Principal Process Engineer

Evonik•Lafayette, IN

11h

About The Position

The Principal Process Engineer provides process engineering oversight for product chains and site systems, as well as operational responsibility for major capital project investments. The role applies process engineering expertise to support the safe, high-quality, efficient, and environmentally responsible synthesis of starting materials, pharmaceutical intermediates, and final bulk products, along with associated site service systems. The engineer monitors and improves process performance and advises and guides other process engineers and project leaders responsible for smaller projects. Work may involve small molecule manufacturing (SMM), large molecule manufacturing (LMM), or both.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering preferred; equivalent degrees in a related engineering or chemistry discipline will also be considered.
Preferred 15 years of experience in chemical or pharmaceutical manufacturing and engineering.
Experience working across multiple production facilities with varying scales and technology platforms.
Strong technical expertise and practical experience resolving complex process engineering challenges.
Proven ability to identify improvement opportunities, overcome challenges, and drive process optimization.
Knowledge of emerging technologies and ability to recommend and implement technical improvements.
Demonstrated effectiveness in external customer engagement and relationship management.
Excellent written and verbal communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct supervisory authority and make timely decisions with limited information.
Strong computer skills and ability to apply fundamental engineering and business principles to solve problems and support operational objectives.

Nice To Haves

Chemical Engineering degree (preferred).
15 years of experience in chemical or pharmaceutical manufacturing and engineering (preferred).

Responsibilities

Provide process engineering support for established processes, analyze performance data, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Manage environment, safety, health, and security (ESHS), quality, cycle time, and equipment availability requirements.
Oversee process chains and unit operations, collaborating with customers and cross-functional project teams.
Apply expertise in mixing, material science, heat transfer, mass transfer, filtration, and drying to optimize processes.
Develop technical strategies for new process introductions, scale-ups, process modifications, and complex product implementations.
Assess site capacity constraints, identify bottlenecks, and implement solutions to improve productivity and operational efficiency.
Develop safety concepts and maximize project financial viability in collaboration with site and business line stakeholders.
Lead major capital projects exceeding $15 million and mentor project leaders responsible for smaller capital investments.
Maintain expertise in regulatory requirements, engineering standards, best practices, and plant-specific systems.
Develop, review, and approve technical documents, production policies, and procedures while supporting team development and execution excellence.