Process Development Chemical Engineer

Description

Flexsys is a global supplier of rubber chemicals and solutions including insoluble sulfur, anti-degradants, and post vulcanization stabilizers. The company’s focus is on delivering better solutions for manufacturers of tires and other rubber products that enhance product performance, optimize production efficiency, and ensure supply chain success. As the largest manufacturer of tire-industry additives in the world, and a newly independent entity, Flexsys brings a track record of innovation, quality, specialized expertise, a highly collaborative approach, and a commitment to growth – working together with our customers as a valuable partner, helping to meet their critical objectives.

Flexsys has an immediate opening for a Senior Process Development Engineer in the Akron Technology Center. This position will support our business and innovation platforms by providing leadership and subject matter expertise in the areas of process selection and design for novel small molecules, lab-scale proof of concept, leading efforts with external partners on process research and scale-up, process modeling, cost-estimating, capital project leadership and process  process development and scaleup expertise for continuous, world-scale operations. 

The ideal candidate will have broad and extensive process engineering experience in small molecule production, process design, scale-up, pilot scale production and capital project management. This role will report to a Technology group leader. 

Job Responsibilities

· Develop and model potential process designs for scale-up and cost estimating based on lab scale synthesis of novel small molecules.

· Guide the R&D team and external partners in the design and execution of experiments to develop required base data for process design

· Identify, select and manage engagements with external partners for process development activities, mini-plant and pilot plant design and operation. Includes scope and schedule development, regular progress updates, and guidance to resolve issues.

· Partner with external firms on the development of feasibility and front end engineering packages and associated cost estimates

· Play a leading role in large capital projects ($5M ) for brownfield and greenfield projects (design, installation, commissioning, validation and start-up)

· Support existing global assets with capital project execution for major equipment upgrades, maintenance, etc.

· Work closely with a cross-functional team including Sr. Mgmt, R&D, Engineering, Operations and external partners as needed

· Scout external vendors and technologies and present recommendations for new technologies implementation to management

· Develop capital projects proposals (includes developing scope, conducting project safety reviews, and generating estimates)

· Provide technical and business assessments to guide management through decisions and choices in development and scale-up of new products/processes.

Requirements

· Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related discipline required, additional post-graduate education preferred. 

· 10 years of experience in R&D, Engineering, capital project management and/or Operations 

· Familiar with a broad range of unit operations relevant for continuous liquid and gas phase production processes

· Demonstrated success in developing novel processes for small molecule production at lab and pilot scale. Includes flow sheet development, HMB, process instrumentation, process control strategies, etc.

· Experience in scaling-up from lab / pilot scale to design, construction and operation global commercial scale

· Experience in capital project management, including all phases of front-end loading project management and cost estimating

· Familiarity with plant control software, including PLC and SCADA/Delta V systems.

· Expertise in catalysis or crystallization is a plus.

· Familiar with Six Sigma Methodology 

· Background in statistical analysis and simulation output data interpretation

· Experience in Aspen modeling highly preferred.

· Ability to work in a team environment is necessary, providing guidance and direction to the broader organization.

· Candidate should be motivated to develop into a company expert (leader) in process development engineering.

· The ideal candidate will:

o Be an innovative and creative problem solver with strong scientific convictions and willing to take risks.

o Demonstrate strong leadership and interpersonal skills for implementation of cross-functional process improvements.

o Have the ability to handle multiple assignments of varying complexity.

o Have clear and effective writing and oral communication skills.