Technical & Engineering Manager - Production Chemical Processes

Kanto Corporation•Portland, OR

33d

About The Position

The Technical and Engineering Manager – Production Chemical Processes plays a pivotal role in ensuring the reliability, efficiency, and safety of Kanto’s high-purity chemical production systems. As a key leader within the Facilities & Engineering department, this role oversees both the Engineering and Technical chemical processes—from wet chemical transfers and mixing operations to packaging and container management—operate at world-class standards. This position directly influences uptime, throughput, and compliance across the Portland Manufacturing Facility (PMF). The ideal candidate brings deep chemical engineering knowledge, exceptional leadership capability, and the ability to drive continuous improvement while mentoring a high-performing technical team. This role is instrumental in maintaining operational excellence, supporting growth, and ensuring Kanto remains a trusted partner to the semiconductor industry.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering (required).
Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience in technical operations and chemical engineering.
At least 5 years of hands-on experience as a Process Engineer.
Proven expertise in high-purity chemical processes within manufacturing or industrial environments.
Strong knowledge of process controls, including SPC and FMEA.
Broad engineering background across chemical, mechanical, and industrial disciplines.
Experience in chemical blending and packaging operations.
Familiarity with PHA, FMEA, and advanced risk-assessment methodologies.
Demonstrated success in project management and key project execution.
High energy, strong leadership presence, and practical hands-on approach.
Strong team-building ability and a “start-up mentality” with a passion for continuous improvement.
Ability to read, interpret, and communicate complex technical documents, engineering standards, and regulatory requirements.
Able to prepare clear technical reports, recommendations, and project communications.
Effective at presenting information to cross-functional teams and leadership.
Proficiency in advanced engineering mathematics including mass/energy balances, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, reaction engineering, statistical process control, and data modeling.
Ability to analyze, calculate, and interpret complex technical data.
Ability to define technical problems, collect data, evaluate variables, and develop sound engineering solutions.
Able to navigate complex operational issues using both high-level strategy and hands-on decision making.
Regularly required to walk production areas, observe processes, and participate in troubleshooting or engineering assessments.
Must be able to wear required PPE including respirators and chemical protective equipment.
Must be comfortable entering chemical handling areas and climbing stairs or ladders as needed.
Work involves both office and chemical production environments, including exposure to wet chemical systems, mechanical equipment, pressurized vessels, and high-purity manufacturing areas.
Moderate noise levels.
Must be able to work safely in areas where chemicals are stored, transferred, or mixed.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage all production chemical processes, including wet chemical transfer and mixing systems, ensuring quality, safety, and productivity targets are met.
Oversee Process Engineers and Production Technical staff to ensure all process and facility operating systems maximize uptime, throughput, and reliability.
Provide technical oversight and review of production chemical systems and process performance.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives tied to safety, quality, and operational efficiency.
Implement and align best practices with Kanto Chemical global standards, industry requirements, and PMF capabilities.
Act as a change agent, fostering cross-functional collaboration and driving engineering-led innovation.
Lead and manage Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs) and own the Management of Change (MOC) process for chemical production systems.
Ensure the safety and reliability of chemical production assets through Mechanical Integrity, Preventive Maintenance, and Predictive Maintenance programs.
Oversee the certification, recertification, and repair of chemical containers (ISOs, totes, drums, etc.).
Mentor, coach, and develop Process Engineering and Production Technical team members to build a technically strong, high-performing organization.
Create a culture of technical excellence, problem solving, and innovation.
Provide clear direction, prioritization, and support for daily and long-term technical work.
Manage departmental budgets for Production Technical and Process Engineering functions.
Support, lead, or execute key projects, from design through implementation, ensuring alignment with cost, schedule, and quality targets.
Manage critical spares and engineering-related inventories essential to chemical production continuity.