Process Engineer - Ashland Inc

CHEMICAL PROCESS ENGINEER

Are you the kind of person that is always thinking, sketching, seeking, and adjusting? Who needs to understand how things work and then figure out how they can work better? Are you a passionate, tenacious, solver who loves to work with others who share your drive? Are you positive, constructive, and ingenious?

Are you always solving?

Then we’d like to meet you and bet you’d like to meet us.

Ashland has an exciting opportunity for a Process Engineer to join our Ashland, Inc. (ISP Technologies, Inc.) business at our Texas City, Texas plant. This is a very visible, significant role within the Company and the Specialty Chemicals Production function. This position will report to the Continuous Process Operations Manager.

The responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Works with the Continuous Production Operations Manager and other Production department staff to establish annual departmental goals and objectives for the site’s production areas.

• Reviews daily operation of the production areas and performs process troubleshooting to maintain capacity operation as required.
• Reviews performance of catalysts and makes recommendations for changes to operating conditions.
• Identifies and implements projects for cost savings and long-term resolution of operational problems.  Serves as Area Representative on some projects.
• Performs process optimization to maximize quality and minimize operating costs.
• Performs day-to-day yield improvement and process performance monitoring to assure maximum production output.
• Works within capital and fixed budget guidelines on all projects and utilizes cost control measures where necessary.
• Works with Process Operators, Engineers, Supervisors, Specialists, and other site personnel to develop, implement, and improve process control systems within the plant.
• Coordinates and/or participates on quality and process improvement teams and serves as Area Representative for projects/tests to be done in the process area.
• Utilizes statistical methods for process optimization to maintain and improve quality/yields and to detect problems that may result in reduced rates and product quality non-compliance.
• Actively contributes to the organizational goals by taking initiative, executing on goals, and focusing on safety and performance.
• Improves the organization capacity and capabilities through building collaborative relationships, optimizing diverse talent and utilizing positive communications and influence with others.
• Participates in Safety and Environmental initiatives to contribute to compliance of State/Federal regulations while improving existing Company programs.
• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the department.

In order to be qualified for this role, you must possess the following:

• A Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering or related discipline.
• Previous chemical plant manufacturing experience.
• Familiar with plant process engineering, trouble-shooting and problem-solving techniques, engineering standards, Process Safety Management (PSM), Management of Change, capital budgeting process and project cost control.
• Individual must be able to respond appropriately during site emergencies as directed by the Site Emergency Manager.
• Capability of evacuating the manufacturing process areas in a timely manner should an emergency arise. 
• Able to wear and properly utilize appropriate personal protective equipment if required to work or visit within the manufacturing process area.  Includes hard hat, safety glasses, respirators, ear plugs, steel-toed shoes, or other equipment as required by the work performed and location the work is being done.
• Ability to perform physical activities which include walking, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, kneeling, lifting 25 lbs., or reaching depending on the work activity required.  Work is performed in an office/plant environment with frequent trips to the operating areas to formulate plans, inspect equipment or processes and collect data. 
• Demonstrate responsible and ethical behavior at all times.
• Able to help the company drive for greater value through understanding the business, making complex decisions, and creating the new and different.
• Valid driver’s license for operating plant vehicles onsite.
• Must be authorized to work in the US.  

The following skill sets are preferred by the business unit:

• 5 years of chemical plant manufacturing experience. Although all years of experience and backgrounds are encouraged to apply if interested.
• Well versed in plant process engineering, trouble-shooting and problem-solving techniques, engineering standards, Process Safety Management (PSM), Management of Change, capital budgeting process and project cost control.

• Able to interface well with employees involved in process engineering work, including Process Operators, Manufacturing Engineers, and members of site Leadership Team.
• Able to 1) identify critical issues and formulate action plans with all levels of management, including Corporate, 2) develop and foster a positive work environment at all levels, and 3) resolve conflicts through problem resolution skills.
• Ability to identify Quality improvement opportunities and formulate action plans for implementation.  This requires exceptional work planning and problem-solving skills.
• Training required to perform the job properly may require this position to travel within Texas and around the United States of America.

Perks of working at Ashland:

• Team recognition rewards, sponsored lunches and monetary incentives based on performance.
• Comprehensive Benefit package, Medical, Dental and Vision starting on Day 1 for you AND your family.
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Supporting work/life balance, we offer flexible hours.

In more than 100 countries, the people of Ashland LLC. (NYSE: ASH) provide the specialty chemicals, technologies and insights to help customers create new and improved products for today and sustainable solutions for tomorrow. Our chemistry is at work every day in a wide variety of markets and applications, including architectural coatings, automotive, construction, energy, personal care and pharmaceutical. Visit www.ashland.com to see the innovations we offer.
 
At Ashland our vision is to be a leading, global specialty chemicals company whose inspired and engaged employees add value to all we touch. In fact our people, employees, customers and vendors define who we are. They are the driving force behind everything we do.
 
Not only do we value our customers but we value our employees, and we work to offer them a dynamic and challenging environment. We hold ourselves to high standards at Ashland, and we value integrity and honesty.
 
Ashland has a history of attracting the best people and keeping them. The reasons are simple: industry competitive salary and benefits, pay-for-performance incentive plans and a diverse work environment where employees feel challenged and valued. People come to Ashland and stay. As a growing Fortune 500 specialty chemicals company, we offer opportunities for development and advancement throughout our global organization. Our values define who we are and what we care about as a company. If you are looking for a relationship with a company instead of simply a job, this may be a great fit.

Ashland is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled/Gender Identity/Sexual Orientation. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. NOTE:  We do not accept resumes from external staffing agencies or independent recruiters for any of our openings unless we have a signed recruiting agreement in place to fill a specific position.