TECHNICAL PROCESS ENGINEER (CHEMICAL OR MECHANICAL) JOBGASTON, SC

Alpek Polyester USA; Gaston (SC); On-site; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Alpek Polyester USA, LLC is seeking a Technical Process Engineer for PTA and Utilities at our Gaston, SC facility. You will drive process improvements, troubleshoot complex plant issues, and lead capital projects to optimize safety, reliability, and environmental performance.

The ideal candidate has a chemical or mechanical engineering background with 3+ years in manufacturing or chemical processing, strong analytical and communication skills, and the ability to collaborate across plant teams

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering
• 3 + years of internship, Co-op, or professional engineering experience in manufacturing, chemical processing, or industrial operations preferred
• Strong technical and analytical skills with the ability to solve complex problems and innovate
• Demonstrated ability to analyze process data, identify improvement opportunities, and implement sustainable solutions
• Experience supporting troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and process optimization efforts preferred
• Experience managing or supporting capital projects preferred
• Working knowledge of process control systems in a DCS environment
• Ability to handle multiple assignments simultaneously
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a cross-functional team
• Proven track record of meeting deadlines and delivering results
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Able to travel up to 15% of the time

Responsibilities

• Evaluate plant processes, production systems, and equipment performance; identify, develop, and implement improvements that enhance safety, reliability, quality, environmental performance, and cost effectiveness – 40%
• Lead process troubleshooting efforts, root cause investigations, and resolution of operational and equipment issues while providing day-to-day technical support – 25%
• Develop, manage, and execute capital projects from concept through startup – 25%
• Partner with Operations, Maintenance, Reliability, and other plant departments to develop and implement solutions to complex process and equipment challenges and support long-term strategic improvements – 10%

Skills

Process troubleshooting

Root cause analysis

Capital project management

Data analysis

Communication skills

Teamwork

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Aspen

ChemCad

DCS knowledge

P&ID reading

Job description

Why You'll Love This Job

We are seeking a motivated individual to join our PTA and Utilities Operations team based out of our Gaston, SC facility. The ideal candidate for the PTA and Utilities Technical Process Engineer role will be results driven, motivated by technical challenges, and possess strong communication, organization, interpersonal, problem-solving, and analytical skills. This position serves as a technical resource for the PTA and Utilities areas, driving process improvements, supporting troubleshooting efforts, and leading capital projects.

Responsibilities

The Technical Process Engineer will report to the Operations Manager and have responsibilities for the following:

• Evaluate plant processes, production systems, and equipment performance; identify, develop, and implement improvements that enhance safety, reliability, quality, environmental performance, and cost effectiveness – 40%
• Lead process troubleshooting efforts, root cause investigations, and resolution of operational and equipment issues while providing day-to-day technical support – 25%
• Develop, manage, and execute capital projects from concept through startup – 25%
• Partner with Operations, Maintenance, Reliability, and other plant departments to develop and implement solutions to complex process and equipment challenges and support long-term strategic improvements – 10%

Required

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering
• 3 + years of internship, Co-op, or professional engineering experience in manufacturing, chemical processing, or industrial operations preferred
• Strong technical and analytical skills with the ability to solve complex problems and innovate
• Demonstrated ability to analyze process data, identify improvement opportunities, and implement sustainable solutions
• Experience supporting troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and process optimization efforts preferred
• Experience managing or supporting capital projects preferred
• Working knowledge of process control systems in a DCS environment
• Ability to handle multiple assignments simultaneously
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a cross-functional team
• Proven track record of meeting deadlines and delivering results
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Able to travel up to 15% of the time

Preferred

• 2-5 years’ experience in a chemical manufacturing facility
• Experience with simulation software such as Aspen or ChemCad
• Ability to read, understand, and update P&ID’s
• Knowledge of Process Safety Management

Alpek Polyester USA, LLC is a global leader in the production of PTA (Terephthalic Acid), PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) Resins, PET Recycling (rPET), and Specialty Polymers. This integrated business services customers all over the world using its global network of manufacturing entities within the Alpek Polyester umbrella. We are committed to improving people’s lives through our products, innovations, and a commitment to sustainability and protecting the environment.

Alpek Polyester USA, LLC is headquartered in Charlotte, NC with manufacturing facilities in the Carolinas, Mississippi, Indiana, and Pennsylvania.

Alpek Polyester USA, LLC is a division of Alpek, the petrochemicals and synthetic fibers business group of Alfa, S.A.B. de C.V., one of Mexico's largest corporations.

Alpek Polyester USA, LLC is subject to US Department of Commerce export regulations and thus must hire individuals who meet national security requirements. Interested applicants (or temporary employees) must meet eligibility requirements. Alpek Polyester USA, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Number: 178657