be physically able to perform plant walkthroughs, climb stairs and ladders, and conduct field inspections in PPE‑required environments
• Travel to other company sites, conferences, and vendor/contractor facilities will be required.

Responsibilities

Process Design & Engineering

• Lead the development of process designs for new capital projects, technology upgrades, and plant modifications — from conceptual through detailed design phases, including PFDs, P&IDs, mass and energy balances, equipment sizing, and process specifications.
• Develop and maintain rigorous process simulations using Aspen Plus and/or Aspen HYSYS to support design, optimization, and troubleshooting activities.
• Author and review engineering deliverables including process design packages, basis of design documents, equipment datasheets, and design philosophies.
• Evaluate process technology alternatives and provide documented recommendations to support investment decisions.
• Initiate and manage Management of Change (MOC) documentation; participate in PHAs/HAZOPs and support PSSRs for new and modified processes.

Project Scoping & Execution Support

• Define project scope, develop cost estimates, and prepare capital appropriation requests for process improvement and capacity projects.
• Develop and validate technical justifications including ROI analyses, safety cases, and environmental impact assessments.
• Interface with multidisciplinary project teams (mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, civil) as the process engineering lead throughout project execution.
• Monitor and report on process engineering deliverable progress relative to project schedules and budgets.

Technology Development & Knowledge Management

• Contribute to the Technology Team's body of knowledge for sulfuric acid and SAR technologies — documenting design standards and lessons learned.
• Identify emerging process innovations applicable to the business; support pilot testing and scale‑up evaluations.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior process engineers and plant technical staff.

Plant Technical Support & Troubleshooting

• Serve as a technical resource for plant operations teams at UPA and SPPC Spent Acid sites.
• Conduct in-depth technical troubleshooting of sulfuric acid and spent acid regeneration process upsets, performance gaps, and reliability issues.
• Perform root cause analyses (RCA) on process failures and deviations; develop and track corrective and preventive actions.
• Analyze plant operating data to identify performance trends, debottlenecking opportunities, and efficiency improvements.
• Support operational readiness activities including development of SOPs, operator training materials, and startup/shutdown procedures.

Visa & Authorization

This position is open to all qualified applicants. H-1B visa sponsorship is available and supported for this role. All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States upon hire or through visa sponsorship.