Chemical Engineer (Manufacturing )

About the Role

We are seeking a hands-on, detail-oriented Chemical Process Engineer to join our growing team. This is not a narrow “support-only” engineering role. You’ll play a key role in bridging lab experiments, pilot operations, full-scale production, and process optimization while ensuring safety, product performance, and cost efficiency.

Miwon produces and supplies raw materials for eco-friendly UV/EB curing systems that are utilized in a variety of applications. This position will be housed in Miwon’s production facility that is located in Columbia, S.C.

This is an excellent opportunity for early- to mid-career engineers looking to apply process engineering and manufacturing principles in a collaborative specialty chemical environment. This is a full-time career opportunity that includes a generous benefits package.

Essential Functions:

Lab Testing & Pilot-Scale Trials

• Collaborate with international staff to initiate new products.
• Design and execute lab-scale batches of specialty chemical systems (urethane at first, with more chemistries included as the facility grows), evaluating material properties.
• Create test plans, run experiments, analyze results, and write clear technical summaries and recommendations.
• Partner with R&D/quality to define acceptance criteria and troubleshoot performance issues.
• Lead or support pilot-scale production trials to validate lab learnings and scale-up assumptions.
• Translate lab/pilot learnings into robust operating windows for commercial production.

Process Engineering & Production Support

• Become Subject Matter Expert (SME) and own the process.
• Assist with equipment specification and selection (mixing/dispensing, metering, pumping, temperature control, etc.).
• Build and maintain practical documentation to ISO standards: SOPs, operating envelopes, test protocols, and change logs.
• Monitor performance and troubleshoot process issues impacting quality, yield, or throughput.
• Support commissioning/startup of new or modified equipment and processes.
• Coordinate with vendors to implement equipment and process modifications.

Safety, Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Support safe chemical handling and ensure processes align with safety and environmental requirements.
• Participate in risk assessments and safe change management practices.
• Drive improvement projects focused on yield, cycle time, energy use, and waste reduction.
• Use structured problem solving (root cause analysis) to implement corrective actions and prevent recurrence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in chemical engineering.
• 3-8 years of experience in process engineering or specialty chemical manufacturing.
• Desire to move into Leadership roles as the company continues to grow.
• Comfortable working “hands-on” in lab and pilot/production environments.
• Solid understanding of process fundamentals (mass/energy balances, unit operations, basic instrumentation) as well as safety and environmental regulations.
• Continuous improvement mindset.
• Strong communication skills, able to document clearly and collaborate across functions.

Key Skills

• Attention to detail and commitment to safety
• Data analysis and process optimization
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities
• Optimization, Troubleshooting and root cause analysis
• Hands-on experience with lab and pilot equipment
• Cross-functional collaboration (R&D, production, quality)
• Technical documentation and reporting
• Comfortable working with typical computer software and learning new systems

Preferred / Nice-to-Have

• Experience with polyurethane chemistry (isocyanates, polyols, catalysts, surfactants, blowing agents, moisture sensitivity, etc.).
• Exposure to Design of Experiment (OE) / statistical analysis and translating experimental data into operating ranges.
• Experience working with individuals speaking English as a second language

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation and bonus structure
• Full benefits package (health, dental, vision)
• Immediate fully-vested 401(k)
• Opportunities for technical growth and advancement
• High-impact role in a growing small company with expansion on the horizon
• Direct involvement in lab-to-production innovation

This role requires regular interaction with plant operations and involves exposure to chemicals and industrial environments.

Must be able to work outside in environmental conditions which at times include extreme heat or extreme cold. Must be able to wear all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) without restriction and pass any medical examination associated with the use of said PPE.

• The physical requirements include the following: Lift 50 pounds floor to waist, push and pull 50 pounds horizontally, carry 20 pounds while walking, climb stairs, climb ladders, extend arms through normal range of motion while standing and squatting.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $95,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• OSHA: 5 years (Required)
• Industrial Manufacturing: 5 years (Required)
• Chemical Manufacturing: 5 years (Required)
• Chemical Engineering: 5 years (Required)
• batch or continuous chemical operation: 5 years (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $95,000 - $130,000