Senior Process Engineer

Chemtrade•,

2d•$125,000 - $135,000•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Process Engineer to join our Technology Team. This position serves as a critical technical resource bridging the Technology Team's process design capabilities with the operational needs of our Sulfuric Acid and Spent Acid Regeneration (SAR) manufacturing network. The successful candidate will be an experienced chemical engineer with a deep passion for process design, rigorous technical problem-solving, and a proven ability to drive projects from concept through execution. This role operates with a broad mandate — developing and owning front-end process designs, scoping capital and improvement projects, and providing expert-level technical support to plant operations across our UPA and SPPC Spent Acid site network. The ideal candidate thrives in an environment where they can pivot between deep technical analysis and hands-on plant engagement. Our Technology team is the technical heartbeat of our sulfuric acid and spent acid regeneration business. We develop the process design standards, simulation tools, and technical frameworks that guide our manufacturing network. The Technology team partners directly with plant operations to deliver innovative, safe, and economically sound process solutions — and this Senior Process Engineer role sits at the intersection of that technical innovation and operational impact.

Requirements

B.S. in Chemical Engineering required
7–10+ years of progressive process engineering experience in chemical, petrochemical, or specialty chemical manufacturing
Demonstrated experience in process design — PFDs, P&IDs, mass/energy balances, and equipment specifications
Proven ability to scope and lead engineering projects from concept through implementation
Strong technical troubleshooting skills with the ability to diagnose complex process issues and drive resolution
Ability and willingness to travel to plant sites as needed (estimated 20–40%)
Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences
All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States upon hire or through visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Sulfuric acid plant experience (contact process, double absorption, SO₂ handling, converter operations, acid towers/absorbers) — strongly preferred
Spent acid regeneration (SAR) process experience — a significant plus
Proficiency in Aspen Plus and/or Aspen HYSYS — strongly preferred
Experience with HAZOP/PHA facilitation and MOC processes
Capital project development experience (AACE cost classes, FEED studies, project scoping)
Prior experience in a technology center, R&D, or corporate engineering function is desirable

Responsibilities

Lead the development of process designs for new capital projects, technology upgrades, and plant modifications — from conceptual through detailed design phases, including PFDs, P&IDs, mass and energy balances, equipment sizing, and process specifications
Develop and maintain rigorous process simulations using Aspen Plus and/or Aspen HYSYS to support design, optimization, and troubleshooting activities
Author and review engineering deliverables including process design packages, basis of design documents, equipment datasheets, and design philosophies
Evaluate process technology alternatives and provide documented recommendations to support investment decisions
Initiate and manage Management of Change (MOC) documentation; participate in PHAs/HAZOPs and support PSSRs for new and modified processes
Define project scope, develop cost estimates, and prepare capital appropriation requests for process improvement and capacity projects
Develop and validate technical justifications including ROI analyses, safety cases, and environmental impact assessments
Interface with multidisciplinary project teams (mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, civil) as the process engineering lead throughout project execution
Monitor and report on process engineering deliverable progress relative to project schedules and budgets
Contribute to the Technology Team's body of knowledge for sulfuric acid and SAR technologies — documenting design standards and lessons learned
Identify emerging process innovations applicable to the business; support pilot testing and scale-up evaluations
Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior process engineers and plant technical staff
Serve as a technical resource for plant operations teams at UPA and SPPC Spent Acid sites
Conduct in-depth technical troubleshooting of sulfuric acid and spent acid regeneration process upsets, performance gaps, and reliability issues
Perform root cause analyses (RCA) on process failures and deviations; develop and track corrective and preventive actions
Analyze plant operating data to identify performance trends, debottlenecking opportunities, and efficiency improvements
Support operational readiness activities including development of SOPs, operator training materials, and startup/shutdown procedures