Chemical Engineer II
Location: Calvert City, Kentucky
Department: Process Technology
Company: Arkema Inc.
Reports To: Principal Chemical Engineer I
FLSA Status: Exempt (Salaried)
Position Summary
Arkema is seeking a motivated and results-oriented Chemical Engineer II to join our Process Technology team at the Calvert City, Kentucky manufacturing site. This position plays a key role in driving operational excellence through process optimization, continuous improvement, process safety management, production support, and capital project implementation.
The Chemical Engineer II serves as a technical resource for manufacturing operations, working closely with production, maintenance, engineering, laboratory, safety, and environmental teams to improve plant performance, increase reliability, reduce operating costs, and support safe and efficient production. This role offers the opportunity to lead improvement initiatives, support strategic capital investments, and contribute to the development of innovative manufacturing processes.
Key Responsibilities
Process Improvement & Operational Excellence
- Identify, evaluate, and implement process improvements that enhance productivity, quality, reliability, and cost performance.
- Monitor process performance, yields, asset utilization, and variable costs to identify optimization opportunities.
- Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Support project development and implementation from concept through execution.
Capital Project Support
- Coordinate and support minor capital projects to ensure safe, timely, and cost-effective execution.
- Assist with major capital project implementation by providing process engineering expertise throughout project phases.
- Collaborate with project managers, contractors, and production personnel to ensure successful project outcomes.
- Support project scope development, planning, and execution activities.
Production Support & Troubleshooting
- Provide day-to-day technical support for manufacturing operations.
- Troubleshoot process issues and recommend effective solutions to improve plant performance.
- Work closely with production personnel to maintain safe and reliable operations.
- Provide operational leadership and supervisory coverage when needed.
Process Safety Management
- Support and maintain Process Safety Management (PSM) systems and documentation.
- Initiate and support Management of Change (MOC) activities.
- Develop and maintain operating procedures, work instructions, process safety information, and Job Safety Analyses (JSAs).
- Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, DOT, and company standards.
Process Technology & Product Development
- Support product trials and new process technology initiatives.
- Coordinate with production supervisors and corporate technical teams during trial planning and execution.
- Analyze trial results and recommend improvements to manufacturing processes.
- Assist in the implementation of new products and process technologies.
Qualifications
Required Education
- Bachelors degree in Chemical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
Required Experience
- Minimum of one (1) year of engineering experience.
- Manufacturing experience within a chemical plant or related industrial environment is preferred.
Preferred Qualifications
- Six Sigma Green Belt certification.
- Experience supporting chemical manufacturing operations.
- Experience with process optimization, continuous improvement, and capital project execution.
- Knowledge of Process Safety Management (PSM) principles and Management of Change (MOC) processes.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional manufacturing environment.
- Commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and operational excellence.
- Demonstrated ability to build productive working relationships across all levels of the organization.
Working Environment
- Manufacturing plant environment with associated industrial operating conditions.
- Frequent interaction with operators, supervisors, engineers, maintenance personnel, and contractors.
- Minimal travel required.