Sr. Production Engineer

Ascend Performance Materials Operations; Decatur (AL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Ascend Performance Materials is seeking a Production Engineer to support the Production Engineering Organization in delivering optimum performance of process units in capacity, yields, energy, safety, and quality. The role requires collaboration with site Leadership, Manufacturing and other on-site support teams.

You will apply technical troubleshooting skills and Six Sigma/AI to drive improvements, while focusing on safe, reliable operations and continuous cost-aware optimization.

Qualifications

• BS in Chemical Engineering required.
• Strong technical troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Working knowledge of Six Sigma and AI to drive process improvements.
• Action oriented with ownership mindset.
• Knowledge of basic accounting and plant cost economics.

Responsibilities

• Lead the site Energy Effectiveness team focused on power, natural gas and utilities utilization.
• Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance and Reliability to improve on-site utilities reliability and maximize onstream time.
• Support site and area safety programs via PHAs, LOPAs, MOC, incident investigations and action resolution.
• Provide counsel and troubleshooting to Operations to deliver planned performance.
• Provide economic justification and process design info for small capital/expense projects.
• Generate ideas for process improvements and screen with Manufacturing, Technology, Safety and Project Engineering.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Deadline delivery

Six Sigma

AI for process improvement

Ownership

Cost awareness

Education

BS in Chemical Engineering

Job description

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Production Engineering Organization provides chemical engineering expertise to deliver optimum performance of Ascend's process units in the areas of capacity, yields, energy, safety, and quality. The position works under the direction of the site Production Engineering Manager and works closely with professionals in Technology, Project Engineering, Safety, Reliability, and Manufacturing.

TARGETED OUTCOMES

Accountable to drive processes to best demonstrated, Entitlement, performance in the areas of capacity, yields, energy, safety, and quality using technical expertise and continuous improvement principles. Develop a collaborative working relationship with Site Leadership, the Manufacturing organization, and other support organization on site.

REPORTS TO

Manager of Production Engineering

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the site Energy Effectiveness team focused on improvements in power, natural gas, and utilities utilization.
• Works with Operations, Maintenance, and Reliability professionals to improve the reliability of the on-site utilities and to maximize onstream time.
• Actively supports the site & area safety programs via participation (or leadership) in PHAs, LOPAs, MOC, incident investigations, resolution of action items, and other activities to ensure safe operation and regulatory compliance.
• Provides counsel and troubleshooting assistance to Operations as needed to deliver planned performance.
• Provides economic justification and process design information for small capital and/or expense projects.
• Generates innovative ideas for process improvements and works with Manufacturing, Technology, Safety, and Project Engineering to screen such ideas.

TEAM & INTERACTIONS

Member of the Production Engineering organization working closely with professionals in Process Technology, Safety, Project Engineering, Reliability Engineering, and Manufacturing organizations.

EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS

• BS in Chemical Engineering required.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Strong technical troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and can thrive in a team-based environment.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written.
• Proven ability to meet deadlines
• Working knowledge of Six Sigma and AI to drive process improvements
• Action oriented, and willing to engage with all teams
• Knowledge of basic accounting and plant cost economics
• Strong sense of ownership and a drive to improve existing systems and processes by creative & innovative approaches

About Us:

Ascend Performance Materials is the premium provider of high-quality chemicals, fibers and plastics focused on improving quality of life and inspiring a better tomorrow through innovation. We are a fully integrated material solutions provider with manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and Asia.

Our global workforce makes the materials used to make safer vehicles, cleaner energy, better medical devices, smarter appliances, and longer-lasting apparel and consumer goods. We are committed to safety, sustainability, and the success of our customers and our communities.

Why work at Ascend?

Our vision is to be the recognized leader in the nylon 6,6 value chain, creating new possibilities with PA66 for everyone, everywhere, every day. We achieve that through living our Ascend values: OARS .

Our OARS values shape how we work, lead, and grow together. We take ownership , stay accountable , operate reliably , and support one another to deliver results safely and consistently. Through clear expectations, empowered decision-making, intentional communication, and continuous feedback, we create a culture built on action, visibility, and shared success.

Together, OARS gives us a shared language and clear direction. These values guide our decisions, shape priorities and set expectations as we move forward - aligned, focused and committed to creating performance materials that improve lives today and inspire a better tomorrow.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, citizenship, genetic information or other protected status under federal, state or local laws.