Principal Rotating Equipment Specialist - Corporate

Ascend Performance Materials•Pensacola, FL

About The Position

The Corporate Rotating Equipment Specialist is responsible for improving the reliability, performance, and lifecycle value of rotating equipment across all Ascend manufacturing sites. Serving as the corporate subject matter expert, this role provides technical leadership, engineering governance, and reliability strategy support to site rotating equipment engineers and cross-functional teams while developing and deploying enterprise-wide standards, stewardship programs, and reliability improvement initiatives that maximize asset value and reduce total cost of ownership. 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.

Requirements

BS in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience.
15+ years of rotating equipment or reliability engineering experience in chemical, petrochemical, manufacturing, or related industries.
Demonstrated success leading technical programs and engineering networks through influence rather than direct supervision.
Experience supporting equipment selection, design reviews, repairs, upgrades, and lifecycle management of critical rotating assets.
Proven application of reliability improvement methodologies, industry standards, and recommended engineering practices.
Expert knowledge of rotating equipment design, application, operation, maintenance, and repair.
Deep understanding of Recognized and Generally Accepted Good Engineering Practices (RAGAGEP).
Experience with compressors, pumps, turbines, blowers, governors, centrifuges, extruders, pelletizers, and bulk solids handling equipment.
Proficiency with predictive maintenance technologies including vibration analysis, lubrication analysis, thermography, and ultrasound.
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, schematics, and performance curves.
Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving capabilities.
Strong business acumen with the ability to evaluate economic justification for engineering decisions and communicate financial impacts.
Strong communication skills, disciplined work habits, and a customer-focused mindset.
Proficiency with SAP or similar maintenance and asset management systems.

Responsibilities

Lead the network of site rotating equipment engineers through technical leadership, coaching, mentorship, and influence without direct supervisory responsibility.
Facilitate cross-site collaboration, knowledge sharing, and adoption of best practices.
Establish corporate expectations for rotating equipment performance and reliability.
Develop, optimize, and deploy corporate rotating equipment standards, specifications, and reliability programs.
Establish enterprise-wide performance metrics and key performance indicators to identify and mitigate systemic reliability risks.
Lead long-term rotating equipment reliability improvement planning across manufacturing facilities.
Provide subject matter expertise for rotating equipment troubleshooting, reliability improvement, and bad actor elimination.
Support equipment selection, design reviews, repair strategies, overhaul planning, and shop inspections.
Lead and support Root Cause Failure Analysis investigations for significant equipment failures.
Provide technical guidance to site teams to improve equipment reliability and lifecycle performance.
Support capital projects to ensure rotating equipment decisions align with corporate standards, applicable codes, and industry best practices.
Drive enterprise bad actor elimination initiatives and predictive maintenance program improvements.
Support optimization of preventive and predictive maintenance strategies.
Lead reliability and productivity improvement initiatives that deliver measurable business value.
Evaluate and implement emerging technologies that enhance rotating equipment performance and reliability.
Ensure rotating equipment engineering practices comply with Environmental, Safety, Security, and Health (ESSH) requirements and applicable regulatory standards.
Promote safe work practices and operational discipline across all reliability activities.