Senior Process Engineer, Arachidonic Acid (ARA) - Belvidere, NJ

dsm-firmenich; Belvidere (NJ); On-site; USD 87,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Health benefits

Career growth

Purpose-led culture

Global team

Job summary

dsm-firmenich in Belvidere, NJ is seeking a Senior Process Engineer for the ARA area. The role provides technical direction for a defined portion of the production process and partners with the Production Manager, Process engineers, Technical Coordinator, and Operators to meet volumes and quality targets.

You will own the process, lead troubleshooting, and drive optimization while supporting SHEQ compliance, change control, and safety reviews.

Qualifications

• BS in Engineering with 5+ years in chemicals or fermentation.
• Experience in process optimization and troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of safety, health, and environmental practices.
• Ability to independently manage process optimization.
• Familiarity with process control instruments.

Responsibilities

• Observes, analyzes and interprets information from process operations to identify areas for optimization.
• Conceives, plans, develops, and recommends proposals for optimizing production capacity in assigned process.
• Assists in setting and meeting department goals; supports plant and corporate initiatives.
• Adheres to equipment specifications and follows change control processes for process changes.
• Reviews batch records and participates in investigations into non-conformances; documents results.

Education

BS in Engineering

Masters Degree preferred

Job description

Overview

Senior Process Engineer, ARA – Belvidere, NJ. The Senior Process Engineer, ARA provides technical direction for a defined portion of the production process and shares responsibility for the department performance in safety, health, environment, quality, and production. They will work with the production team including the Production Manager, Process engineers, Technical Coordinator, and Operators and will be the ARA process owner to meet volumes and quality aligned with the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Observes, analyzes and interprets information from process operations to identify areas for optimization. Assists Technicians with establishing and maintaining predictive/preventative programs for the area. Analyzes and solves, or manages the resources to address, technical/operational problems related to the assigned process. Leads and facilitates process troubleshooting.
• Conceives, plans, develops, and recommends proposals for optimizing production capacity/capability in assigned process. May manage small capital projects for area and is a resource on large projects.
• Assists in setting, tracking and meeting department goals. Supports plant and corporate initiatives as outlined in the manufacturing plan. Follows the Manufex work processes. Promotes teamwork and cooperation.
• Adheres to equipment/material specifications. Follows the change control process and ensures that change control documentation (e.g. P&ID CAD drawings, red lines, PSM, SOPS, ISO etc.) is completed for process changes.
• Reviews and signs batch records and reports non-conformances. Participates in and leads investigations into non-conformances and completes investigation documentation.
• Implements SHEQ policy compliance within work group. Participates in and leads investigations of safety/environmental incidents including root cause analysis and the development and execution of corrective actions. Participates in and leads HAZOP/pre-startup safety reviews. Responsible for ensuring regulatory compliance for process critical control points (e.g., vent control devices) as assigned.
• Maintains a presence in production areas, an awareness of process performance and accessibility to all process team members. Responsive and timely in addressing team member requests.
• Attends and contributes to team meetings as requested. Assembles data and generates KPI reports as specified in the Manufex meeting charters. Communicates issues and process improvement ideas to all affected personnel to solicit feedback regarding proposed changes. Interacts with and assists team members and external resources as necessary (e.g., vendors, contractors, quality, safety, etc.).
• Supports plant and corporate initiatives as outlined in the manufacturing plan. Follows the manufex work processes.
• Support Continuous Improvement initiatives.

We Bring

• A competitive compensation package, with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.
• A place to grow and develop.
• A company that is purpose-led and performance-driven in a corporate culture that values people and planet.
• The opportunity to work on growing brands and build on a strong foundation.
• The chance to make improvements and make an impact on the business.

You Bring

• BS in Engineering (or related technical discipline) required; Masters Degree preferred.
• 5-7 years relevant experience required, preferably working with chemicals, fermentation or biological processes.
• Knowledge of production processes and specific requirements.
• Knowledge of relevant Manufacturing Excellence work processes such as Asset Utilization and Operate Plant Normal.
• Knowledge of relevant Safety, Health, and Environmental practices such as PHA, RCA, etc.
• Must demonstrate expertise in the engineering discipline in which work is performed and have familiarity with other areas/fields depending on assignment.
• Must be able to independently manage process optimization.
• Where necessary, should be knowledgeable in the operation of process control instruments and systems.
• Must be available to support shift, weekend and holiday schedules as required.
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job, including but not limited to field inspection and evaluation of process equipment, systems and facilities.

Salary and Benefits

The salary or hourly wage scale provided reflects the pay range dsm-firmenich expects to pay the successful candidate for the position. Individual pay offered will be based on the applicant’s job-related skills, experience, relevant education, or training, and primary work location. Salary: $87,000.00 - $160,000.00.

In addition to base salary, we also offer a comprehensive total rewards package, inclusive of annual incentive pay, a retirement savings plan, health care coverage, paid time off, recognition programs and a broad range of other benefits. All benefits and incentives are subject to eligibility requirements.

About dsm-firmenich

At dsm-firmenich, we don’t just meet expectations – we go beyond them. Join our global team powered by science, creativity, and a shared purpose: to bring progress to life. From elevating health to making fortified food and sustainable skincare, the impact of your work here will be felt by millions – every single day. Whether it’s fragrance that helps you focus, alternative meat that’s better for the planet, or reducing sugar without losing flavor, this is where you help shape the future of nutrition, health, and beauty for everyone, everywhere. And while you’re making a difference, we’ll make sure you’re growing too. With learning that never stops, a culture that lifts you up and the freedom to move across businesses, teams, and borders. Your voice matters here. And your ideas? They’re essential to our future. Because real progress only happens when we go beyond, together.

Inclusion, Belonging and Equal Opportunity Statement

At dsm-firmenich, we believe being a force for good starts with the way we treat each other. When people feel supported, included, and free to be themselves, they do their best work – and that’s exactly the kind of culture we’re building. A place where opportunity is truly equal, authenticity is celebrated, and everyone has the chance to grow, contribute, and feel they belong. We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we’re serious about making our hiring process as fair and inclusive as possible. From inclusive language and diverse interview panels to thoughtful sourcing, we’re committed to reflecting the world we serve. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds — no matter your gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or anything else that makes you, you. And if you have a disability or need any support through the application process, we’re here to help – just let us know what you need, and we’ll do everything we can to make it work.

Agency Statement

Please note this is a direct search led by dsm-firmenich. We only accept applications from candidates, not from agencies nor subject to agency’s fees, percentages or similar.