Production Engineer

Our client is a global, chemical manufacturing company and a leading provider of products and services to the agricultural industry. They are one of the world's largest producers of nitrogen and phosphate. They have a fantastic opportunity for a Production Engineers at their site location in Eastern North Carolina.

On offer will be a comprehensive package including competitive base salaries (dependent on experience level), bonuses and full medical, dental and vision coverage from day 1.

401k is 150% match for first 6%.

Full relocation package inclusive of realtor assistance with sale/purchase, closing costs, household goods transportation, short term housing and any other relevant expenses.

Duties and responsibilities:

An Engineer in this position’s objective is to develop, document, and implement the necessary technology to improve the immediate and long-term competitiveness of the company’s phosphoric acid, phosphate salts and inorganic phosphorus chemical processes. Provides technical support and consulting to the business unit, manufacturing plants and technical organization. The Purified Acid Engineer shall be compliant with the Food Safety Management System at all times.

Incumbent is responsible for the technical issues associated with the operation of the Purified Acid Plant and Blend Facility. Key activities include:

• Establish guidelines and procedures for equipment and for compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
• Optimize plant performance
• Troubleshoot process and equipment problems
• Identify and justify needed maintenance work and capital improvements.
• Maintain and improve the software and hardware on the plant’s distributed control system.
• Assist in the development of the capital and operating budgets.
• Oversee the department’s Statistical Process Control program and working to resolve product quality problems.
• Assist with plant visits and quality audits by customers.
• Serve as a key resource for department safety and quality teams.
• Develop reasonable process solutions to meet the requirements of the business (e.g., increased capacity, new product development, reduced costs, improved quality, improved process safety, improved environmental impact). As a rule, the Engineer will use a structured project management approach in his/her role as a process developer.
• Provide technical support to the manufacturing plants within the company, including conceptualization of capital projects, troubleshooting, training, management of process changes (MOC) and implementation of the specified solutions. In this role, the Engineer will validate projects as needed, and will lead or take an active part in the post-startup reviews and assessments. As a rule, a structured project management approach will be used. Document the technology associated with the manufacturing of the company products. Ensure the practical and theoretical knowledge on which equipment sizing, critical variable set points, process deviation decision charts and training manuals are based and adequately documented (up-to-date process books are one component of this knowledge base)
• Provide technical input to the business, manufacturing, R & D, and marketing organizations in support of process improvement efforts, R & D programs, capital plans, and business plans. Consolidate company intelligence on competitor technology.
• Maintain safe and environmentally sound operation of units through periodic safety meetings, encourage reporting of all incidents, investigation and corrective actions proposal for all incidents, as well as ensuring that no major environmental incidents occur via proper inspections.
• Provide technical support on predominantly long-term initiatives and leads process improvement teams.
• Maintain close contact with the manufacturing plants and provide technical consulting/troubleshooting of complex problems.
• Collect competitor information and prepare benchmarks for studies, as needed.
• Interact with a variety of people within the organization, including other engineers, chemists, operators, technicians, financial personnel, R & D groups, asset managers, technical service representatives, and business managers. Interaction with external personnel is also required, including customers, raw material and equipment suppliers, and engineering consultants. Implementing and developing changes to the manufacturing process to increase capacity, reduce costs, and improve quality. S/he also provides conceptual and process engineering for capital projects.
• Provide technical assistance to sales and technical service representatives, and customers in helping to resolve problems with the handling, quality and application of products.
• Participate in monthly crew meetings to improve safety and environmental awareness
• Troubleshoot operational delays reduce bottlenecks, and identify mechanical problems
• Coordinate daily production and process trials with other departments
• Track performance and initiate process modifications, as necessary
• Preparation of appropriate reports, statistics and recommendations on production engineering activities
• Conduct presentations and meetings with the plant and outside agencies, as required

Skills & Experience:

• B.S. degree in a technical field (preferably chemical engineering) with a minimum of 5 years of experience in industry (preferably the chemical industry) of chemical manufacturing operations
• Strong background in process engineering, production, maintenance, and quality assurance is essential
• Comprehensive knowledge of the chemistry and manufacturing processes for phosphoric acid, phosphate salts, and phosphorus derivatives is a must
• An advanced degree in business or engineering and/or a professional engineer’s registration is desirable
• Incumbent should exhibit social skills which allow them to interact effectively with marketing, sales, R&D, engineering, suppliers and customers
• Ideally possesses the personal skills which allow this individual to be an effective consultant to the business unit, manufacturing operations, and technical organizations
• Should possess a good working knowledge of analytical techniques, product applications, process control, and financial analysis
• Strong chemical and process background which enables themselves to lead, develop and improve the technology efforts for the betterment of the organization