Manufacturing Engineer

About the position

Ascend Performance Materials is a global leader in high-performance chemicals, fibers and plastics, committed to enhancing quality of life through innovation. With fully integrated manufacturing facilities across North America, Europe, and Asia, we develop essential solutions that drive safer vehicles, cleaner energy, advanced medical devices, and durable consumer goods. Guided by a strong focus on safety, sustainability, and customer success, we operate responsibly while delivering value through cutting-edge technologies and industry expertise. Join our team and be part of a collaborative environment where your work drives meaningful global impact. The primary purpose of the Manufacturing Engineer is to provide engineering support to operate the unit safely, reliably, and to optimize the process by driving operational entitlement through the use of advanced optimization methods and identification of ideas to drive step-change technology improvements. The Operations Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for unit operating performance to include production, raw material usage, energy usage, quality, daily performance tracking, troubleshooting and will drive execution of A2E projects.

Responsibilities

• Monitor unit performance on a weekly and monthly basis by tracking key process indicators (KPI’s) and key operating parameters (KOP’s); setting targets for short interval controls (SIC’s)
• Actively support the site and area safety programs via participation (or leadership) in PHA, LOPA, MOC, incident investigations, resolution of action items, and other activities to ensure safe operation and regulatory compliance.
• Facilitate MOCs originating from unit needs
• Update and maintain unit process safety information
• Troubleshoot and optimize the process to address gaps identified through performance monitoring
• Work with reliability to provide technical support for RCA’s
• Assist in delivering technical training to operators
• Execute annual WIG productivity plans
• Evaluate performance using the A2E (DMAIC) process and statistical tools to make process improvements
• Use entitlement models to challenge and improve unit performance
• Develop unit production expertise, continuously building a body of technical knowledge around unit operations and processes
• Deliver tools and processes to enhance performance tracking and drive improvements
• Assist with production planning, tracking, and closing
• Develop high-level project scopes (option and benefit analysis) for unit related improvement projects
• Represent the unit for all technology (R&D) projects
• Facilitate idea management and vetting for unit improvement ideas
• Generate innovative ideas for process improvements and work with Technology, Process Engineering, and Project Engineering to screen such ideas
• Interface with specialists to optimize the current process using operational entitlement models, implement new technology projects, and implement advanced performance tracking tools
• Accounting and categorization of daily production losses

Requirements

• BS in Engineering preferably Chemical
• 0-5 years of chemical industry experience
• Process optimization background
• Experience troubleshooting in a plant environment

Nice-to-haves

• Six Sigma (Green or Black Belt) trained, certification preferred

Benefits

• Access to on-site medical clinics at U.S. facilities
• Global wellness rewards program
• Employee-driven recognition plan
• Commitment to Zero personal injuries, process safety incidents, and environmental releases
• Support for Ascend families in times of need through the Ascend Cares Foundation