Materials and Chemical Process Engineer

The Materials and Chemical Process Engineer is responsible for developing, optimizing, and supporting manufacturing materials and chemical processes used throughout production operations. This role will provide technical expertise related to metals, coatings, heat treatment, cleaning systems, surface treatments, chemical applications, and material performance to ensure product quality, process capability, and operational efficiency.

The engineer will work closely with Manufacturing, Quality, Product Engineering, Suppliers, EHS, and Operations teams to improve manufacturing processes, support new product launches, resolve technical issues, and drive continuous improvement initiatives within a precision manufacturing environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop, implement, and optimize material and chemical manufacturing processes to improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance.
• Provide technical support for coatings, plating, heat treatment, cleaning systems, surface preparation, adhesives, sealants, lubricants, and other chemical-based manufacturing processes.
• Evaluate raw materials, chemicals, and process parameters to ensure compliance with engineering specifications and customer requirements.
• Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis activities related to material performance, corrosion, contamination, chemical reactions, process variability, and product failures.
• Support new product launches through material selection, process validation, PFMEA development, and production readiness activities.
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to qualify new materials, chemicals, and process technologies.
• Monitor and improve chemical process controls, including concentration, temperature, pH, contamination levels, and waste reduction initiatives.
• Develop and maintain process documentation including work instructions, process standards, control plans, and technical specifications.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on process capability, scrap reduction, cycle time improvement, and cost savings.
• Support environmental, health, and safety compliance related to chemical handling, hazardous materials, waste management, and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in audits, corrective actions, and customer quality initiatives as required.
• Analyze process and laboratory data to identify trends and implement corrective actions.
• Support capital equipment projects and process upgrades related to chemical and material processing systems.
• Spend time on the production floor supporting operations and process improvements.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong technical knowledge of materials engineering and chemical manufacturing processes.
• Understanding of metallurgy, coatings, plating, heat treatment, corrosion prevention, and industrial chemical systems preferred.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across cross-functional teams.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience with quality systems and process validation methodologies preferred.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical field required.
• Minimum of 3-7 years of experience in manufacturing, chemical processing, materials engineering, or related industrial environment preferred.
• Experience within precision manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, metal finishing, or industrial process environments strongly preferred.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Minimal travel may be required based on business needs.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and infrequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds with assistance.
• Ability to work in both office and manufacturing/shop floor environments.

Stanadyne is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, gender, color, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other protected class.