Senior Chemical Engineer

We are seeking a Senior Chemical Engineer to join our growing manufacturing team in Salisbury, NC. This role combines capital project leadership with deep process engineering expertise, serving as a key technical authority for chemical operations in a high-hazard, specialty chemicals environment.

This position is ideal for a hands-on engineer who thrives both in the plant and in project execution, and who can lead from concept through commissioning while driving process performance, safety, and reliability.

Essential Functions

Process Engineering & Technical Leadership

• Serve as the site subject matter expert for chemical processes, supporting safe and efficient plant operations.
• Lead process design and development, including mass & energy balances, PFDs, and P&IDs.
• Drive process optimization to improve yield, throughput, quality, and cost.
• Troubleshoot complex process issues using data analysis and root cause methodologies.
• Provide expertise in reaction chemistry, thermodynamics, and unit operations.
• Support process scale-up, technology transfer, and plant modifications.
• Partner with Operations to improve process control strategies and instrumentation performance.

Project Engineering & CAPEX Leadership

• Develop and manage a 3–5 year CAPEX roadmap aligned with business strategy.
• Lead projects from concept through design, construction, and commissioning.
• Define scope, develop cost estimates, and support project planning activities.
• Apply value engineering to optimize cost, efficiency, and long-term reliability.
• Manage external engineering firms and contractors.
• Provide clear reporting on cost, schedule, and project performance.
• Handle unplanned/urgent projects without impacting strategic priorities.

Process Safety & Compliance

• Lead and participate in PHA/HAZOP studies, with strong focus on chemical hazards.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, PSM, and Management of Change (MOC) requirements.
• Ensure all projects are in accordance with IOSP process safety and engineering standard’s
• Support development and maintenance of Operating Procedures and safety systems.
• Ensure robust design, commissioning, and safety validation processes.

Collaboration & Site Support

• Support the Site Process Engineering Manager and plant leadership on continuous improvement initiatives.
• Act as a go-to technical resource for troubleshooting and plant support across all levels.
• Mentor junior engineers and influence engineering best practices across the site.
• Engage with senior leadership to align on priorities and secure approvals.

Role Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering.
• 10 years of experience in chemical manufacturing (plant project environment).
• Experience in fine or specialty chemicals strongly preferred.
• Strong foundation in reaction engineering, separations, heat/mass transfer, and process control.
• Proven experience in designing, building, and commissioning chemical processes or plants.
• Hands-on experience in process troubleshooting and optimization.
• Experience working in high-hazard, PSM-regulated environments.
• Knowledge of environmental and safety regulations related to chemical operations.
• Experience with process simulation tools (Aspen, HYSYS, etc.) is a plus.

Environmental Restrictions

• Ability to perform essential job duties in both indoor and outdoor environments, including offices, facilities, and external job sites.
• Regular exposure to varying weather conditions, noise, dust, moving equipment, and uneven terrain.
• Physical requirements may include sitting, standing, walking, lifting, carrying, bending, reaching, and operating tools or equipment as necessary to perform job responsibilities.
• Regular attendance and adherence to company safety policies are required.
• In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state laws, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.