Background: The Process Technology Engineer plays a key role in leading product commercialization from initial concept through first production, partnering closely with cross-functional teams and third-party manufacturing partners. This position is responsible for providing operational expertise to ensure efficient, high-quality manufacturing processes, and for leading global process improvement initiatives to enhance asset productivity. The engineer will lead manufacturing sites in areas such as process safety, product quality, process standardization, and the deployment of Most Effective Technologies (MET). Ongoing responsibilities include contributing to new product development and strategic manufacturing projects, with a strong focus on process safety and continuous improvement. Experience with batch polymerization, automation systems, and statistical analysis tools is highly valued. This role also offers the opportunity for collaboration with both internal and external stakeholders. Duties and Responsibilities
-Proactively collaborate with customers and global commercial and technical teams across business groups to understand needs and drive the implementation of effective growth strategies.
-Partner with Process Innovation and Process Technology pilot facilities to identify and validate MET value propositions, implementation strategies, and create standards.
-Lead LSS product manufacturing trials to ensure compliance with process capability targets.
-Identify opportunities for productivity enhancement across global operations and take the lead on projects designed to optimize process efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product quality.
-Collaborate with pilot plant teams to manage scale-up projects for new product development and ongoing process enhancements.
-Lead projects and present project status updates, clearly communicate goals, progress, and results.
-Work in partnership with various departments, including Product Integrity, Supply Chain, Master Data, R&D, Applications, Global Operations, and third party manufacturing, to ensure alignment and integration of process development initiatives.
-Adhere to all relevant internal and external Lubrizol policies, including Health, Safety, Environment, and Security (HSES) requirements, to maintain a safe and compliant working environment.
-Solve manufacturing challenges by utilizing experience and engineering principles. Decision-Making Authority
-Demonstrated ability to independently design, evaluate, and implement plant technology upgrade plans.
-Proven experience in leading the development of new product process routes, from concept to commercialization.
-Capable of making critical technical decisions, including selection of process technology, equipment, and process optimization strategies.
-Skilled in participating in technical reviews and risk assessments for major capital investment projects, providing sound recommendations based on engineering principles and business objectives. Results from Multi-Stakeholder Communication
-Strong track record in organizing and driving cross-functional technical teams to resolve complex production bottlenecks and improve operational efficiency.
-Experience with qualification of raw materials and utilization of process solutions in collaboration with external suppliers and global partners.
-Ability to work directly with key customers to optimize product performance, troubleshoot issues, and lead the commercialization of innovative solutions.
-Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Global Impact of Decisions
-Experience setting and harmonizing process technology standards across similar global production sites to ensure consistency and operational excellence.
-Demonstrated ability to drive the implementation of new technologies and best practices at manufacturing facilities in different countries, considering local regulatory and operational requirements.
-Participation in the development and continuous improvement of global product quality management processes, ensuring alignment with corporate strategy and customer expectations.
-Cultural awareness and the ability to work effectively in a diverse, international environment. Technical Depth and Rarity
-Become recognized as a subject matter expert in process polymerization, with deep knowledge of advanced process engineering principles in key technologies.
-Demonstrated ability to solve complex, unprecedented technical challenges where standard solutions are not available.
-Proven experience in pioneering or patenting unique process innovations that set industry benchmarks. Business Strategic Contribution
-Experience providing strategic technical insights to lead business growth, new market entry, and competitive positioning.
-Ability to align process technology development with broader business objectives and contribute directly to long-term company strategy.
-Skilled in evaluating the commercial viability of new technologies and leading capital investment decisions with thorough technical and financial analysis. Cross-Functional Collaboration and Technical Leadership
-Demonstrated ability to lead multi-disciplinary project teams, fostering collaboration between R&D, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and commercial functions.
-Experience mentoring and developing junior engineers and technical staff, building a pipeline of future technical leaders.
-Skilled in facilitating technical workshops, knowledge sharing sessions, and organizational learning initiatives to disseminate best practices across the company. Skills, Qualifications, and Experience:
-Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or equivalent degree from an accredited college or university.
-Minimum 5 years chemical manufacturing industry experience.
-Proven ability to identify and implement improvements in people, processes, and technology.
-Strong interpersonal, collaboration, communication, and technical writing skills.
-Self-driven with ability to manage and lead multiple technology assignments.
-Focused on continuous improvement.
-Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and data analysis skills. Considered a Plus:
-Masters degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or equivalent.
-Knowledge of personal care, performance coatings, and polymerization (solution, emulsion) chemistry.
-Lean six sigma experience, green or black belt certification.
