Senior Chemical Process Engineer

Ascensus Specialties • Newburyport, MA

1d • $130,000 - $170,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Strem Chemicals, Inc., an Ascensus Specialties LLC company, is seeking a Senior Chemical Process Engineer to join our team in Newburyport, MA. This is a critical, high-impact role designed for a technical leader who can bridge the gap between complex engineering design and hands-on operational excellence. This role will be responsibile for leading the manufacturing, research, and development of specialty chemicals—primarily those involving high-pressure autoclave systems—used in life-saving pharmaceuticals and cutting-edge microelectronics.

Requirements

• BS in Chemical Engineering (preferred) or BS in Mechanical Engineering.
• If Mechanical, a strong background or coursework in chemistry is required to support autoclave synthesis operations.
• 5+ years in batch fine chemicals production. Previous experience with pressure vessels or autoclaves is highly preferred.
• Hands-on experience with PLC/DCS automated process systems and statistical problem-solving techniques.
• Ability to work in a plant environment, including climbing ladders, lifting up to 50 lbs, and wearing a respirator when required.
• Ability to support a 24-hour operation and adjust hours as necessary to meet the demands of the plant.

Nice To Haves

• Direct experience managing syntheses within high-temperature/high-pressure vessels and a commitment to rigorous safety standards.
• Practical experience working with PLC/DCS interfaces and using process data to drive capacity improvements and yield optimization.

Responsibilities

• Lead by example by following all site safety procedures and policies, establishing safety as the highest operational priority.
• Ensure all autoclave equipment is maintained and in peak safe operating condition prior to any experimentation or production runs.
• Initiate, update, and train staff on high-pressure safety procedures and policies to maintain a secure working environment.
• Maintain precise safety records and manage vendor testing/certification for high-pressure equipment and safety detector systems.
• Develop and document rigorous Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all autoclave and high-pressure processes.
• Utilize PLC (Siemens, Allen Bradley) or DCS software to control and monitor high-pressure equipment. This includes working with vendors to learn, modify, and optimize programming to enhance process efficiency.
• Collect and analyze run data using logging instruments to troubleshoot the autoclave process.
• Conduct reaction studies to identify opportunities for improvement, such as stopping reactions early or recharging and restarting to eliminate "dead time" and increase capacity.
• Collaborate with engineering and construction vendors on capital improvements, facility upgrades, and the installation/commissioning of distillation columns.
• Embark on a structured growth path to learn the end-to-end production process, with the ultimate goal of leading the production team within a 24-hour operational environment.
• Plan, organize, and supervise the manufacture of chemicals in autoclaves and associated equipment. Ensure raw material availability and monitor manufacturing costs to meet customer demand.
• Perform R&D on existing and new autoclave products—specifically high-volume electronics product lines (e.g., DCOC) and API pharmaceutical products—to improve yields and reduce production times.
• Responsible for the purchase of raw materials, equipment, and spare parts. Prepare and manage the high-pressure equipment budget.
• Demonstrate a willingness to learn the specific chemical reactions (temperature and pressure requirements) to better bridge the gap between engineering design and chemical output.
• Other duties as assigned by the Site Director.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.
• Company-provided Life and AD&D insurance, along with Short-term and Long-term Disability coverage.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing confidential counseling and resources.
• Eligibility begins the first day of the month following your hire date.
• 100% match on the first 3% of employee contributions.
• An additional 70% match ($0.70 on the dollar) on contributions between 3% and 6%.
• 120 hours annually (pro-rated based on hire date), with increases based on tenure as outlined in the Employee Handbook.
• Provided in accordance with the Massachusetts Earned Sick Time Law.
• 9 paid holidays per calendar year.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level