Sr. Production Engineer

Keen Search & Staffing, LLC; La Porte (TX); On-site; USD 135,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation — $150K+ range for the right experience

Direct line of communication to leadership

Dynamic, entrepreneurial culture

Collaborative, safety-focused team environment

Job summary

A leading chemical manufacturing company is seeking a Senior Production Engineer with over 8 years of experience in chemical plant operations. This role involves direct collaboration with leadership to enhance plant reliability and efficiency. Ideal candidates have a strong technical background and a proven track record in safety and process improvements, earning competitive compensation in a dynamic work culture.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years’ experience in a chemical manufacturing setting (10 years preferred).
• Strong understanding of chemical processes (reaction, distillation, heat/mass transfer, etc.).
• Direct experience with PSM/RMP-regulated processes.
• Proven leadership in projects and process improvements.
• History of achieving measurable cost, safety, or efficiency gains.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support for assigned production units with a focus on safety, reliability, and efficiency.
• Monitor unit performance through data analysis and field observations; identify and implement improvements.
• Support maintenance planning and execution, including preventative strategies.
• Contribute to project engineering efforts including new installations and process startups.
• Lead or participate in troubleshooting and root-cause analysis for equipment and process issues.

Skills

Process troubleshooting and optimization

Data analysis and performance tracking

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Critical thinking and a proactive mindset

Comfortable working independently

Education

B.S. in Chemical Engineering

Tools

SAP

Maximo

Oracle

MS Office Suite

Job description

Senior Production Engineer – 8+ Years Experience Preferred

Position Type: Full-Time | Onsite

A privately held, fast-moving chemical manufacturing company is seeking a Senior Production Engineer to support day-to-day operations and continuous improvement initiatives at its La Porte, TX facility. This is a high-impact role where you will work closely with the site’s founder and leadership—not buried in layers of corporate red tape.

We’re looking for a hands-on, safety-minded engineer with deep experience in chemical plant operations, troubleshooting, and team collaboration. This role directly supports production and maintenance teams and plays a key part in ensuring plant reliability, safety, and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical support for assigned production units with a focus on safety, reliability, and efficiency.
• Monitor unit performance through data analysis and field observations; identify and implement improvements.
• Support maintenance planning and execution, including preventative strategies.
• Contribute to project engineering efforts including new installations and process startups.
• Lead or participate in troubleshooting and root-cause analysis for equipment and process issues.
• Maintain and update process safety documentation, procedures, and drawings.
• Support training of operators and other personnel.
• Participate in site emergency response teams (fire brigade, hazmat, confined space rescue).

Performance Metrics

• Safety compliance and performance
• Product quality and specification adherence
• Production rate and uptime targets
• Raw material yield and cost efficiency
• Inventory management and period cost control
• Operator performance and team effectiveness

Qualifications

Required:

• B.S. in Chemical Engineering
• Minimum 8 years’ experience in a chemical manufacturing setting (10 years preferred)
• Strong understanding of chemical processes (reaction, distillation, heat/mass transfer, etc.)
• Direct experience with PSM/RMP-regulated processes
• Proven leadership in projects and process improvements
• History of achieving measurable cost, safety, or efficiency gains

Technical Skills:

• Process troubleshooting and optimization
• Data analysis and performance tracking
• Proficiency with ERP/CMMS systems (e.g., SAP, Maximo, Oracle)
• MS Office Suite
• Ability to read P&IDs, schematics, and technical documents

Soft Skills:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Critical thinking and a proactive mindset
• Comfortable working independently and making decisions on the ground

What We Offer

• The ability to make a real impact—you won’t be a small cog in a big machine
• Direct line of communication to leadership and ownership
• A dynamic, entrepreneurial culture that values initiative
• Competitive compensation — $150K+ range for the right experience
• A collaborative, safety-focused team environment

Work Authorization

Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future visa sponsorship.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from diverse candidates.