Production Engineer - Distillation

Evonik•Calvert City, KY

14d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Production Engineer oversees daily operations of five continuous and one batch distillation column in the Acetylenics plant. Responsibilities include managing procedures, troubleshooting, deviation response, and training chemical operators. The engineer will develop a process monitoring system with defined control limits and response guidelines, aiming to reduce variation through procedures, training, and capital improvements. This system will later be expanded to other areas of the plant, which include continuous reaction, catalyst recovery, and product formulations. The role involves coordinating with supply chain and warehouse teams to align production with demand and optimize manpower. Additional duties include improving CAD yields and energy efficiency, leading capital projects, and transitioning to enhanced automation. The engineer serves as the SME for distillation, provides on-call plant support, leads or participates in RCAs, and applies the Evonik Production System to drive improvements in safety, reliability, 5S, and shutdown/startup planning.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering plus 3 to 5 years industrial experience in PSM plant (or Master’s Degree)
Good understanding of plant operations and desire to develop into subject matter expert for distillation.
Self-starter, with willingness to learn and manage change.
Capability to learn, understand, and interpret continuous production process with a variety of unit operations and equipment
Flexibility to communicate and work productively with frontline employees, contractors, other supervisors, and leadership team.
Desire and capability of solving problems in areas of uncertainty.
Demonstrated use of analytical and data interpretation skills.
Demonstrated ability to identify, develop, and implement innovative solutions that improve process performance, safety, reliability, quality, yield, and/or energy efficiency.
Ability to translate technical and process information into clear, practical operating guidance and training for frontline employees.

Nice To Haves

Project Management or Continuous Improvement experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

Manages and directs the day-to-day operation of distillation columns within the Acetylenics plant.
Analyzes distillation process data and inputs from operators. Reduces variation via administrative (procedures), process adjustment, and engineering controls.
Develops distillation competency of team via development & delivery of training curriculums, job aids, and coaching.
Monitors and analyzes plant wide material yields and energy consumption. Takes action to improve yield and energy.
Provides on-call coverage for Acetylenics plant and aids in troubleshooting / root cause investigations plantwide.
Translates production requirements into operating schedule, aligned with warehouse manager and supply chain.
Fosters advancement of the Evonik Production System in distillation beginning with housekeeping, 5S, spot improvements, work orders, and shutdown/startup management.