Americhem is a globally recognized designer and manufacturer of custom color masterbatch, functional additives, engineered compounds and performance technologies. Our business is built around delivering Performance, Solutions and Trust through close collaboration with customers seeking to optimize their polymer products. All of our products are backed by complete technical support that ensures quality, reliability, and value.
We are seeking a Sr. Process Engineer to lead Americhem's efforts to convert lab-scale innovation into reliable, scalable production processes. This role ensures technical readiness for new product introductions (NPIs), manages the interface between Development and Manufacturing, and supports process optimization across multiple sites. This position is responsible for overseeing a team of engineers and technicians who execute trials, develop robust processing instructions, and collaborate with scale-up partners to ensure successful commercial launches.
Responsibilities
• Lead scale-up activities from lab/pilot to full production, including raw material trials, process design, and quality control integration. • Collaborate with Development and Manufacturing teams to define process parameters, control strategies, and startup plans. • Manage technical risk assessments and mitigation strategies for new formulations or platform technologies. • Launch & Transfer Support: own the technical transfer of new products into production, including documentation of standard operating procedures, batch sheets, and quality specifications. • Act as the primary technical liaison between R&D and Manufacturing during new product launches. • Support initial production campaigns and troubleshoot startup issues to ensure smooth handoffs. • Process Optimization & Technical Guidance: identify opportunities to improve consistency, efficiency, and yield across existing manufacturing processes. • Guide the selection and specification of processing equipment for new capabilities or expansions. • Provide technical input to capital projects and site expansion initiatives.
Team Leadership & Capability Building
• Manage a team of engineers, technicians, and pilot line operators; provide coaching, development, and performance feedback. • Foster a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement. • Maintain readiness and flexibility to support global trials and site-based problem solving. • Support individual career development and succession plans.
Qualifications
Bachelor's or advanced degree in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science or related field. Lean and Six Sigma certification a plus. 10+ years in process engineering, scale-up, or manufacturing support in the plastics, polymers, or compounding industry. Prior leadership of multi-site or cross-functional teams preferred.
Additional Information
Travel: Regular travel (up to 30%) to pilot lines, manufacturing sites, and vendor locations as needed.
Desired Qualities/Attributes
• Self-directed and accountable, with strong leadership presence and decision-making skills. • Highly collaborative, able to manage across functional lines and regions with diplomacy and clarity. • Results-oriented project owner, capable of balancing strategic priorities with real-time technical demands. • Exceptional technical problem solver, adept at integrating data from multiple testing disciplines. • Systems and operations mindset, continuously looking for improvements in processes, tools, and team coordination. • Strong communication skills, including technical writing, cross-functional briefings, and customer interaction.